Engines will rev along the Emerald Coast

Classic cars, hot rods and the young and old people who love them will gear up for the seventh annual Emerald Coast Cruizin’ to be held Nov. 7-12 in Panama City Beach, Fla. The event’s fun, food and music takes place at Frank Brown Park along Panama City Beach Parkway, as well as at many other Panama City Beach hot spots.

The event is expected to draw more than 3,000 cars from across the country, many of which are among the best examples in hot rods, classics, customs, muscle cars and other competition cars from far and wide. Billed as the “South’s Best Blast from the Past,” Emerald Coast Cruizin’ features cool car displays, beachfront cruises, burnout contests, a ’50s Rock & Roll Beach Bash, a spectacular Kick-Off Block Party and more than 125 vendors selling everything from hubcaps to headlamps and unique auto accessories. Bring a chair and watch the event’s signature car parade, or drive off with a ride of your own at the car corral where cars of all makes and models will be displayed.

Vehicle registration opens on Monday, Nov. 7, and runs through Saturday, Nov. 12, in front of Sharky’s Beach Front Restaurant at 15201 Front Beach Road.

Be sure to visit Cruise Central at Sharky’s starting Monday where official event T-shirts are offered, important announcements are made and where participants show off their ride. On Friday, Nov. 11, car owners will rev up their vehicles’ engines for a beach cruise along the beautiful main thoroughfares of Panama City Beach.

On Wednesday, Nov. 9, owners will show off their rides at Sharkey’s and admire the eclectic mix of hot rods, customs, muscle cars and more during the biggest block party on the Gulf Coast. The fun includes prizes, special awards, live music and more.

Participants annually head to Frank Brown Park on Thursday, Nov. 10, for the chrome-plated Show and Shine. Event activities include DJ KOTO “King of the Oldies” spinning tunes, vendor displays and special guest Linda Vaughn, “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter.” Vaughn, the first lady of drag racing, will be greeting guests at Frank Brown Park Nov. 10-12. A Thursday night flame-throwing contest at Hammerhead Fred’s at 8752 Thomas Drive is all a part of the fun.

The event’s signature car parade on Friday, Nov. 11, will celebrate revving engines and burning rubber at 4 p.m. where cars, trucks and hot rods line the streets. The route begins at beautiful Pier Park and winds through Panama City Beach to Sharky’s where the fun heads into overdrive at the event’s legendary back to the ’50s Beach Bash after the parade. Car enthusiasts and event participants will enjoy a night of camaraderie, food, drinks and live music.

Nightly entertainment is also hosted at Pineapple Willy’s, Sandpiper Beacon and Hammerhead Fred’s during the week-long event. The week caps off at Frank Brown Park on Saturday, Nov. 14, with more vendor displays and a complete awards ceremony that includes a cash drawing for $10,000.

To register a vehicle, participate as a vendor or simply for a complete event schedule, visit www.emeraldcoastcruizin.com.

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