63rd Advance Labor Day picnic revvs up community spirit

ADVANCE, Mo. (KBSI) – The 63rd Annual Advance Labor Day Picnic has once again brought the community together, showcasing hundreds of vintage and classic cars, live music and delicious street food.

Mitzy Seger, president of the picnic committee, emphasizes the event’s significance.

“The entire community turns out, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to come together,” said Seger.

The picnic has become a major economic driver for the town, attracting visitors from across the region.

This year’s event saw over 350 vintage and classic cars on display, a significant increase from previous years.

“We’ve grown from 200 to 250 cars to now over 350. These visitors buy gas, soda, it helps the community, and we get to know people,” said Seger.

For Randy Conn, a vintage car enthusiast, the event is a labor of love. He showcases his 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, which has been in his family since it was brand new.

Conn’s passion for classic vehicles started when he was just eight years old, and he appreciates the unique character of each car.

“My uncle that I got this vehicle from, he had a 1949 ford pickup and so that kind of got me into it, and I’ve had old vehicles and still got old vehicles,” said Conn.

The Advance Labor Day picnic has become a beloved tradition, fostering community spirit and economic growth.