Cruisin' Couples Car Show, Movie & Cruise • 2004

The Cruisin’ Couples Classic Car Club hosted their 4th Annual Car Show on October 23rd, 2004, where nearly 200 beautiful classic cars gathered in Eustis, Florida for a fun day of cool cars and kind people thanks to hard work by the club and the sponsorship of Advance Discount Auto Parts. The weather was beautiful, with lots of warm sun and gentle breezes. The setting started out in Ferran Park, which was a very nice location with lots of tall trees and green grass, situated right next to a big lake.

The 1984 and older vehicles were parked in the L-shaped parking lot, plus on the grass among the tall oaks and palms. On one end of the park there was a neat band shell, which was put to use by popular professional entertainer Dunning Shaw, who did some great karaoke renditions of classic songs that really showcased his nice voice. The nearby dance floor was also put to use by couples in 50’s style outfits as the DJ played nostalgic songs, including the Cruisin’ Couples original theme song written by one of the club’s members. It was a pretty neat sight to see them having fun - the women in their poodle skirts, saddle shoes and scarves, and the guys in rolled up blue jeans and white T-Shirts. Automotive themed fun could also be had at the NASCAR style “pit crew” contest, which pitted four person crews against one another in a timed contest of changing tires and spark plugs, plus filling the gas tank while wearing gloves.

The title sponsor, Advance Discount Auto Parts, and 34 other trophy sponsors awarded over 100 very unique trophies. They featured a replicated Drive-In Theater complete with cars and a diner (see the picture at the beginning of the article). These fit right into the theme, as the classic movie American Graffiti was played after it got dark.

But perhaps most importantly, this show generated funds and made it possible for the club to donate 50 cases of food and toys for nearly 200 families, and 10 dolls to the Toys For Tots on November 27th at the Cruise-In in downtown Eustis. It is heart warming to see generous folks participating in this auto enthusiast hobby demonstrate the “spirit of Christmas”. Too often media attention is given to those who have done bad things, so it’s nice to focus on folks that do caring things and inspire others to do likewise...Plus, it was a really fun day! Keep an eye out for the announcement of next year’s show, or visit www.CruisinCouples.com for more info on the club. CN