Best of 2006!

"CRUISIN SOUTH FLORIDA'S"
"BEST OF 2006"!

What a GREAT year for car shows & cruise nights it has been! Over 60 shows this year can be viewed here at CruisinSouthFlorida.com...2006!

BY SOUTH FLORIDA POPULAR VOTE
* * * HERE ARE THE RESULTS! * * *

* TOP 10 FAVORITE CAR SHOWS OF 2006! *
(by popular vote - oldest show to most recent)

1) "Darrell Gwynn 6th Annual Hi-Performance Show" Sheehan Pontiac - Pompano. This show always starts the new year off with a bang! A nice turnout by many of the racers along with some nostalgia guys too. The show cars were double-parked and packed the parking lot tight to maximum capacity, and some late-comers had to actually be turned away. We were entertained with a "live" band. Tom Sheehan, Eugene Reidy, and the Time Bandits, pulled out all the stops to make this one a night to remember!

2) "Cheetah's 4th Annual Car & Truck Show - Hallandale. What can I say about this one! Pretty girls and a 1st class FREE buffet are always a hit! The price was right, the awards were unique, and the lot was full of great classic cars. The cool weather at this year's show did not put out the heat! Hosted by Jumpin' Jack Productions.

3) "84 Diner "President's Day Car & Truck Show" - Davie. Hosted by the "Road Knights of South Florida", this annual show is a big winner, and always draws a good turnout.

4) "18th Florida Mopar Nationals" - Tree Tops Park - Davie. One of the largest shows in South Florida, bringing in hundred of Mopars from all over the State, along with a nice vendor section, and hundreds of spectators too. Hosted by: "The Florida Mopar Connection" car club.

5) "Pirates World Reunion Show" - Dania. This show was new this year, and brought out a nice turnout of cars. There was an outdoor BBQ, lots of vendors, and "live" entertainment was provided throughout the day by several local bands up on a big stage. A lot of folks came out to reminisce about the old "Pirates World" from back in the 70's.

6) "Hot August Nights" SheehanPontiac Pompano Once again, this show packed in record numbers of cars. The weather was good to us this year and everyone came out! The night-lighting in the parking lot is exceptional, and we were once again entertained with "live" music that rocked us through the evening. Tom, Eugene, and the Time Bandits always make this show...HOT!...HOT!...HOT!

7) "Downtowner" Halloween Rod Run - Ft. Laud. Hosted by "Keith's Rods & Customs", this show is set against the backdrop of beautiful downtown Ft. Lauderdale skyscrapers and million dollar yachts on the "New River Intracoastal Waterway". The historic "Downtowner Saloon" cooks up pork on an outdoor BBQ that can't be beat! The sidewalk cafe offered great outdoor dining & drinks, the kids dressed up for the costume contest, and we were once again entertained with "live" music. The classic cars lined the show area along the waterway, there were sidewalk vendors, and a real nice spectator crowd! Always a winner at this location!

8) "Gulfstream Park Veterans Show" - Hallandale. This show was another "new kid" on the block. It was the casino's grand opening event, as well as "Veteran's Day", and the car show was a big part of the festivities. Parachute jumpers carrying one of So. Florida's largest American flags kicked off the event. There were plenty of cars, vendors & spectators at this show, brought to you by Russ Gagliano, the "Hallandale Beach Kiwanis Club", and a host of cheerful volunteers.

9) "Festival Flea Market Holiday Show"
- Pompano. Yet another 1st time show, this open show was the largest of the year! The lot was full of show cars from one end to the other, there was a vendor section, and spectators came out to admire, as well as shop in the over 500+ stores in the mall. Participants were treated to free breakfast & coffee, and received goodie bags, free gift & gas cards, and I even saw cash going into some of the winners pockets with over 60 trophies being handed out. The biggest show of the year, with amazing coordination by Russ Gagliano. Watch for this one to return next year in April.

10) "Seminole Paradise" 1st Annual Holiday Car Show - Hollywood. The GRAND FINALE of 2006! This show was set on the outdoor boardwalks throughout the "Hard Rock Hotel & Casino" complex, one of South Florida's most prestigious and awesome venues! The hot rods & buckets were the center-piece of the show, and surrounded the fountain in the center of the complex. Two of South Florida's premier car show DJ's keep the holiday spirit flowing from one end to the other, as we said so long to a GREAT year of shows, and enjoyed this final show as one of the BEST of the year! There was a vendor section by the lake, and Majic radio's Joe Johnson came out to celebrate with us doing "live" radio spots and giving away prizes. This was the 2nd time for us at this new location after a rainy 2 day "Labor Day" weekend show, which technically should be tie with this one for the "Best of 2006" shows. Hats off to Russ Gagliano for an outstanding job with this, and the other shows!

There it is... your votes for the "Top 10 Favorite Car Shows of 2006!"
Now on to some other categories...

* BEST SATURDAY NIGHT CRUISE OF 2006! *
(it's a tie!)

"Mainstreet Cruise" Miami Lakes. This cruise night was a "happening" event! You could "feel" it in the atmosphere! Record numbers of classic cars packed every space of downtown Miami Lakes, where we were treated to a FREE night of fun and "live" entertainment. Plenty of restaurants to feed us, and the spectators came in by the hundreds. Brought to you by Jumpin Jack, who had the show "jumpin" that evening for sure!

"Weston Nostalgia Saturday Night" - Weston. Another "happening" cruise night, not to be outdone! This one had all the right ingredients for a memorable cruise night, and trophies were handed out at close to many of South Florida's finest classics! This show was also packed to capacity, and featured "live" entertainment on the streets, as well as oldies by Rockin Rich.

* BEST SUNDAY NIGHT CRUISE OF 2006! *

"Crabby Jacks Sunday Night Cruise" - Deerfield Beach. This cruise night ran for many years off Federal Hwy, and reached it's apex early this year, when the plug was finally pulled for good. Sunday nights you could always find a great crowd with classic cars double parked to squeeze everyone in. This cruise started with some slow nights many years ago, but Rockin Rich, Crabby Jacks, and all the car guys hung in there until this grew to become one of the hottest cruise nights around. It will be missed.

* BEST CAR SHOW AT A RACE TRACK IN 2006! *

"Hot Rod Sunday" - Moroso Motorsports Park - West Palm Beach. This show happens twice every year on the 1st Sunday in February, and 1st Sunday in August. There is always plenty to see & do! A manufacturers midway, lots of vendors, a car corral, show cars, food, music, swap meet, plenty of spectators, and of course all day drag racing...it's PERFECT! This show is open to all types of vehicles and is judged by class, with awards, is very affordable, and kids under 12 get in FREE. It's always a fun packed day at Hot Rod Sunday at Moroso Motorsports Park!

* MOST FUN SHOW OF 2006! *

"Toys in the Sun Run" Bike & Car Show - Markham Park - Davie. This show wins "hands down" as the most fun show you can go to all year! The largest event in So. Florida...over 30,000 bikes from all over the state ride in a parade that take hours to cross Broward county, bringing in toys for the kids. This event shuts down 2 interstate highways and draws helicopters & national TV media coverage. This year, classic convertibles were used to transport the various dignitaries and celebrities, who rode in at the front of the parade. The car show parks in a V.I.P section inside the event. This event brings in local & national talent on a massive sound stage...Steven Tylor (of Aerosmith), Richie Sambora (of Bon Jovi), Lou Gramm (of Foreigner), "George Thorogood", "Blue Oyster Cult", and hot local blues bands like "The Hep Cat Boo Daddies", as well as a host of other famous people. A huge vendor section, food & beer, smokin hot babes, and so much to see, do, listen to, and enjoy. Proudly hosted by "The Cruisers of South Florida".

* BEST CITY CAR SHOW EVENTS OF 2006! *
* * Top 3 * *

"Miami Springs Annual Independence Day Show" - Miami Springs. This is an annual event that happens on the eve of the "4th of July" every year. The "Circle of Miami Springs" wraps around the park and gazebo, and is shut down to local traffic to host over 150 cars in this big event. This years show featured "live" singing talent "Trebel in Paradise" doing a patriotic holiday tribute. Giveaways included prizes, cash, and large flat screen color TVs, as well as unique awards for "Best Decorated". Hosted by Jumpin' Jack, this one always draws a nice crowd.

"Dream Car Classic" - Downtown Hollywood. This monthly show is now going well into it's 2nd year! The 1st Sunday of every month, downtown Hollywood Blvd is shut down, where show cars line up for several city blocks. This show features comfortable parking and seating with plenty of shade, lots of restaurants and stores, live entertainment, activities for the kids, big spectator crowds, and some of south Florida's finest classics. Coordinated by Russ Gagliano, the show is open to pre-76 only, and is held the 1st Sunday of every month.

"Cooper City Founders Day Show" This annual show is held at Bryan Piccolo Park in Cooper City, and features a combined fair and show with "live" entertainment and festivities for the family. A well established show... hosted by: "Antique Automobile Club of America, Ft. Lauderdale Region".

* NEWEST "HAPPENING" CRUISE NIGHT OF 2006! *

"Side Pockets Sunday Night Cruise" - Margate. This new cruise night has a nice warm and friendly feel to it, with a nice turnout of classics every Sunday night, and is the perfect way to wrap up the weekend. One of the areas largest billiard rooms with lots of TVs to catch all the local sports actions. Rockin' Rich always entertains with great oldies and doowop music, there is a nice discount on the meal, and there is trivia and awards too. A nice well light parking lot that's easy to get to, between the Turnpike and 441 on Coconut Creek Pkwy.

* LONGEST RUNNING CRUISE NIGHT OF 2006! *

2006-Spring "Towershoppes Friday Night Cruise" - Davie. Clearly the obvious winner! This cruise night may possibly have set a record for being one of the longest running in the country, certainly without a doubt in South Florida! Going on 15 years now, this has long been the place to "see, and be seen"! Many have debuted their new rides here, bought a classic car here or some used parts, and have made life-long friends too. A unique combination of all the right ingredients...easy to get to, as it is centrally located in Broward county near the Turnpike and Interstate highways, with a very large parking lot with outer expansion areas, lots of stores and restaurants, a BIG vendor section, giveaways & hula hoop contests, music by "DJ Scott the Music Man"...that's me, and is host to hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, specialty vehicles, club sections, and even the imports and late models too. Local racers & various celebrities can often be spotted strolling through, we've been "buzzed" by the blimp, had an actual Friday night on location wedding, and have been featured in local newspapers, magazines, and radio and local TV coverage. This cruise night has essentially been the "hub" of the South Florida car show community. Hosted by Mike, Sid, and their volunteers families... "The Florida Street Rods". Follow the occasional search lights to this "happening" event every Friday night from 6-10pm, S.E. corner of I-595 / University Dr, in the "Towershoppes Plaza" in Davie.

Well... that's it! With your votes, that is CruisinSouthFlorida.com's "Best of 2006"! It was a GREAT year! There were many other great shows and cruise nights throughout the year too. We saw the passing of a great cruise night at Crabby Jacks, but watched a new one emerge at Side Pockets. We enjoyed our 2nd year at J.P Mulligans Sat Night Cruise. We saw some shows suffer from poor weather, and some excel with perfect weather. We enjoyed many annual shows, and saw the birth of some awesome new shows too. We saw many benefit shows raise support for local kids, and the needy. We made some new friends, and cruised with many old ones. You watched this car community grow even closer through new web sites, and watched this web site evolve to hit it's 1st 1 million page hits in just 1 year!

Watch for many of these repeat annual shows next year, as well as some more new ones coming our way. Thanks to all the individuals... folks like Russ Gagliano & Jumpin' Jack, all the various volunteers, cities, businesses, organizations, and car clubs, who worked hard to keep our hobby alive, and YOU... the car guys... who make it ALL happen!

Happy New Year!... See you in 2007!
Review by: DJ "Scott The MusicMan"