Cars on 5th: What to know about the annual Naples car show
The annual Cars on 5th event in Naples is right around the corner with some new changes.
Organziers pledged last July to make some changes to security and the way traffic is dealt with ― and it seems like they're going to deliver those changes.
Here's what you need to know about Cars on 5th before you attend this weekend.
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What is Cars on 5th?
Cars on 5th is a Naples tradition. Every year, car-lovers meet up for the show cars, wine tasting, cigars and vendors. The event raises money for St. Matthew's House, an organization that fights hunger in Southwest Florida.
WHEN IS IT? This year's event takes place Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHAT KIND OF CARS: There are hundreds of cars on display, including Ferraris, Porches, Corvettes, McLarens, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins and Maseratis.
DID YOU KNOW: Shelby America will be displaying a range of vintage, prototype and modern cars. This year, Shelby America will reveal the Shelby Series 2 car for the very first time.
WHAT ELSE: The event also will have food vendors and small businesses set up for attendees to walk through.
What were the issues with the event last year?
Organizers said last year's Cars on 5th brought heavy traffic to downtown Naples.
"The crowds were enormous," Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann said last July during a City Council meeting. "You can see from the pictures that they were just packed within that space, which makes it hard for any safety."
With crowds expected up to 20,000 this year, organizers knew they needed to make some changes to avoid congestion.
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How will the organizers reduce congestion this year?
Limited amount of tickets sold this year.
Most areas around the event will require a ticket, like the asphalt area and VIP spots.
Sidewalks still will be open to the public.
VIP section of the event will be located on the softball field in Cambier Park instead of the two blocks north of 5th Ave South.
Multiple exits coordinated at multiple streets, instead of just one exit onto US 41.
Closing Park Street to reduce the 8th Street South closure space.
Entrance at US 41 and 5th Ave South will have a buffer space between the intersection and entrance to create a safe space for attendees.
Where can attendees park for the event?
You can park in any public parking area downtown.
There are two parking garages downtown:
Between 5th Avenue S. and 4th Ave S. with an entrance off 8th Street S.
Between 5th Avenue S. and 6th Ave S. behind Bert's Seafood.
There also are several public parking spots in front of Cambier Park.
Parking and shuttles will be available at the county garages on Airport and US 41.
Where do you buy tickets?
This year, you must have a wristband to enter the event. You can get one at four locations:
St. Matthew's House Naples Airport Boutique Store, 2601 Airport Road S.
Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
St. Matthew's House Naples Park Shore Boutique Store, 3601 Tamiami Trail N.
Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
St. Matthew's House Fort Myers Metro Boutique Store, 13140 Metro Pkwy
Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lulu's Kitchen, 2125 Airport Pulling Road S.
Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: What to know about Naples Cars on 5th 2024
