The 20th Annual River Ranch Rod Run was a two-day event, which took place on January 30th and 31st, 2009. Sponsored by Rich and Linda Martin of the Sunshine State Rodding News, along with a group of good friends and family, everyone converged on the Westgate Resorts’ River Ranch for a full weekend of sun, fun and awesome cars.

My wife Donna and I decided to head south from Merritt Island toward “The Ranch” on Friday afternoon to attend the night’s activities. River Ranch is located about 25 miles west of Yeehaw Junction, just past the Kissimmee River on Highway 60 towards Lake Wales. After checking into our room, we made our way toward the sites and sounds of hot rods. Our room was located in the apartment section of the Ranch. It was very comfortable, clean and close enough to where we could walk through the large oaks and clear pathways to the show site, which was a bonus. But it must be noted that hotel / cabin space is limited during the show, so if you decide to go that route, get your reservations early.

I’ve attended a majority of the 20 years of this show, and I can tell you it’s the best for variety, quality and overall fun. The show is held on the grassy open field in front of the hotel, all along the tree-lined entry toward registration, and just about anywhere else you can find a parking space.

Friday night was the official kick-off party with DJ Butch Johnston of WJBJ Cruisin’ With The Classics spinning the tunes while Rich and the crew had sodas and popcorn for all those weary travelers arriving that night. The registration tent and T-shirt/sweatshirt sales were busy, as everyone was going for the sweatshirts that chilly evening. After hanging out and seeing the cars rumble in, we decided to grab some popcorn, socialize and hang near the bonfire to knock some of the chill off us.

When Saturday came around it was to be as beautiful as Friday was, so we were ready for the 300+ cars to arrive. The breakfast buffet first thing at the Marina filled us up for pretty much the whole day. Yum!

Good tunes, great sunshine, and cool cars all made for a great day, but Donna wanted to see the petting zoo and visit the young horses on the way. The conversation went something like this - Donna: “Look at the cute horsy, honey”. Dennis: “Look at the killer AAR ‘Cuda darlin”. See how well we get along! She expects nothing less of me.

Door prizes and trivia contests were called throughout the day, with the finale of door prizes at around 4:30pm. The 50/50 drawing of $300 was worth the price of admission alone. We were staying overnight again, so there was no need to rush anywhere. Ahhh, the rumbling starts with that glistening tin and candy colored fiberglass riding off into the sunset.

What a great show it was. The weather was perfect, socializing was to the max, and of course all the awesome rides. Thanks go out to Rich and Linda Martin and their dedicated group of family and friends that help out each year. Good job folks! For the announcement of next year’s dates be sure and keep an eye on the Coming Attractions section of Mike Kelly’s Cruise News, check out the Sunshine State Rodding News, or you can call Rich and Linda Martin at 954-587-5485.

Of course the show is just one of the facets of the River Ranch experience. Like I said, we stuck around for the whole weekend just to take part in all the fun stuff going on. We toured the large RV area, along with the cabin rentals that were available, and of course the General Store for ice cream. The airstrip is for those who would rather fly in for a round of golf, hit the marina for a river cruise, and of course our favorite is the Saturday night rodeo. It takes place next to the show site, where a slew of trick riders, bronc and bull riders, calf ropers and barrel racers pour it on for your entertainment....all in a very patriotic setting. It’s great to be an American cowboy. The rodeo happens every Saturday night, and next to it is the Saloon where we got in free with our rodeo pass. It is an authentic saloon with a great band, plenty of spirits behind the bar and friendly two-steppin’ locals hitting the dance floor.

If you’ve never been to River Ranch, check it out. It’s more fun than you can shake a stick at, and of course throw in 300+ hot rods, classic and trucks and you have a winning weekend. We hope to see ya next year at the 21st Annual River Ranch Rod Run! CN