At the Southern Plains Fest, it’s Mopar or No Car

by Richard Stephens, Jr.,

Two people getting their kicks on Route 66. Claudia Abel, on the left, is Miss Direct Connection 1984. Paul Rossi represents Mopar and is a stunt driver.

Route 66 got lots of Plymouth and Dodge traffic in October because of the 5th Southern Plains Mopar Fest (SPMF) on Oct. 3-4 in Bristow, Oklahoma. It was the third year of the event in the Creek County town. On the first day, car enthusiasts cruised 62 miles and on the second, checked-in 76 cars and pickup trucks at a car show on Main Street (also Route 66). 

Doug Cataline, owner/operator of the SPMF, loves Mopar vehicles and shares that enthusiasm with town officials by making the town a SPMF showcase. He estimated 4,500 people attended the second day. 

On the first day, Oct. 3, participants in 30 vehicles took off from the Chrysler Plymouth Dealership on 9th Ave. at 11:00 a.m. Their quest? Enjoy a “Run for the Tower Route 66 Cruise.” It was a Poker Run: they stopped at seven attractions, picking up playing cards as they went, to earn the best poker hand.

Daryl Bishop of Oklahoma City cruised in a 1974 Plymouth Duster. He enjoyed the Route 66 Bowl in Chandler (card stop) and said lunch at Butchers BBQ (card stop) “was really good.” Although he had a good playing hand - two queens and two 5s - he did not win the poker run.

David Griffin of Bartlesville did win the poker run with four “threes “ (four of a kind), earning him $560 and a Top 30 plaque for entering his 2023 Dodge Demon in the car show. “It was an opportunity of a lifetime…I’ve never been on Route 66 for that long of a period. It was fabulous to see all the old places,” he said.

Kerri Somerville of Edmond won the B.A.M.F. (trophy) and Best of Show (guitar) awards for her white 1947 Dodge Power Wagon (pickup truck) in the Southern Plains Mopar Fest, Oct 2025.

After the last vehicle came back to Bristow at 5:00 p.m., over 50 cruisers joined locals at C&J Kountry Fixings to socialize and eat dinner.

The next day, car owners from six states registered a wide variety of Mopars. Chrysler 300s, Newports, Barracudas (A-Body), Cudas (E-Body), Superbirds, Road Runners, Super Bees, Chargers, and pickup trucks gleamed in the bright, hot sun on two sides of Route 66 for three blocks. 

According to Motortrend.com, Chrysler Corp. introduced Mopar (combination of “motor” and “parts”) products in 1937.  “When talking with an enthusiast, a Mopar car is one built by one of the original Chrysler Corp. brands, which in order of ascendancy are Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Ram, Chrysler, and Imperial. Jeep is considered a Mopar, too, because Chrysler bought the brand in 1987. 

The most unusual entry was an original 1942 Dodge WC54 ambulance painted in drab green. Its owner, 26-year Army veteran Kevin Hicks of Chandler, brings it to some car shows, “because it’s a tribute to the greatest generation.” It won a Top 30 plaque.

Two guests from the Mopar world flew in to talk with visitors. Paul Rossi, a Mopar representative and champion National Hot Rod Association drag racer from 1963-2000, happily showed off his 1970 Dodge Challenger. Claudia Abel, Miss 1984 Direct Connection came from Detroit. She said, “What an opportunity to drive, walk and visit…the nostalgic Route 66.”

Why hold the SPMF in Bristow? Cataline replied, “We all are hobbyists and we love the Chrysler Plymouth name…The second reason is to bring absolute awareness to the Chrysler Plymouth Tower that‘s in this awesome little town…in the crossroads of America…So it gave me inspiration to do a show here.” The 1949 “Tower of Power” is being repaired to be installed at the corner of Main and 9th Streets, thanks to an Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization Grant and local donations, with a planned completion in the summer of 2026.

Attendees looking at vehicles and merchandise, services and food products from 30 vendors listened to the “Tempest Revival” band from Tulsa, who played classic hits from the 70s to the 90s done in an original way, according to Jade, the lead singer. “Sales have been very good because of the car show,” said Jordayn Fleetwood of the storefront Buffalo Beverage Company.  

Car judging occurred from 11:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. The awards presentation started at 2:00 p.m. Top 30 plaques were given first, then special awards. Highlights: Leslie Foster of Ebgerton, Kansas, received “Claudia’s pick” (signed photo of her) for a 1971 Dodge Charger and Scott Wood took home the Sponsor’s Award for a 1961 Plymouth.

Two top awards went to Kerri Somerville of Edmond. Her spotless, white 1947 Dodge Power Wagon (pickup truck) won the B.A.M.F. (three foot trophy) and Best of Show (enamel guitar) awards. 

Cataline generously donated $500 to Bristow’s FAA and $1,000 to its Historical Society to relight the 102-foot Chrysler Plymouth Tower. Forty-eight sponsors made financial and in-kind donations to make the event a success.

The SPMF contributes to Bristow’s ability to draw people downtown to attend free, fun activities. In a text, Mayor Kris Wyatt wrote that, “Events like the Southern Plains Mopar Fest help draw people to our community, supporting local businesses and showcasing the charm that makes Bristow such a special stop along Route 66.”

Why do car buffs like Mopar cars? Cataline thought for a moment, then said, “Everything is classic and if you like cars, you have to be here because you'll love these cars. They're old and old is cool.”

Doug Cataline, on the right, organized and ran the Southern Plains Mopar Fest in Oct 2025. He donated $1000 to contribute to the restoration of the 102-foot Chrysler Plymouth tower.