A couple admire one of the many photogenic cars on display during the first Steve McQueen Day celebration in March 2007. Organizers expect to see more than 200 cars in the show this year. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge]

Slater's second annual Steve McQueen Day birthday celebration begins Friday, March 28. The event kicks off with a 5:30 p.m. barbecue dinner, followed by a talent show at 6 p.m.

Saturday, March 29, has plenty of events, too, beginning with a 5K run at 8 a.m. Registration for the car show, expected to draw more than 200 cars, starts at 9 a.m. at the 2008 Bullit Mustang display.

From left, Slater Mayor Stephen Allegri shares a laugh with Steve McQueen's widow, Barbara McQueen, who helped inaugurate the festival in 2007. McQueen will be back this year. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge]

By 10 a.m., the party will be in full swing as the vintage motorcycle display opens and vendors open up their booths.

Slater Assistant City Administrator Gene Griffith said all booths are sold out to vendors from the local area and from St. Louis, Alma and Carrollton, among others.

Griffith said the city is expecting between 2,000 and 3,000 visitors, based on last year's attendance figures.

McQueen's stunt double, Loren Janes, biographer Marshall Terrell, military pal Cliff Anderson, and film producer Richard Martin will be on hand at the youth center for presentations at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., along with local McQueen fans and enthusiasts.

Sisters Video Visions will show the animated children's cartoon "Cars," featuring "Lightning McQueen" at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at their store on Main Street.

The bike awards show starts at 12:30 p.m., also on Main Street.

Two of McQueen's movies, "The Blob" and "Tom Horn," and Richard Martin's documentary "Portrait of an American Rebel" will be shown at the Slater School auditorium at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Griffith said "The Blob" was chosen because it was McQueen's first feature film. Organizers chose "Tom Horn" because McQueen's in-laws were extras in the production.

McQueen's widow, Barbara McQueen, will be on hand at 1 p.m. and 5 p..m. to sign copies of her book about her late husband.

At 2:30 p.m., awards for the winners of the car show will be presented.

At 5:30 p.m., Slater Main Street News will hold an auction of McQueen memorabilia to benefit Boys Republic. McQueen spent some time at the Alma, Calif., boys home after he left Slater, and the McQueen family still supports the work of the organization, which was founded in 1907. Last year's auction netted a total of about $500, Griffith said.

The day will end with the 6 p.m. McQueen look-alike contest sponsored by Slater Main Street News and closing remarks at 7 p.m. from Slater Mayor Stephen Allegri and Barbara McQueen.

Area hotels and motels are beginning to fill up, Griffith said. There are no rooms available in Slater, and the Marshall Comfort Inn reported they are getting close to capacity.

Griffith said organizers of this year's event are already working on next year's celebration. He added they hoped to announce next year's date at the closing event for this year.

Griffith said the city is very happy with the event. "We think it'll be a good showing for Slater," he said. "I think we'll have a great time. We want to make it a fun day for everyone!"

For detailed information on event times and locations call Slater City Hall at 660-529-2271.

Contact Kathy Fairchild at marshallhealth@socket.net

On the Net:

www.cityofslater.com/steve_mcqueen_day.htm