Lebanese Culture and Mopar Cars Blend at Bristow Festivals
by Richard Stephens, Jr.
The Southern Plains Mopar Fest (SPMF) came to Bristow on May 12-13 for the first time, co-existing well, many said, with the 35th Tabouleh Festival on May 12th. The Mopar fest offered a car show, drag racing, and a swap meet. The popular Tabouleh Festival celebrated Lebanese culture with 87 vendors selling merchandise on Main Street (Route 66), music, wine tasting, a children’s fun zone, and belly dancing. Shayna Thompson, a key volunteer with Bristow’s Lions Noon Club who sponsored the Tabouleh Festival, estimated 7,200 people attended.
Doug Cataline and Matt Hindi, co-owners of SPMF, moved the car centric event to Bristow this year after collaborating with Bristow’s Historical Society to raise money to “relocate, restore, and relight” the 102-foot Chrysler-Plymouth tower sitting near 9th and Main Streets to be a Route 66 attraction. Paid registration for the car show, racing, swap meet, and the purchase of commemorative bricks from the Bristow Historical Society will help repair the tower. The Historical Society has raised over $5,000 selling engraved bricks so far.
On Friday, May 12th, Mopar vehicles (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, and Ram vehicles and parts) raced each other for one-eighth of a mile on South Roland Street (Route 66).
By midday Saturday, six blocks of Main Street (Route 66) were packed with visitors. Local businesses were open. This year’s Miss Tabouleh and Woodland Queens were announced.
Lebanese culture was present. Six vendors sold fresh taboli and the Lions Noon Club sold Bishop Brothers’ taboli salad mix donated to them. Tulsa’s Raqs Bellydance group of seven danced Raqs Sharqi, Shabbi, and traditional dances.
Why hold a Tabouleh festival? Kristin Weaver of Bristow is a fourth-generation Lebanese descendant. “The Lebanese pioneers of Bristow were industrious, pragmatic citizens. The contributions they made to our town are still enjoyed today.” Tom Korkames, who owns Pro-Tech Termite & Pest Services and is a third generation Lebanese, said, “Tabouleh Festival is a great way for visitors to learn about Lebanese culture and food.”
Mid-day, Thompson said the Tabouleh fest was going well. “Our lines are long and we’re selling lots of taboli.” Bristow Mayor Kris Wyatt encouraged more events and business to come to Bristow. “We’re anticipating more growth. We’re on historic Route 66. We have small town charm here. “
Hindi was pleased with the turnout of 75 cars from nine states. “It’s going great. This is just awesome.” Shining survivor (original) cars and restored cars parked next to each other. Paul Rossi, a former Sportsman racer, showed off his 1970 Dodge Challenger with a 440 HP engine. Cataline and Hindi gave out 30 car awards.
Back on Route 66, Dodges, Plymouths, and Chevys growled, shrieked, and smoked tires while competing the rest of the day.
Festivals occur because of organizers, volunteers, and donors. Fifteen donors supported the Tabouleh Festival and thirty-one donors supported the SPMF.
Two events, two days, one town - another Bristow success story.
