Mesquite Motor Mania 2013, the annual car spectacular and competition cruised into Mesquite over Martin Luther King, Jr., Weekend, Jan. 18-20.
More than 733 magnificent and distinctive vehicles from all over the country participated in this most-highly anticipated event. The Mesquite Motor Mania, which is open to all years, makes and models of classic and special interest vehicles such as vintage, street and hot rods, is sponsored by the Mesquite Resort Association, the CasaBlanca Resort & Casino, the Virgin River Hotel & Casino, the Eureka Casino, the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Cruisin’ Association, Inc.
Delighting in the warmth and sunshine of picture-perfect weather, thousands of spectators turned out each day to enjoy the intensity and pure exhilaration of the Roaring Engines Competition & the Slow Drags/Burn Out Competitions at the CasaBlanca Resort & Casino. The multitudes of car enthusiasts also reveled in the spectacle of the Open Headers Cruise through Mesquite and the thrill of the Show & Shine on Saturday & Sunday. Fans could show their appreciation for these phenomenal vehicles by voting for their favorites.
Over $15,000 in cash drawings and prizes were awarded to the Mesquite Motor Mania 2013 participants. The “People’s Choice Winner” and cash prize of $1000 was a 1960 Ford Starliner owned by Dennis Hill of Spring Valley, Calif. Lee Abrahams of Tucson, Ariz., and his 1954 Kaiser Darrin were the recipient of the “Participant’s Pick” and $2,000. The 1941 Willys Coupe owned by Bill Williams from West Valley, Utah, was chosen “Best of Show” of the 2013 event and awarded a cash prize of $3,000. Congratulations to these amazing vehicles and their owners and to all the outstanding winners of Mesquite Motor Mania. For a complete list of winners, be sure to visit www.mesquitecarshows.com
What pairs better with hot cars than the Smokin’ Big Chili Challenge. As if the car extravaganza was not enough excitement for an unforgettable weekend in Mesquite, The CasaBlanca Resort & Casino, Mesquite’s premier resort, presented The Smokin’ Big Chili Challenge. This International Chili Society sanctioned cook-off was Saturday, Jan.19. Twenty-four chili chefs from as far away as Canada put their culinary prowess to the test for the privilege of claiming the crown as the winner. Contestants vied for glory in three categories, Red Chili, Chili Verde and Salsa with the 1st Place Winner qualifying to cook in the Chili World Championships in October. First Place and the $1,500 prize in the Red Chili Challenge were awarded to Al Henry. John Jepson took 2nd Place and $750, with Mike Stewart in 3rd with a prize of $500. Karen Ray won 1st Place and a cash prize of $440 in the Chili Verde Challenge. In 2nd and 3rd Place, respectively, for the Chili Verde Challenge were Armando Sanchez, winning $260 and Bob Wieseman, winning $175. The Salsa 1st place winner with a cash prize of $250 was Gene Beller. In 2nd place in the Salsa category was Eileen Beaty, winning $100. Third Place and $65 went to Mark Haught.
As in past years, spectators who wanted to participate in the People’s Choice segment of the competition and taste test outstanding chili were asked for a small donation of $5. The entire proceeds of the donations benefited the Goodie Two Shoes Foundation, which provides disadvantaged children and children in crisis with new shoes and socks and other items necessary for good health and positive development. Please visit the Goodie Two Shoes Foundation website to learn more about this wonderful charity.
Judging from the response of all who participated or just came to enjoy the hot cars and Smokin’ Chile Challenge – an unforgettable time was had by all. Stay tuned for more sensational events, parties and festivals from Mesquite Gaming, the CasaBlanca Resort & Casino and the Virgin River Hotel & Casino.