Cruise Over to Panama City Beach, Florida,
for Classic Car Show

edited by Nan Frient

Classic cars, hot rods and the people who love them gear up for the fourth annual Emerald Coast Cruizin', Mon, Nov. 3 - Sat., Nov. 8, in Panama City Beach, Florida.

The event takes place at Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway, located in the heart of town. Bring your family and friends for a long weekend of all things automotive, with music, food and fun all in high gear.

This year's Emerald Coast Cruizin' is presented by the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Simon Property Group's Pier Park and O'Reilly Auto Parts. The event is expected to draw more than 3,000 cars from across the country. You'll see hot rods; classic, custom and muscle cars; street rods and competition vehicles from far and wide.

Emerald Coast Cruizin' features car displays, Cruizin' for Cash, Night Cruizin' and the MEGA Swap Meet, where you'll find everything from hubcaps to headlights and unique auto accessories. Bring a chair and watch the event's signature car parade or pick up a ride of your own at the Auto Auction, Sat., starting at noon. [Insert Cruizin Hot Rod picture]

Step back in time to America's golden era with the cult movie classic, "American Graffiti." Original movie cast members join this year's festivities to celebrate the film's 35th anniversary with sock-hops, rock n' roll concerts and more. On Fri., Nov. 4, cruise over to the drive-in diner and theater, featuring soda fountain treats and a special screening of "American Graffiti."

For classic family fun, head to the children's area, where young ones can delight in the remote-control Nascar racetrack, a bounce house and more. Another Emerald Coast Cruizin' favorite is the Burnout Contest. With the audience as judge, crowd participation determines the winner. Other events include nightly parties, an Elvis impersonator and live music at local hot spots.

A full schedule of activities can be found in the Emerald Coast Cruizin' event program online at http://www.emeraldcoastcruizin.com or by calling 888-299-7892 or 662-587-9572.

Photos courtesy of Jimbo Perkins, GulfCoast MotorSports Magazine.