Street Meet Car Cruise Recalls First Bagnell Dam
Crossing at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO.– The 18th annual Lake of the Ozarks Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals Car Show is set for May 5-7, in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of the completion of Bagnell Dam in 1931 and the birth of the Lake of the Ozarks.

On May 30, 1931, cars first crossed the newly-completed roadway across the dam.  This event will be celebrated with a commemorative car cruise, “75 Years of Cars,” at 4:00 p.m., Friday, May 5, as show cars of all types and ages cross Bagnell Dam on Business Highway 54.

“The cruise will honor the first historic crossing of Bagnell Dam,” says Alan Sullivan, Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals chairman. “The oldest show car will cross first and newest will be last.  It should be quite a fascinating sight.”  Participation in the cruise is free and cars do not have to be registered in the show, but they must be show cars, Sullivan notes.  Cruisers will meet at 3:00 p.m. at Carl's Two parking lot on Business Highway 54 to organize.  Each participant will receive a commemorative award.

The car cruise is just one of the many entertaining events planned for this increasingly popular car show, located on the historic Bagnell Dam “Strip” in Lake Ozark.  All makes, models and years of cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome at the Magic Dragon Street Meet, the largest open class car show in Central Missouri.  The show is free for spectators and typically attracts more than 10,000 visitors and 700 street rods, customs, trucks, street machines, led sleds and motorcycles from all over the United States.

For participants, the Street Meet will offer a chance to display and earn honors for their prized vehicles.  Entrants will be judged in a variety of show classes for domestic and import vehicles, along with choice and specialty awards such as best supercharged, best interior, best exterior, best paint/graphics, best ICE (In-Car Entertainment) and more.  This year, three awards, instead of two, will be given in each major category.  “People invest a lot in their cars and they are proud of them, and as a result we want to recognize as many people as possible for their efforts,” Sullivan says.  “We believe the more people who leave with a trophy in their hands, the better they'll feel about our show and want to come back.”

Also for the first time in Street Meet history, a Grand Champion prize will be awarded.  “This will go to the best car, truck or motorcycle in the entire show as determined by our judges,” Sullivan says.  “The winner will receive a large trophy, a commemorative plaque of the 75th anniversary of Bagnell Dam and $200 in cash.  Also the winner's vehicle will be featured on the 2007 Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals Car Show t-shirt.”  Show hours are noon to 5:00 p.m. Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday; and 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sunday.  Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, 1:00 p.m., Sunday.

Back by popular demand, the Make-n-Take model car activity will offer kids a chance to assemble and take home a model 2004 Corvette Coupe, free of charge.  Other activities will include morning and evening cruises, the Dam Poker Run, and door prize drawings.  A sound competition will measure vehicles' sound system decibel levels.  Vendor booths will feature car parts and accessories, and the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce will offer the official 2006 Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals t-shirt and hat, featuring the famed fire-breathing dragon logo, “our own ‘Golden Arches,'” Sullivan notes.  DJ Leo Case will spin classic oldies from the 1950s and 1960s throughout the event.
     On Friday, Bagnell Dam Boulevard will remain open. On Saturday and Sunday, however, traffic will be diverted from the show area to a safe alternate route between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  A free shuttle service will run from the American Legion parking lot and carry visitors throughout the show area.

“We are revving up for two great events as the Magic Dragon Street Meet Car Show features the commemorative crossing of Bagnell Dam,” says Trish Roberts, executive director of the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.  “By dedicating Bagnell Dam Boulevard to the event we will remove any traffic safety concerns and provide visitors with a very enjoyable experience.”

Adds Sullivan, “It's really neat to see all these classic cars roll into town.  The Strip and the Lake create a very unique setting for the car show – it's not your typical parking lot with rows of cars. It's more like being on the set of ‘American Graffiti.'”

The registration fee is $30.  Registration begins from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 4, and participants may take advantage of show discounts on lodging, attractions and entertainment throughout the entire weekend.  The event is sponsored by the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the City of Lake Ozark, Big Surf Water Park and Big Shot Amusement Park, Missouri Eagle, NAPA, and Lake of the Ozarks Harley Davidson.  AmerenUE is the presenting sponsor.

To register, or for more information, visit www.lakeareachamber.com and click on “Events,” “May,” or phone 573-964-1008 or 800-451-4117.  And while planning your visit to the Magic Dragon Street Meet, check out the Lake area's great attractions, shopping, dining and lodging by calling 800-FUN-LAKE or visiting the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau's web site at www.funlake.com .

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