Running with
Bonnie and Clyde
The Red Crown Symposium & Road Tour

On July 13, 1933, the infamous Barrow Gang, comprised of Clyde Barrow, Bonnie Parker. Buck Barrow and his wife, Blanche, and young W.D. Jones, were hiding out near Kansas City. The Red Crown Tavern and Tourist Cabins were located just outside of what is today the Kansas City International Airport. Thirteen lawmen had the place surrounded and somehow the Barrow Gang escaped, but not unscathed. While most thought the gang ran straight for Iowa, in fact, they spent most of the night just trying to get out of Platte County.

This event marks the 75th anniversary and examines the Barrow Gang, the events leading up to the Red Crown affair and its aftermath. Through film, rare slides and various accounts, this historical event will be retold. Following the symposium, the “Escape from Platte County Road Tour” will retrace some of the actual roads used by the Barrow gang that night, exactly 75 years ago. Today those same roads are newly paved country back roads - perfect for a vintage car tour.

If you’re a history buff, a vintage car fan or both, you’re sure to enjoy this unique program.

Although admission is free, advance registration is required. Event is limited to the first 300 persons registered.

For more information contact:
Jim Spawn
Office: 816-421-1991
Cell: 816-916-4100
Email: Jspawn321@aol.com

Symposium Session

1. Sixteen minute film on Bonnie and Clyde.
2. Leading up to the Red Crown (the Joplin shootout)
3. The Red Crown shootout (details from various accounts)
4. After they left (can't get out of Platte County)
5. Dexfield Park, Iowa (Buck and Blanche capture).
6. Blanche returned to Platte County and the trial.

Lunch available at Majestic Theater or other nearby restaurants

Escape from Platte County Road Tour
"We had a terrible time getting out of that part of the country" - Blanche Barrow

1. Road tour of Platte County roads known to be used by Barrow Gang the night of the shootout.
2. Stop at Cleve Burrell farm
    - where gang repaired tire
3. Stop at "The Swany Brick"
    - where they rested and treated their wounds
4. Stop at bridge on Little Platte River - Hwy B.
5. Tour concludes at Platte County Courthouse
    - where Blanche Barrow was returned for trial
6. Red Crown Tavern site via Farmland parking lot     (if possible).

Directions
From I-29 take exit 8, then west on Barry Road to the entrance of Zona Rosa shopping district. (Detailed map below)

Parking
Participating vintage cars (built 1933 and before) will have designated parking along the streets at Zona Rosa.This is metered parking, but for our special vintage cars, parking is free. Follow the instructions of the parking control attendants. If you are driving a modern car, please use any of the Zona Rosa parking lots.

Time
On July 19, event registration will open at 8:30 a.m. with coffee service provided. The Red Crown Symposium will begin at 9 a.m. The multi-media program runs approximately two and half hours and there will be a comfort break at approximately 10:15 a.m.

Important
A 16-minute film about Bonnie and Clyde will be shown that contains adult topics and adult language. It is not suitable for children or adults who may find it offensive. Fair warning will be given before this segment begins. Feel free to step outside into the lobby if you choose and then rejoin the event. Other than this short film, the balance of the program is for general audiences.

Goodie Bags
Goodie bags will be provided for each registration received. They will contain some useful and fun things which we hope you enjoy.

Dash Plaques
Commemorative “Running with Bonnie and Clyde” dash plaques will be given to the first 75 vintage cars (1933 and prior) who complete the Escape from Platte County Road Tour.

Driving in Style
We encourage attendees to wear era clothing for this event. Those that do will receive a “Driving in Style” ribbon from the Model A Ford Foundation, Inc.

Detailed printed instructions with the route and stops identified will be provided to each car. In the event you need some help call 816-916-4100.

The tour will conclude at the Platte County Court House in Platte City. We encourage you to visit the Platte County Historical Society Museum, 220 Ferrel Street. Just one block from the Court House, the museum contains much history about Platte County. Admission is $5.

Other
• While there is no cost to attend this event, advance registration is required. The auditorium has a maximum capacity of 300 persons. Additionally, we need to know how many vintage cars will participate so we can plan appropriate stops with enough parking. Please complete the advance registration form and mail it promptly.

• In the event this program fills to capacity, checks will be returned to those that register too late.

• Commemorative “Running with Bonnie and Clyde” shirts are available, but only via advance ordering. Indicate your size(s) and shirt style on the registration form. There are no plans to sell shirts at the event. Advance shirt orders will be placed into your Goodie bag for pickup when you arrive.

• Announcements made on the day of the event have precedence over this advanced information. Please give your full attention to speakers, signs and printed handouts.

• This event examines the events leading up to and following the 1933 shootout at the Red Crown using many published accounts. They do not all agree on every aspect. There is no intention to glamorize or condone the actions of these notorious criminals. Their life on the run was far from glamorous and in the end, each paid a heavy price for their actions. The organizers of this program are volunteers with an interest in Platte County history.

Lodging
The Marriott Kansas City Airport
775 Brasilia Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64153
For reservations:
(816) 464-2200 or (800) 228-9290
Reference Running with Bonnie and Clyde

For out of town visitors, we have arranged a block of rooms @ $89 + tax
The room block will be held until June 27, 2008 or when it is filled, whichever comes first. After that date, rooms are subject to space and rate availability.
We urge you to reserve your room early!