BIRCH RUN, Mich. – Well . . . at least it didn’t rain. Despite a persistent cold wind and dark clouds, the Mustang Club of Mid-Michigan’s annual Great Lakes Stampede All Ford and Mustang Car Show proved a somewhat chilly success as more than 220 beautiful Mustangs and Fords shrugged off threatening skies to mark the club’s 28th annual show while celebrating its 30th anniversary.

The Mustang Club of Mid-Michigan (MCMM) is located in the Frankenmuth, Michigan, area, which is perhaps better-known for its “World Famous Chicken Dinners” or the Bronner’s Christmas mega-store than its Mustangs. But there’s always a sweet collection of Stangs and collectible Fords at this Stampede held on the third Saturday in May. As in years past, the MCMM was hosting the show on the expansive property of the Birch Run (Michigan) Premium Outlets Mall, right off Interstate 75.

The Saginaw County Navel Cadets marched the Colors as the club opened the 2023 Stampede while the Star Spangled Banner played on the loudspeakers. Later, they got to choose their favorite vehicle for The Cadet’s Award. Ford Performance was again on-site with our Club Connect Transit van and 10x10 Meet & Greet tent for a Mustang poster giveaway all day, plus we hosted a second table for a special guest. Former Mustang stylist Emeline King – Ford’s first black female car designer who had penned the 1994 SN95 Mustang’s interior – was on hand again this year for a book signing. Her large-format paperback, “What Do You Mean A Black Girl Can’t Design Cars? Emeline King, She Did It!” (available via barnesandnoble.com) was a hit with tent visitors, who also stopped by The Mustang Trailer filled with officially licensed Ford products, staffed by always busy J.D, and Susie.

Along with the club tables, awards, food area and DJ, there were a record 26 sponsors (including 12 Ford or Ford-Lincoln dealers) as well as 60 club volunteers to make everything run smoothly, from the 50/50 drawing to raffle sales to the nice-looking trophies that some judged cars and award-winning rides took home. Attendees of all ages and Mustangs from every generation were among the fine Fords we spotted on display – from classic Fords, Mercury’s and F-Series pickups to even a Ford GT and a Mach E. We took a break from handing out Mustang posters to walk the show field and shoot photos of some of the cool Fords we found there, and chat with many of their owners. Take a look at some our favorite shots in the gallery below:

FORD PERFORMANCE PHOTOS / JOHN M. CLOR