Carolina, Kentucky and Missouri was changing as we rounded a curve in Branson, Missouri and saw the Chateau on the Lake Resort, sitting majestically on a hill overlooking Table Rock Lake. This was the third and Ginal week of our Smoky Mountains and Ozarks Tour, and the setting for Conclave 2025. For the next 5 nights we would be joining about 250 participants and 145 cars for an action-packed week.
The Conclave was organized by the Austin Healey Club of Kansas City, with assistance and support from North Texas AHC, Flatwater AHC, Oklahoma AH Owners Club, and the Ohio Valley AHC.
They provided a full agenda of activities and events. Every morning, with the help of generous sponsors, coffee, donuts, and fruit were free in the Hospitality Lounge and a car washing station was available on the hotel grounds. An event we thought sounded fun was a different take on the poker run.
Instead of vying for the best poker hand, we checked in at each stop and received a prize such as a collapsible funnel and a foam knee pad (a popular item) as well as other interesting gadgets.
Those completing the run had their names entered in a drawing for a chance to win more substantial prizes. The event gave us a little bonus as well, a closer look at downtown Branson. Okay, maybe a little closer than we would have liked. There were three scenic self-drives designed by a local club member. We did one of them and loved the scenery, even the scenery we discovered when we were totally lost. Oops, we mean when we creatively and boldly took “roads less traveled.” On this drive as well as others it was really hard making the decision about where to have lunch. So many places looked inviting. We were spoiled from our 2 weeks of touring with Steve Kirby, as he has a special knack of choosing awesome lunch and dinner spots. Those kinds of executive decisions are not our specialty, but we did find some interesting cafes and restaurants. The Ladies Crafts and Wine Activity was popular as evidenced by the report that 18 bottles of wine were consumed.
Conclave 2025 Healey in the Ozarks by Chuck and Dawn Lakowski VOL. 50 NO. 7 JULY 2025 8 The Valve Cover Racing Event was well attended but no report on alcohol consumption. Same goes for the gymkhana. The Dolly Parton Stampede Dinner and Show was a popular event. Although we didn’t go, everyone we talked to said it was a fun evening and dinner was delicious.
The Popularity Car Show was held at the College of the Ozarks in their Keeter Center parking lot. The short drive to get there was photo worthy.
In the photo from an overlook, you can see the Chateau in the distance. The parking area for the Keeter Center is perched on a hill and provided a beautiful setting for some beautiful cars. Lunch was an optional choice when you registered and was well worth the cost.
According to popular consensus, the food was outstanding. Kudos to the students: They work at the college for 4 years and graduate debt-free. In addition to the coffee, donuts, and fruit again provided by sponsors for participants, The Keeter Center has a bakery that sold more coffee/drink choices and pastries and had clean restrooms. Car show participants were well taken care of! It was amazing to see all the wonderful Healey’s and three beautiful Nash Healeys. A 1951 Nash Healey, beautifully restored by owners Paul and Pam Fiskopp was discovered to have been owned and driven by Donald Healey according to John Nikas. The other two, a 1953 coupe from Missouri and a 1953 convertible once owned by golfer Sam Snead were Conclave 2025 Healey in the Ozarks by Chuck and Dawn Lakowski VOL. 50 NO. 7 JULY 2025 9 also in the car show. Several category winners were announced at the Awards Banquet, but we were unable to hear them. A reply to our email sent to the Conclave organizers said they are working on getting the complete list of car show winners??? So, in the meantime, in our opinion, all the cars were winners! Our Club, AHASC, did win the traveling trophy for most participants from an area. Yay!!! Best Nail-Biting Moment: Trying to get the 1950 Nash Healey through the glass entry doors to the display area with 5+ people, all giving directions at the same time to the owner who was behind the wheel. Can’t imagine how he stayed calm. Happy to report it was a successful endeavor – multiple times. YIKES! Best Trying It Out for Size Moment: Tall guy Flavio Montoro happily Gits in the 1960 Sprinzel Sebring Sprite Coupe with a little help from the owner. The hat was a no go.
Club Members Attending Conclave: Chris & Jerry Lockwood, Brian & Linda Hubbard, Steve & Cindy Kirby, Bob & Shari Bolling, David & Jacky Deamer, Flavio & Patti Montoro, Steve Heck, Phillip Bright, Mike Ovensen, Tony & Debbie Trentacost, Chuck & Dawn Lakowski Conclave 2025 also in the car show. Several category winners were announced at the Awards Banquet, but we were unable to hear them. A reply to our email sent to the Conclave organizers said they are working on getting the complete list of car show winners??? So, in the meantime, in our opinion, all the cars were winners! Our Club, AHASC, did win the traveling trophy for most participants from an area. Yay!!! Best Nail-Biting Moment: Trying to get the 1950 Nash Healey through the glass entry doors to the display area with 5+ people, all giving directions at the same time to the owner who was behind the wheel. Can’t imagine how he stayed calm. Happy to report it was a successful endeavor – multiple times. YIKES! Best Trying It Out for Size Moment: Tall guy Flavio Montoro happily Gits in the 1960 Sprinzel Sebring Sprite Coupe with a little help from the owner. The hat was a no go.
Club Members Attending Conclave: Chris & Jerry Lockwood, Brian & Linda Hubbard, Steve & Cindy Kirby, Bob & Shari Bolling, David & Jacky Deamer, Flavio & Patti Montoro, Steve Heck, Phillip Bright, Mike Ovensen, Tony & Debbie Trentacost, Chuck & Dawn Lakowski