If you were downtown on June 25 for the Great Race, you know that there was quite the buzz going on amongst the Great Racers, downtown businesses, and everyone who came out for the show. If you didn't make it down, you missed out on an outstanding, one-time event. Downtown Cape was filled with about 5,000 people and more than 300 classic cars!

While the Great Racers were in town, we heard whispers between them that this was the best stop they had ever had...in history. They were so grateful for the hospitality that they received during their stay and impressed by the huge crowd downtown and spectators that lined the streets for miles.

In fact, they were so impressed that Cape Girardeau was presented with the 2013 Best Overnight City Award on the Hemmings Motor News Great Race. Race director Jeff Stumb stated that "All of hte overnight stops were fantastic, but Cape Girardeau was one of those stops that will be talked about for years to come by the participants.

A key part to a successful event downtown is the involvement of the businesses. The Great Race committee encouraged businesses along the route to host Pit Stop Parties and businesses in the Riverfront District to host Welcome Parties to help with the huge welcome into Cape.

Mississippi Mutts captured the Pit Stop Party award and owner Sherry Jennings said that "Our Pit Stop Party was an opportunity to get the community excited for the event. It benefits us to participate in things like this because it brings in new people and keeps our customers happy."

Kyleigh Baliva of Pastimes Antiques, winner of the Welcome Party award, said "The Great Race literally stopped in front of our store, so hosting a party was a positive experience for the business, our customers and our dealers."

Sometimes it truly does take an army. When the army works together as well as it did for this event, that's an army worth keeping. Thank you to all of the sponsors, volunteers, business owners, spectators and everyone else who played a key part in helping us successfully welcome the Great Race to Cape Girardeau.