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photos by Mike Karlene, info by Bob Arnold, story by Michael B. Kelly Windy! Although the sun was shining and the rains stayed away, the 30th Annual Indian River Festival Car Show was continually hit with strong winds off the Indian River on April 16-17, 2005. The winds were so strong, even nearby boats were being dislodged from their moorings. Unfortunately this kept the manatees and dolphins from entertaining the participants, as they have done in past years....but it didn’t keep those in attendance from enjoying themselves just the same. On Saturday a total of 272 show cars were on Titusville’s beautiful Sand Point Park’s peninsula, known as “The Point”. The scenic show field was over capacity by mid-morning. Regrettably, some cars that were not pre-registered were unable to enter the show field. However, additional car show space is already being planned for next year’s show. The All Auto Salvage spectacular Ford, Chevy and Chrysler Engine Shoot-Out took place on Saturday. After running the trio of engines at full throttle, only the Chevy remained after 8-1/2 minutes. Some spectators were grunting like Tim Allen on the TV show Home Improvement as the testosterone filled the air, and friendly wagers no doubt placed (you know how some enthusiasts can be fiercely loyal to their brand of choice). All Auto Salvage also presented air bag demonstrations throughout the day, emphasizing the force they can impart to a person when they are released in a crash and not used properly by launching a rim and tire 10 feet into the air. It also showed the difference between older style air bags and the safer newer ones, and stressed proper use when children are involved - since they weigh much less than adults. Those wanting to keep the party going were also invited to cruise to Old Town in Kissimmee on Saturday evening. The festivities cranked back up at 9:00am at Sand Point Park on Sunday, as this is a two-day show. All pre-registered entrants received an event T-Shirt, plus a complimentary trading pin. Filling the air were the sounds of the golden oldies thanks to Butch and Jennifer Johnston of WJBJ Cruisin’ With The Classics. Plus with the rest of the Indian River Festival action going on there were carnival rides, games, an arts and crafts show, lots of food and a beer garden. Top 25 trophies were presented in the car show portion both days, along with the coveted U.S. Spacewalk Of Fame Award Of Excellence, Mayor’s Choice and Chairman’s Choice trophies each day. Plus there were goody bags, door prizes, 50/50 raffles, and a $150 cash Club Participation award each day. The Vintage Vehicles host the car show portion of the Indian River Festival every year, and always do a spectacular job. We hope you can make this two-day event next year, and I’m guessing with pleasant conditions the manatees and dolphins will likely be back too. That’s something not too many car shows can brag about! CN Saturday's Top 25: Saturday's Specialty Awards:
U.S. Space Walk of Fame Award: Robert Shearer • 1958 Lincoln Continental
Mayor’s Choice: Charles Havelka • 1955 Chevy Police Car Chairman’s Choice: Doug Snyder • 1938 Chevy Street Rod Sunday's Top 25: Sunday's Specialty Awards: |
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