By B.C. Manion
Organizers of the first Al and Ida Silver Memorial Classic Car Show are delighted by the number of cars that entered the show, the number of vendors who participated and the hundreds of spectators who turned out.
The weather was spectacular, said Lonnie Piper of A-OK Trophies LLC. Her parents, the namesake of the event, ran the trophy shop for decades and were known for their civic work.
Piper was thrilled by the community’s response to the event.
Sixty-seven cars entered and the event raised more than $1,000 for the Heritage Park Foundation, organizers said.
Larry Broga, who judged the cars for the contest, said it was difficult to choose the winners because the cars all were in such excellent condition, Broga said.
The “Heritage Park Best of Show” award went to Danny Green of Riverview, who received the top prize for his “Bonnie and Clyde Era” car.
Broga said the organizers should be pleased with the number of entries for a first-time event. He predicts the show will continue to grow and will become a big draw for car show competitors and enthusiasts.
There’s no doubt that the event will become an annual event, said Sandy Graves of the Heritage Park Foundation.
Graves said the event was hosted by the Heritage Park Foundation, LOL Saturday Market and the Pasco County Parks and Recreation.
Event sponsors included ABC Pizza, Alan’s Automotive, A-OK Trophies, Amalfi Pizza, Anytime Fitness, Bank of America, Encore Boutique, Golf Cart Depot, Heritage Bank, Republican Club of Central Pasco, Land O’ Lakes Marine, NAPA Auto Parts, Land O’ Lakes Rent-A-Car, McDonald’s, Meredith’s Tire and Auto, Papa John’s, Commissioner Pat Mulieri, Rapscallions, Robin Whittemore-Personal Chef, Rock Auto, Rose Nail, Scent Monster, SunTrust Bank, Tires Plus of Lutz, Warehouse Wine and Liquor.
Broga said organizers should consider adding a swap meet, where people can trade and sell parts. That will add to the event’s appeal, Broga said.
He also thinks they should keep the event an open class competition because that invites people with all kinds of cars. He said many younger car enthusiasts enjoy cars that are personalized and fast, while older car buffs, like himself, enjoy the nostalgia that comes from restoring a car from an earlier era.
Broga was impressed by the number of vendors who participated and the number of spectators who turned out.
Many car shows draw mostly people who are part of the subculture of people who are into restoring cars or enhancing their performance.
This event drew spectators from all walks of life.
The proceeds from the show will help pay for improvements at the park, which is just behind the Land O’ Lakes Community Center on US 41.
Anyone who would like to know more about the Heritage Park Foundation can call Graves at (813) 996-3011.
