Emerald Coast Cruizin' returns to Panama City Beach with classic cars, hot rods

Ebonee Burrell, The News Herald
·4 min read

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Thousands of car enthusiasts will be cruising in next week for Panama City Beach's premier classic car and hot rod show.

The 17th annual Emerald Coast Cruizin’ festival returns Wednesday through Saturday, boasting thousands of classic cars, hot rods and custom vehicles in Panama City Beach. The main event will be at Aaron Bessant Park, 600 Pier Park Drive, adjacent to shopping and restaurants at Pier Park.

The biannual event, which is held in March and November each year, was founded by car enthusiast Robert Parrish of Flip Flop Promotions Inc. In 2005, he brought Emerald Coast Cruizin’ to life and starting with 352 cars in the show, and now he’s anticipating the biggest turnout yet, with more than 2,000 expected to attend.

Read more: Panama City Songwriters Festival returns to downtown. Here's what to expect

'Money well spent': Panama City Beach to spend $150K to begin Lullwater Lake cleanup

“Each year, we see about a 500 car count increase, so I believe this will be our biggest show yet,” Parrish said. “We’re way up in registration, the weather looks great, and we have a great lineup of events for this year.”

This year’s event will raise money for Shriners Children's Hospital and the Shiners of Panama City Beach will help park cars. Also, the Panama City Optimist Club will raise funds for childhood cancer.

Emerald Coast Cruizin' returns to Aaron Bessant Park at Pier Park in Panama City Beach for the fall show held Wednesday through Saturday.
Emerald Coast Cruizin' returns to Aaron Bessant Park at Pier Park in Panama City Beach for the fall show held Wednesday through Saturday.

Admission for spectators is $15 per day or $40 for a three-day ticket. Ages 12 and younger are free with a paid adult. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. No outside food and drinks can be brought into the venue, but festival-goers will have a selection available at the Vendor Midway Food Court.

While vehicle pre-registration has ended for this year, guests may register at the event site from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Registration is $65, which includes a parking sticker and two wristbands that grant admission for all days at Aaron Bessant Park.

Hot rods, classics, rad rods and motorcycles are welcome. Also, Corvettes, Camaros, T-Birds, Firebirds, Thunderbirds, Mustangs, Challengers, Chargers, Monte Carlo SS, Chevy SS454 pickups, Ford Lightning pickups, Vipers, or Prowlers of any year are eligible to enter the car show. For all rules and qualifications for registering a classic car or hot rod, visit EmeraldCoastCruizin.com.

Automotive celebrity guests attending this year’s event include:

  • Dennis Gage, a TV show host who will film an episode of “My Classic Car” during the event.

  • George Poteet, driver of the Speed Demon – the world's fastest car.

  • Sam Memmolo, a car enthusiast who will be available to visit with participants, check out their rides and answer their questions.

Sam Memmolo will be among the special guests at Emerald Coast Cruizin'.
Sam Memmolo will be among the special guests at Emerald Coast Cruizin'.

“It’s all about kicking back to enjoy the love of classic vehicles. We know if people love cars and love the beach, then they will love this event,” Parrish said. “It’s almost like a family reunion seeing how everyone comes together every year.”

Event schedule

The event kicks off Wednesday with a block party at the Todd Herendeen Theatre, 8010 Front Beach Road, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday’s festivities include a grand opening celebration at 10 a.m., followed by a Shop Talk with Gage, Poteet, and Memmolo at 1:30 p.m. In addition, a flame-throwing contest will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Hammerhead Fred’s, 8752 Thomas Drive.

The event continues Friday with a Tech seminar by Memmolo at 10 a.m. and the Speed Demon displayed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A tribute to honor veterans takes place at 1 p.m., followed by live music from the Na Na Sha band at 1:30 p.m. Friday’s activities wrap up with a firework show at 6 p.m. on the beach behind Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant, 15201 Front Beach Road.

Classic cars, hot rods and custom cars and trucks will be on display when Emerald Coast Cruizin' returns to Aaron Bessant Park.
Classic cars, hot rods and custom cars and trucks will be on display when Emerald Coast Cruizin' returns to Aaron Bessant Park.

Saturday concludes the festival with another Tech seminar by Memmolo at 10 a.m. and the Speed Demon showing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At 1:30 p.m., local favorite and national recording artist Todd Herendeen will take the stage for a true Elvis in concert experience with “A Tribute to the King.” An award show and cash and prize drawings will be at 4:30 p.m., wrapping up the event.

For more details, visit EmeraldCoastCruizin.com.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Emerald Coast Cruizin' will bring classic rides to Panama City Beach