| Many participants have told us they really look forward to our Beach Blast car show, and every year we look forward to hosting it. 2008 marked the 14th Annual on Sunday, May 18th....though people start showing up and staying at the Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Resort host hotel several days before the official show day.
As the main sponsor for the Beach Blast we’ve been happy to have Ron Hassel of All-Midwest Sales (a major parts manufacturers’ representative company) for many, many years. Ron’s support makes the show possible, and we appreciate his friendship over the years as well. Advance Auto Parts is a co-sponsor that also makes the show a reality, as well as our main door prize sponsor, contributing many great items their stores carry. Other door prize items were once again contributed by Valvoline and Eagle One, ensuring that lots of people went home with cool stuff. Please keep these companies in mind when it comes time to make a purchase, and help support those that give back to not only our event, but many others around Florida as well.
Due to space limitations at the Holiday Inn the Beach Blast is limited to the first 200 vehicles, which is met months before the actual show date through pre-registration. Since the vast majority of participants arrive a day or two (if not more) early for the show, DJ’s Butch and Jennifer Johnston of WJBJ Cruisin’ With The Classics help us entertain everyone on Friday and Saturday night with their great mix of classic tunes. They also hold 50/50 raffles during the informal evening “cruise-ins” while we give out the registration packets, which include one free T-Shirt with great original Beach Blast artwork by Adam Icenogle, printed by Daytona Trophy. Everyone hangs out and has a great time, and it helps set the tone for the laid-back weekend to come.
As has been the plan for several years now, we gave out vouchers on a first come, first served basis for those that want to park in the special promenade area, which consists of lush landscaping along the winding brick road leading from the front of the hotel to the beach-front Ocean Deck located directly on Cocoa Beach. On Saturday afternoon we go ahead and park those 50 or 60 promenade vehicles, so there is no rush on Sunday morning. Last year we were able to use one of the tennis courts as well, and this year we got the nod to utilize both of them, which provided some more cool spots that everyone seemed to appreciate.
WJBJ also pumps out the tunes all Sunday as well, when participant voting takes place to determine the Top 40 awards. The door prize drawing takes place at 3:00pm on the fist level of the Ocean Deck, followed by the awards presentation. Things wrap up with a traditionally huge 50/50 raffle drawing.
We can’t offer up enough thanks to those who help us, and that includes Bob Arnold, Jack Messemer, Billy Craft, and Ed Fitzpatrick. Once again C&D Golf Carts in Titusville provided us with several golf carts, including a custom one with a Harley-Davidson theme. They provide sales and service, so if you need anything golf cart related give them a call at 321-268-4882.
Last but certainly not least we’d like to thank ALL of the participants that once again came out for some fun. You have all been so great over the years, and of course it is your cool vehicles that make the show special in the first place!
Next year’s pre-registration for Beach Blast 15 will open on January 1st, 2009 on our web site (here), plus there will be forms in the January issue of our printed magazine. The 200 spots go very fast though, so be sure and act early if you plan to attend. I’m sure it will be another great event, and we’re already excited! CN
Additional Beach Blast pictures by:
WJBJ Cruisin' With The Classics
SPECIALTY AWARDS:
Best Paint: Scott & Marlene Leavitt • 1972 Mustang Mach 1
Best Engine: Chuck & Jeanne Kilgore • 1969 Chevelle SS 396
Best Interior: Bill & Janie Von Hofen • 1957 Chevy
Tom Staggs Memorial: Mike Cavallaro • 1937 Ford Woodie
Cruise News Choice: J.R. Goodman • 1972 Dodge Challenger
Best Of Show: Tom Brown • 1935 Packard Roadster
TOP 40:
Wayne & Judy Newkirk • 1957 Ford Custom 300
Steve & Debbie Peel • 1939 Ford Standard Coupe
Ken & Kay DeLeau • 1969 Chevy Chevelle
Greg & Rhonda Jones • 1974 AMC Gremlin X
Don & Nancy Shollengarger • 1957 Chevy Bel Air
Gene Tanner • 1932 Ford 5-Window Coupe
Keith Ward • 1957 Chevy Nomad
Mark Losh • 1978 Chevy Camaro Z/28
Tom Diemer • 1973 Dodge Challenger
Howard & Sue Krusey • 1932 Ford Roadster
Steve Edenfield • 1932 Ford 5-Window Coupe
Ryan Edenfield • 1941 Willys Coupe
Linda Rais • 1968 Ford Torino GT
Tim & T.J. Brown • 1972 Chevy C-10 Pickup
Tim & Debbie Brown • 1967 Chevy Camaro RS
Steve Clary • 1946 Ford Convertible
Brian Moss • 1965 Chevy II Nova
Don Raker • 1966 Rambler Convertible
Matt & Margaret Mattingly • 1967 Chevy Camaro
Sandy & Lynda Cordova • 1963 Chevy II Nova
Joe & Tina Furnari • 1932 Ford Phaeton
Peter (The Dude) Reynolds • 1966 Ford Fairlane GTA
Gail & Harry Buffkin • 1930 Ford 5-Window Coupe
Steve Marbais • 1970 Ford Torino GT Convertible
Bill & Jane Nice • 1947 Chevy Coupe
Darrell Johnson • 1955 Chevy 2-Door
Ken Griffin • 1969 Dodge Superbee
Sam & Carol Mascia • 1951 Mercury 2-Door Custom
J.T. & Donna Reynolds • 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible
Roland M. Ahearn Jr. • 1955 Ford Crown Victoria
John Canepa • 1962 Chevy Impala
Craig Maloy • 1967 Pontiac GTO
Michael Verga Sr. • 1957 Ford Fairlane 500
Sam & Linda Gianino • 1957 Chevy Bel Air
William & Melanie Porter • 1946 Hudson Commodore
Jerry & Connie Paul • 1967 Pontiac GTO Convertible
Mark Harvell • 1932 Ford Coupe
Arnold & Sandy Seaman • 1923 Ford T-Bucket
Dick Koch • 1959 Plymouth Sport Fury
Ron Simmons • 1934 Ford C400 Sedan
Mike Guido • 1962 Austin Mini / Minissan
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