PANAMA CITY BEACH — Next week, thousands of car enthusiasts will head to Panama City’s first antique car and hot rod show on the beach.
The 17th Annual Cruizin’ Festival of the Costa Smeralda returns Wednesday through Saturday, featuring thousands of vintage cars, hot rods and traditional cars in Panama City Beach. shops and restaurants in Pier Park.
The semi-annual event, which takes place in March and November each year, was founded by car enthusiast Robert Parrish of Flip Flop Promotions Inc. In 2005, it brought Emerald Coast Cruizin’ to life and started with 352 cars at the show, and now expects the largest turnout to date, with more than 2,000 more people expected.
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“Every year we see an increase in the number of around 500 cars, so I think this will be our biggest show yet,” Parrish said. for this year. “
This year’s occasion will raise money for the Shriners Children’s Hospital and the Panama City Beach Shiners will park the cars. In addition, the Optimistic Club of Panama City will raise a budget for cancer in the formative years.
Admission for spectators is $15 per day or $40 for a three-day ticket. Children under the age of 12 travel loose with a paying adult. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. however, festival-goers will have a wide variety at the Vendor Midway Food Court.
While vehicle pre-registration is closed for this year, visitors can register on the 8 a. m. site of the occasion. M. A 4:30 p. m. From Wednesday to Saturday. Registration fees $65, which includes a parking sticker and two wristbands that allow entry to Aaron Bessant Park.
Hot rods, vintage, rad rods and motorcycles are welcome. In addition, Corvettes, Camaros, T-Birds, Firebirds, Thunderbirds, Mustangs, Challengers, Chargers, Monte Carlo SS, Chevy SS454 trucks, Ford Lightning trucks, Vipers or Prowlers of any year are eligible to participate in the auto show. For all regulations and qualifications for registering an antique car or hot rod, visit EmeraldCoastCruizin. com.
Famous automotive visitors on this year’s occasion include:
“It’s about relaxing and enjoying the love of vintage vehicles. We know that if other people love cars and love the beach, they will love this event,” Parrish said. “It’s almost like a circle of family members coming together to see how each and every one of the years combines. “
The occasion begins Wednesday with a block at the Todd Herendeen Theatre, 8010 Front Beach Road, from 10 a. m. M. A 3 p. m.
Thursday’s festivities come with a big opening birthday party at 10 a. m. m. , followed by a verbal exchange with Gage, Poteet and Memmolo at 1:30 p. m. In addition, a flame throwing contest will be held at 6:30 p. m. m. en Hammerhead Fred’s, 8752 Thomas Drive .
The occasion continues on Friday with a Tech through Memmolo seminar at 10 a. m. m. y the Speed Demon on display from 10 a. m. A 4 p. m. Se performs a tribute to veterans at 1 p. m. , followed by live music through the band Na Na Sha at 1:30 p. m. M. On Friday the activities conclude with fireworks at 6 p. m. m. at Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant, 15201 Front Beach Road.
On Saturday the festival concludes with the Memmolo Tech seminar at 10 a. m. m. y the projection of Speed Demon from 10 to 10 a. M. A 4 p. m. At 1:30 p. Homage to the King. At 4:30 p. m. , end of the event, there will be a rite of awards and raffles of cash prizes.
For more details, EmeraldCoastCruizin. com.