Imagine nearly 1,500 collector cars and trucks participating in just the second year of a car show! You’re not dreaming. It happened at the terrific 2nd Annual Daytona Beach Dream Cruise, held October 23-25, 2009. The event provided tremendous numbers of widely varied vehicles for viewing and plenty of fun special activities throughout the Daytona Beach area – and it was all free, with no registration fees and no admission fees. The weekend started Friday with special vehicles along Atlantic Ave. (A1A). That afternoon and evening, there was a super gathering beachside at the historic Bandshell. Lots of great cars were displayed in close proximity of the Bandshell stage and in the adjacent Oceanfront Park. The band “Steam” provided terrific entertainment. An enthusiastic group of cheerleaders on hand for a competition even got up on stage and danced while “Steam” performed. In between the band’s sets, everyone enjoyed a really great historic racing film on a huge screen alongside the stage.

Saturday from early morning until late afternoon, at their convenience owners had the opportunity to check-in all years and all types of collector cars and trucks at the huge parking area behind the Volusia Mall where each vehicle was photographed. Learning from 2008, procedures were streamlined so check-in and photography went smoothly and quickly. After the event, all of these photos were digitally enhanced and each owner received their totally free photo by mail. Also, all of these photos are posted on the website as high resolution images for everyone to enjoy. Anyone can download and share these photos and use these images as they wish. See sample thumbnails of these keepsake photos in this article and see over 2,400 photos from the 2009 event as well as lots of photos from the 2008 event on www.daytonabeachdreamcruise.com.

Saturday, in addition to cruising and the big Volusia Mall car displays, there were judged car shows along International Speedway Blvd. (US 92) and in Ponce Inlet. Beginning in mid afternoon, lots of cars and enthusiasts gathered at a really nice venue, The Aquarium / Halifax Harbor Marina Park. That evening, the new 1950’s hot rod car culture movie “Deuce of Spades” was seen for the very first time by anyone anywhere. That’s right, the world premiere of this film took place at the Daytona Beach Dream Cruise. Appropriately, there were lots of ’32 Fords displayed adjacent to the scenic outdoor viewing area. A big crowd made history being the first audience anywhere to see this movie. Not only was this the initial viewing, the film had not yet been finally edited so viewers at this event filled out questionnaires that producer/director Faith Granger has used to fine-tune the movie. The “Deuce of Spades” DVD that will soon be available for delivery to the public will incorporate suggestions of Daytona Beach Dream Cruise viewers. The final version will be about 45 minutes shorter that the director’s cut seen that night. Anyone wishing to order the “Deuce of Spades” DVD or any other film related merchandise can contact lea@stillrunnin.com. To learn more about the film you can visit www.deuceofspadesmovie.com or www.stillrunnin.com/magazine/sr5/11-12.

Sunday’s final event was also held at The Aquarium / Halifax Harbor Marina Park featuring a big display of cars and many enthusiasts enjoying live entertainment, and drawings for lots of cash and a fantastic 4-night cruise to the Bahamas courtesy of Cruise Savers. There was even an after party at Hooters and Speed Park Motorsports as participants hit the road to head back home after this fun weekend. Except for a few clouds on Sunday, the weather the whole weekend was perfect which was appreciated by everyone, especially those who enjoyed the special entertainment Friday and Saturday nights.

Looking forward to the 3rd Annual Daytona Beach Dream Cruise, the event will be held as always the fourth weekend of October, which is the weekend after Biketoberfest®. Join everyone Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 22, 23 & 24, 2010. Heacock Classic Collector Car Insurance and National Parts Depot (NPD) are returning as sponsors of the 2010 event and thanks to them, the event will again be totally free for the public and participants. Speed Park Motorsports is again making it possible to provide a really nice digitally enhanced keepsake photo totally free to each owner of a special car or truck brought to check-in on Saturday. Planning for 2010’s event is coming along and it has already been confirmed that Friday night will again feature a big fun free gathering at the Bandshell, with “Steam” returning and another great historic racing film to be shown. All collector vehicles will be welcome. Following the 2009 event, the City of Daytona Beach has completed some tasteful appearance upgrades of the Bandshell and Boardwalk areas so 2010’s Friday afternoon and nighttime activities will be even nicer. As we get closer to the 2010 event, schedule details will be added to www.daytonabeachdreamcruise.com. In the meantime, you can register for free online by visiting the website. The reason for registering in advance is to provide your E-Mail address so you can be informed of schedule changes. Online registration is not necessary if you’re already receiving event updates by E-Mail. Contact Event Director Rick D’Louhy with any questions at 386-672-1861 or rick@daytonabeachdreamcruise.com.

Make sure to look at more photos on www.daytonabeachdreamcruise.com to get a feel for this big, fun, free, unique event, October 22-24, 2010. As everyone plans to attend the 2010 Daytona Beach Dream Cruise, remember that you can see and participate in as many of the event’s activities as your schedule allows. You don’t need to register in advance. All you need to do is show up to have a great time, for free. CN