Cool Cars Bring Warm Smiles

The first contestant rolled in at about 9 a.m.

It was quickly followed by a steady stream of classic and souped-up cars lining the field at the Land O' Lakes Community Center for the Al and Ida Silver Memorial Car Show.

Volunteers and vendors bundled up against the biting wind early Saturday morning, hoping the sun might cut the chill as the day went on.

And though the sun didn't provide much relief, the cool cars brought warm smiles to those who came out.

This year's event drew 42 registered contestants, about 25 less than last year's event. A classic car show at The Shops at Wiregrass was scheduled during the same time, which may have drawn some participants away, event organizer and foundation president Sandy Graves said.

Despite the lower turnout, foundation members were pleased with the crowd.

The turnout was "darn good, considering the competition and the weather," organizer Pam St. Marks said.

Volunteers, participants and attendees "withstood the elements to help our organization," Graves said.

There were even a few celebrity sightings: Donkey sat behind the wheel while Shrek sat shotgun in one participating car.

The car show serves as a fundraiser for The Heritage Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes the improvement of the community center and park. The show is dedicated to the memory of Al and Ida Silver, longtime residents of Land O' Lakes and two of the founders of the Heritage Park Foundation, Graves said in a .

Trophies were awarded to the top 20 cars chosen by the judges. A Heritage Park Foundation Choice award was given to Steven Tuck of Homosassa for his 1962 Eldorado Cadillac. 

Other winners included:

Ned Cohen - 1969 Chevy Camaro

Mike Weir - 1965 Chevy Corvette

Julie Goodger - 2004 Toyota Celica

Michael Anderson - 2002 Toyota Celica

Ray Garbatini - 1962 Chevy Impala

Lee D'Amigo - 1955 Ford T-Bird

Dennis Costantino - 1972 Dodge Charger SE

Jamie Bloom - 2004 Toyota Celica GT

Bill and Trisha Crabb - 1963 Chevy Corvette

Michael Fontaine - 2008 Mustang Bullit

Bill Madison - 1971 Chevy Camaro

Thomas Matzke - 2002 GMC Sonoma

Linda Ellerbee - 1931 Durant Taxi

Jerry Murphy - 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo

Richard Plummer - 1968 VW Beetle Convertible

Robert Sonorese - 1937 Plam

Norris Chavis Jr. - 1966 Ford Mustang

Mike Sells - 2006 Ford Mustang GT

Dee Howard - 1966 Plymouth Barracuda

Car coming from longest distance: Robert Cornett (from Kentucky) 1983 Cadillac Deville

For more information about the foundation or to volunteer, visit the organization's Facebook page or contact Graves at sgraves253@msn.com.

Check out our photo gallery, and feel free to add your own event photos.