WESTPHALIA  — While it was not the car show that everyone expected, an event in Westphalia on Friday did draw more than 100 enthusiasts, who were invited to Westphalia Pizza Co. for an evening of food and drink while many showed off their hot rods.

“It seemed to be a pretty good turnout from what I seen considering the short notice,” said Chris Stuckenschneider, organizer of the 9th Annual Westphalia Cruise In, which was canceled on Wednesday of last week. “It didn’t draw the same numbers our annual car show does, but it was a nice event that helped the local restaurants out with the issue of overstocking of food and drinks due to the canceling of the annual Cruise In.”

On Wednesday, it was learned that the Westphalia Cruise In had been canceled due to concerns related to COVID-19. 

Stuckenschneider was surprised when his event was canceled.

“Right after I sent reminders out I received a text from the mayor stating that the Osage County Health Department said there had been some recent concerns about the event due to COVID-19 and recommended it be canceled,” he said last week. “It seems like there are other events going on around the county that are not being canceled. It’s a shame for the local business owners, our town and local car enthusiasts.”

According to Osage County Health Department Administrator Susan Long, the city of Westphalia had received numerous calls of concern about having the car show.  

“They indicated that there would be no way to safely social distance with an anticipated 1,000-plus attendees and concern was also expressed due to the increase in cases and contacts identified in the immediate vicinity,” said Long of city officials. “I sent the current advisory, but recommended that unless they could enforce social distancing, that they needed to review the advisory and consider canceling it.”

On Thursday, however, it was announced that Westphalia Pizza Co. would be offering an alternative for car enthusiasts.

“After some conversations with some individuals we were informed that Westphalia Pizza Co. could host a car show where all the cars parked legally,” an announcement read on the pizza company’s Facebook page. “So that being said come out on Friday night with your pretty lady and show her off.  We will have drink specials. Come out and ‘Make Westphalia Great Again.’”

The appeal was a success, according to a follow-up post by Westphalia Pizza, which reads: “Thank you to all who came out last night to support not only us but other small local businesses last night. We cannot begin to express how much your support last night meant to us, we are truly humbled. We have an amazing staff, which for a majority of them last night was their first time witnessing that level of business.”

The post also thanks patrons for their business: “We couldn’t do this without you. You are what makes this community so great. Thank you!”