

Excelsior Springs, MO – The seventeenth annual Custom Car, Hot Rod, and Truck Show, held Saturday as part of the Waterfest festivities, brought car enthusiasts from all over the region to admire meticulously crafted custom vehicles. The event ran from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the Hall of Waters Circle, featuring not only impressive cars but also giveaways, a 50/50 raffle, music, and other drawings that ensured a fun-filled day for all attendees.
Chris and Holly Jones, the event organizers and owners of Jones Custom and Collision Center, have long nurtured a love for cars. Their passion inspired them to create this show, aiming to spread their enthusiasm and give back to the community. “We’ve always loved cars. We used to go to car shows all the time, and so we took all those events and changed it into how we do things here. We love bringing something like this to our community,” Holly Jones shared about the event’s origins. She added, “All of the funds go to the chamber. We don’t keep any funds; we help donate everything. All the money goes back into the chamber and into the community.”
The show experienced a downturn in participation during the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year marked a significant recovery. “The last two car shows had been a little bit light, but this year we’ve already had a really good turnout,” Chris Jones noted. “We’re already at what we had last year, and it’s really early. I’m thinking we’re going to have 80-100 cars compete at this event.”


The competition was fierce, with many seasoned participants showcasing their prized vehicles. Abel Garza from Overland Park, KS, took home the Best in Show award with his 1970 Z/28 Camaro, a vehicle featuring custom paint and race car modifications. Other winners included Dave Steffenella of Lawson, MO, who received the Chamber Choice award for his 1967 Yenko Camaro, and Brandon Patrick of Excelsior Springs, MO, who won Best Rat Rod with his 1928 Ford Model A.
Additional accolades were awarded to:
- Best Interior: Sean Stonham of Independence, MO, for his 2010 Dodge Challenger RT Classic 426.
- Best Work in Progress: Gaetan Meredith of Excelsior Springs, MO, for his 2004 Cadillac CTS-V.
- Best Engine: Norval Green of Independence, MO, for his 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS.
- Best Paint: Gary L. Smita of Excelsior Springs, MO, for his 1931 Chevy Coupe.
The show was particularly popular among senior participants, many of whom have been competing in car shows for years. Rusty Williams, the owner of a 1953 F100 Ford, expressed his motivation for participating, saying he “wanted to be young again.” Abel Garza, the Best in Show winner, remarked that competing in car shows reminded him of his childhood.


This year’s car show at Waterfest was a resounding success, indicating a promising future for the long-standing event. Be sure to attend next year’s car show at Waterfest, and stay tuned to the Excelsior Citizen calendar for information about future car shows and other local events.
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