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Discover Mid-America — August 2004

Cruising with collectors in Belton

Main Street in Belton turns into a showplace for antique cars and street rods one Saturday of each month during the Cruise Nights. (photo by Ken Weyand)

Belton, MO, located just south of the Kansas City on Hwy. 71, has experienced a growth spurt in recent years. That’s the upside. However, that growth has diverted attention away from the town’s core.

The Main Street Association, made up of businesses in the heart of the downtown area, seeks to revive interest in the unique shops on the historic street.

Several events have been organized this year. One of the most popular has been a monthly “Cruise Night,” held the fourth Saturday of each month, from April through September, and concluding the third Saturday in October.

More than 400 antique cars and street rods, hosted by the “South 71 Cruisers,” attract as many as 3,000 spectators each time they cruise into Belton. Connie Hubbard, proprietor of Hubbard Plumbing and president of the Main Street Merchants Association, said the Cruise Nights attract unique cars from Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas, Oklahoma and other states.

“The club has around 75 members,” Connie said, “but many other car clubs participate, adding to the number and diversity of cars.”

Connie said the cars include street rods, old classics, customs, pickups and true antiques. “Last week we had a club of Hudson owners with several vehicles,” she added.

Pam Buttrum, proprietor of T’Cup Dreams, a shop on Main Street specializing in antiques and home décor, said the Cruisers have made a definite impact this year on her new business.

Tom Pace of Independence, MO and his '39 Ford, purchased last fall. Still being restored, the car has 91,000 miles. (photo by Ken Weyand)

“A lot of people have discovered the unique shops we have on Main Street,” she said. “All the shops stay open late and welcome the visitors who come to see the cars.”

Sharon Saultz, of The Dusty Attic, a Main Street antique shop, said the Cruise Nights have made a “world of difference” in her business. This summer marks the 10th anniversary of the shop, owned by Sharon and her husband Dave. They will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 28, with free refreshments, and will remain open until the Cruisers leave, “probably around 9:30,” Sharon said.

In addition to the cars, the Cruise Nights feature a variety of entertainment choices in a roped-off area on Main Street. An Elvis impersonator will be one of the highlights of the Aug. 28 event.

Larry Thompson, owner of five cars and a member of the South 71 Cruisers board of directors, said the group’s main purpose is to raise funds for youth in the community.

“We deal with welfare associations, schools and other groups,” he said. “We recently donated $600 to the Celebration Singers, a group of young people that perform gospel music, to help finance a tour to Colorado. We are also providing $300 for a college scholarship for the winner of the Miss Belton pageant, held in conjunction with the annual Community Days celebration.”

Thompson said the Cruisers never charge admission. “Money is raised by members soliciting a 50-50 pot. Later a drawing is held, with the winner getting half the pot, and the club getting the other half. It’s not unusual for a Cruise Night with a big turnout to raise $600 or more,” he said.

The Cruisers will present an award to the car owner traveling the farthest distance to the Aug. 28 event. “This will give us a better idea where the different cars come from,” Thompson said.

Discover Mid-America founder and Senior Contributing Editor Ken Weyand files regular reports on notable Midwest destinations. He can be reached at kweyand@gbronline.com or publisher@discoverypub.com.

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