Red Flag Horseless Carriage Tour starts this week

MT. PLEASANT — The Red Flag Horseless Carriage Tour returns to Southeast Iowa this week with its annual event Sept. 27-30. About 20 Brass and Vintage Era vehicles made before 1928 and their drivers will experience the beauty and hospitality over the three days of touring that are unique to this part of the state.

Participants will gather for introductions and a driver’s meeting on Wednesday evening, then the touring starts Thursday. Tour routes vary each year, and traditionally run approximately 90 miles per day. For 2023, Thursday’s excursion will include a trip to the Villages of Van Buren, focusing on Keosauqua and Bonaparte.

Thursday night, drivers and their passengers will get to explore the local restaurants and businesses of Mount Pleasant. Friday the group takes off to Kalona, Iowa, to take part in the Kalona Fall Fest.

The Signature Event is will be held on Saturday — a journey from New London, Iowa to Brighton, Iowa. The run commemorates the 1896 “Emancipation Run” from London to Brighton, England which was held to celebrate the elimination of a required red flag escort in front of motor vehicles and the raising of the speed limit to 14 miles per hour.

The mission of the Red Flag Horseless Carriage Tour is to foster an understanding and appreciation of vintage vehicle touring while enhancing the economic and cultural vitality of the southeast Iowa region.

The purpose is to celebrate and support the appreciation of heritage and vintage vehicles, support the communities on the selected routes, and provide the participants and spectators with a quality experience that encourages return visits to Iowa.

Spectators are encouraged to see the cars and meet the drivers at any of the various stops. Further details of the routs and stops may be found at www.redflagmotortour.com