The 11th Annual Ford & Mustang Roundup galloped into Silver Springs on January 8th and 9th, 2005. This show is hosted by National Parts Depot, and has a very neat twist. The first 1,000 vehicles to pre-register by January 1st not only got free entry for their vehicle, but also two free passes to the Silver Springs Nature Theme Park. There’s a saying that nothing in life is free. Well, this show was!

When we arrived on Saturday the park was already packed with all sorts of Ford vehicles. This has become the largest Mustang and Ford event on the east coast, and it really was impressive. There are no judges, no tech, and no “leave your top and windows up” rules - just a relaxing weekend in a natural setting to visit with fellow hobbyists and friends. However there was people’s choice balloting on Saturday, with the awards presented at 2:00 pm on Sunday.

This is a really family friendly show, obviously due in large part to the setting. Silver Springs is home to the world-famous glass bottom boats that let you see the crystal clear spring water that forms a large river with neat fish, birds and plants. There are also other attractions like the Lost River Voyage, Fort King River Cruise, Jeep Safari, Lighthouse Ride, Fantastic Fountains Water Show, World of Bears, Panther Prowl, Big Gator Lagoon, and the Wings of Springs bird shows. We managed to take in several of the attractions Silver Springs has to offer, but obviously spent the majority of our time looking at all the great vehicles positioned all around the park. I guess that is why it is a two day show, so there is time to see and do everything available, however we could only attend the one day.

We have been to this show before, and it is always a relaxing good time. Of course a BIG thank you has to go out to National Parts Depot, who not only offer great restoration parts for a wide variety of vehicles, they also make this enjoyable weekend FREE for Ford and Mustang owners. I guess that’s truly giving back to the hobby. The Roundup is held the 2nd weekend of the year, so plan ahead for next year’s show. In the mean time stop by National Parts Depot in Ocala or visit their web site at www.nationalpartsdepot.com for all of your needs. CN