The car show that creates a feeling of fellowship and community among Ford enthusiasts returns to Jefferson City for its 16th year.
Shelbyfest has an array of festivities happening this weekend that draws a crowd from across the country. Whether you're a local or you're traveling in, you won't want to miss the Cinco de Mayo welcome party on Friday night in the parking lot of Capital Plaza Hotel on McCarty Street.
The party is open to the public and will include food and drink from Capital Plaza and live music by "Five Turn Knot." All proceeds from the wristband and cup sales benefit "Hope for Heroes," a veteran's assistance initiative through Central Missouri Food Bank.
The welcome party will be followed by the Show and Shine event on Saturday, which will be held from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on High Street.
Open to any and all Ford vehicles, it promises to be a fun-filled day for everyone, including children. The new children's area will include remote control drag racing.
"As we've moved to become more all Ford inclusive, we've worked hard at inviting any type of Ford vehicle, whether it's a Bronco or a truck or a Mustang," said Kyle Caraway, the founder of Shelbyfest. "There's a couple people that have Ford Fusions that are coming to the show. Basically if it's got a Ford badge on it, they've got a spot to hang out with us."
There are already 350 vehicles registered, which typically accounts for only 40 percent of what actually comes, according to Caraway.
"So it's always difficult to predict, but we're predicting between 700-850 cars probably," Caraway said.
In past years, Shelbyfest has drawn more than 20,000 spectators to the downtown event.
"Car people are generally fantastic folks and they're always friendly and hospitable," Caraway said. "Ford focuses on the enthusiasm for their brand on the consumer level more than any other manufacturer. And so I think what makes us unique is that we're family friendly. People come out to spectate or they come to participate, but either way there's lots of smiles, and that's what we're here for."
While pre-registration for vehicles has already closed, they welcome you to register as you check into the show on Saturday if you're interested in joining.
"Jefferson City is a great place to have the event and we appreciate being able to come to town," Caraway said.
Kate Cassady/News Tribune file photo: People gather at the Shelbyfest All Mustang Rally on Saturday, May 7, 2022, in downtown Jefferson City. Harrison Schnieders sits in a toy car.