A creative pairing of vintage cars and fresh farm produce brought families together for the Sunny Isles Beach Classic Car Show & Farmers Market held on August 31, 2014 in Heritage Park. This well attended Labor Day weekend event was presented by the Cultural & Community Services Department and Jumpin Jack Productions. In addition to cars and produce, there was music, food, and arts and crafts vendors.
Vintage cars with shining chrome, high gloss paint jobs, souped-up engines and fine upholstery were showcased. Families gathered on the lawn where the classic automobiles were parked. One could hear the ‘oohs and aahs’ from individuals who admired these incredible machines, which included muscle cars, sports cars, trucks, vans and sedans.
Sunny Isles Beach residents Frank and Elaine Prats brought their 1973 baby blue Volkswagen Thing to the show. “We own two Things and are drawn to the vehicle’s uniqueness and imaginative name. They are fun to drive on Collins Avenue; it’s just like a beach car,” said Elaine Prats. Car enthusiasts got to see some real ‘cream puffs,’ like a 1957 Corvette with two-tone turquoise and ivory paint, big white wall tires and a lot of chrome; a 1933 Chevy Truck with a 400 HP engine and diamond tuck upholstery (a handyman’s dream machine); and a 1972 Dodge Dart Swinger with a 340 engine and cherry red paint.
The favorite automobiles in the show shared cash prizes in the amount of $300. The winners were: #1 Evan Kolodny, 1984 Dodge Police Car; #2 William Souza, 1957 Corvette; and #3 Cirilo Verano, 1971 Camaro.
Meanwhile at the farmers market, vendors selling produce, smoothies, flowers, artwork, cupcakes, jewelry and more did business in tents set up for the event. Natures Wonders from Redland, Florida, displayed fresh tropical fruits such as the Southeast Asian rambutan that has a spiky reddish rind and tasty white interior. “We have a family farm and participate in many of the local farmers markets in South Florida. We specialize in growing exotic fruits. I recommend trying the dragon, passion and soursop fruits,” said Victor Lara.
This event was an opportunity for the City of Sunny Isles Beach and its residents to celebrate the spirit of Labor Day weekend together.
For information on other events offered this fall visit, www.sibfl.net/dept_cultural/calendar or call 305-792-
1706.
