This one is my all-time personal favorite! Most of the year Punta Gorda is a quiet, laid-back town in Southwest Florida. However, when April rolls around this sleepy town really comes to life for one weekend, this time hitting on April 17-18. A large section of downtown gets roped off for a huge block party, complete with a live band - this year they hosted the Lovin’ Spoonful. On the west side of this party, at the very picturesque Gilchrist Park, the Peace River Region AACA puts on a very nice car show.

Why is it my personal favorite? For starters, the park is definitely the nicest setting I have ever seen for a car show. It is a shady grassy park, located right on the Peace River, where the cool river breeze makes you feel great! The setting is picturesque, with the river itself, nearby bridges, and the town of Port Charlotte on the other bank working together to create a post-card setting. The gazebos and other facilities make the location a perfect place to host this type of event. As if this event isn’t enough, the nearby Fisherman’s Village has plenty of shops and restaurants to help make the visit enjoyable.

Most of the time the weather for this event is downright perfect, and this year it seemed somehow even more perfect, it that’s possible. The combination of weather, a great location, and a great sponsoring car club drew car owners from Tampa, Naples, and even Ft. Lauderdale. To make it even better, Bobby Soxx provided music, and club members offered hot dogs, hamburgers and other goodies.
For a friendly, laid-back weekend car show in a picturesque setting, you can’t beat this show. Maybe one of these days I’ll attend the block party... -Gary E. Tayman CN