Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival

Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - By Gate Arty

As you will see with the current slate of events (and another REALLY BIG upcoming event that I have yet to tell you about) October is choc’ full of fun & activities! The weekend of October 17th thru the 19th offers up the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival. Festivities will be held in Historic Downtown Lakeland with picturesque Lake Mirror being the backdrop.

The annual event revs up with a festive opening on Friday night October 17th with the Budweiser Hot Rod Rendezvous, which benefits Junior Achievement of Polk County. This kick-off to the weekend’s festivities is a FREE open-air concert and party held at the Lake Mirror Amphitheater. Typically well over 10,000 people attend enjoying good old’ Rock & Roll tunes, great food, and fierce cars. The high point occurs when the band takes a breather, & all the hot rods rev up their engines & create some sweet music of their own!

The main signature car show is held on Saturday, October 18th at beautiful Lake Mirror Park and throughout Downtown Lakeland.  The 9th annual Mercedes-Benz Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival is one of the most scenic and popular classic car events in the southeastern United States. This event is expected to showcase over 500 automobiles and 35,000 spectators.  Hundreds of classic and collectible vehicles including Street Rods & Custom cars will be displayed on the streets of Downtown Lakeland on Saturday. The cars are assembled in groups of similar makes and models in a 16-block area of downtown. This leg of the event is also FREE to the public. Registrants who arrive early on Saturday morning will be treated to complimentary breakfast. A full breakfast buffet will be served in the Magnolia Building overlooking Lake Mirror Park from 7:00am and 8:30am.

If you are hungry during the event, swing by The Lemon Street Promenade. This will be the main “Vendor Row.”  You’ll find souveniers, displays, & food. Local car dealers will also be showcasing their newest models here. Live entertainment will be performed throughout the day at the Lake Mirror Amphitheater and at various locations in Downtown Lakeland.

A popular feature at the Lake Mirror Classic is the distinguished group of classic wooden boats moored along the ornate 1920’s-era seawall of Lake Mirror. The classic boats present a stunning display adjacent to hundreds of classic automobiles. Accompanying the wooden boats will be a group of Amphicars, which are planning an exciting 1:00 PM “splash-in.” You really do not want to miss this, so plan on being there early!

Later Saturday evening, the Magnolia Building at Lake Mirror Park will host The Mercedes-Benz Banquet honoring stock car legend Bobby Allison. The catered dinner will be followed by an entertaining recounting of some of Bobby's greatest moments in motorsports. Tickets are $65 per person.

The Lake Mirror Classic will conclude on Sunday morning with a fun road rally over the back roads of central Florida.  Brunch will be served and prizes distributed at the rally's conclusion.

See you there!

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