News Release

Classic car and music festival at Big Spring on September 28

old model t car crossing stream black and white
Old car crossing the Jacks Fork River.

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News Release Date: September 18, 2019

Contact: Dena Matteson, 573-323-4814

Van Buren, MO -   Join us on Saturday, September 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., as we celebrate a part of our American heritage with classic automobiles and traditional bluegrass music at Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The event is free and all are welcome.

The Classic Car and Music Festival will be held at the iconic Big Spring. Many of the vehicles that will be on display symbolize those that once traversed the rugged hills surrounding Ozark National Scenic Riverways when Big Spring State Park was a popular destination for auto tourism. 

Vintage automobiles tell a story of a simpler time and of simpler pleasures. A time steeped in family bonds, renewed sense of discovery and the independent American spirit. In the 1920s, the mass production of automobiles, combined with improved roadways, provided greater access for urban residents to venture into the Ozarks seeking respite from the city. These developments diminished the isolation of the Current River basin more than ever before. They also contributed to the establishment of Missouri’s first state parks at Big Spring, Alley Spring and Round Spring. 

Car registration is free and will take place the morning of the event. All classic vehicles manufactured through 1972 – the year Ozark National Scenic Riverways was officially dedicated - are invited to participate.  This is a "fun show", with votes cast by visitors to the event, and numerous awards will be presented, including:  Dash plaques to the first 50 entries, People’s Choice, Longest Distance, Club with the Most Entries, Oldest Vehicle, 4x4 Sport Utility and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overall. 

When you come spend the day with us, you can bask in the beauty of Big Spring, walk among classic vehicles, all while listening to bluegrass bands. Southern Strings, Buzzard Run and The Farnum Family will present bluegrass music throughout the day. Barbecue and homemade ice cream will be available for purchase at the event.

Big Spring is located four miles south of Van Buren, Missouri, on State Route 103. The Big Spring Bridge is currently closed for construction, so visitors should follow State Route 103 to Peavine Road and turn left, following Peavine Road to reach Big Spring. For more information, call (573)323-4236.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, the surrounding natural resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people.  
www.nps.gov/ozar

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees who care for America’s 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.



Last updated: September 19, 2019

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 490
Van Buren, MO 63965

Phone:

(573) 323-4236
Call (573) 323-4236 for Big Spring Entrance Station, located south of Van Buren, MO. Call (573) 226-3945 for the Alley Spring General Store, located west of Eminence, MO. Call (573) 858-3297 for Round Spring Ranger Station, located north of Eminence, MO.

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