Celebrating it’s sixth year in 2004, the Lake Mirror Classic certainly isn’t the oldest show to take place in Florida, but it has quickly become one of my personal favorites. It is hard to beat the variety of vehicles you can see, which run the gamut from bare-bones, kick-butt hot rods, clear up to ultra-rare and brilliantly elegant classics that you may have known existed....but never thought you’d see in person. This year the show was held on October 15th and 16th, in the beautiful setting around Lake Mirror, and in the closed-off streets of the adjacent downtown Lakeland.

We made the trip over from Orlando on Saturday, and were happy that the show was blessed again with great weather. Once parked we first went to the open car show area, and proceeded to wind through the 16-block area of downtown, finding a great combination of stock and modified cars and trucks. They were sorted into groups based on the type of vehicle they were, which was neat. Plus an attractive acrylic plaque was displayed with each vehicle, identifying the year, make and model, plus containing interesting info about it - a very nice touch that has always been a part of this event, which I’m sure the many thousands of spectators appreciate.

Along the way of looking at cool cars we ran into DJ Butch Johnston playing classic rock ‘n roll tunes in the streets, as well as the uniquely cool Oscar Meyer Wienermobile....and no, they are not one in the same! (Just kidding, Butch - though they were within eyesight of each other). In the open car show area many vehicles were honored with Sponsor’s Choice ribbons, which were proudly displayed on the windshield of the vehicles chosen, indicating which sponsor had made the selection.

We slowly made our way towards Lake Mirror, where the Concours d’Elegance vehicles were located. This included about 100 great classics on the promenade, displayed along the semi-circular walkway directly adjacent to the lake, as well as the grassy banks. Plus there were a group of neat classic motorcycles, classic wooden boats in the lake, and entertainment in the Lake Mirror Amphitheater. One after another were jaw-droppingly beautiful displays of automotive excellence. Three Waterford crystal vases on marble bases were presented to Concorse vehicles, which consisted of the Best Of Show, Mayor’s Award, and the Chairman’s Award.

Parish-Heacock Classic Car Insurance organizes this well run event, which this year was sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, as well as other businesses. The Lake Mirror Classic is not only a great time that is free to spectators, it helps raise funds for local nonprofit organization such as Junior Achievement of Polk County.

If you have not yet checked out this event, you really should. Just remember, if you want to enter your vehicle you must submit an application in advance, so be sure to plan ahead. A catered lunch is provided to all participants, plus the souvenir display sign, which are good bonus items in addition to the fond memories you’ll take home. The dates for next year’s event have been set for October 14th and 15th, 2005. So mark your calendar now, or keep an eye on our Coming Attractions section to jog your memory as the dates near. We’ll be there, and we hope to see you too! For more info on the Lake Mirror Classic you can visit www.lakemirrorclassic.com. CN