close

Hot rods, hogs coming to Lee Civic Center

2 min read

It promises to be the largest single-day car and bike show in Florida when Florida Hot Rods and Hogs magazine presents a car and bike show on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lee Civic Center.

There will be more than 100 acres of classic cars, hot rods and motorcycles on display, four live bands, and numerous reality TV celebrities will be on hand.

Tony Allen, publisher of Florida Hot Rods and Hogs, a regional publication which goes out to thousands of motor enthusiasts monthly, said the show has returned to the civic center after a three-year absence.

“This is only the second time we’ve been here. We spent the last two years in Port Charlotte and we’re happy to be back,” Allen said.

The magazine sponsors numerous hot rod events throughout the year, including the Monday night cruises at Merchant’s Crossing and a larger monthly event in Immokalee.

At this event, enthusiasts are expected to see numerous celebrities, Allen said which, in the past, have included racing legends Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney and Buddy Baker.

This year, Allen has invited hot-rod designer David Kindig, TV host on Velocity, Dennis Gage, host of “My Classic Car” on the same network, and Bubba Lloyd, a Jupiter native, another reality TV star.

“We have three well-known, world class car builders and four live bands, so it’s going to be an all-day event, the largest single-day car and bike show in Florida,” Allen said.

The four bands expected to play include Maiden Cane as the headliner, with Stolen Fruit, guitarist Mike Imbasciani, and Kate and the Keys, out of Englewood.

But it will be the hottest rides in the area that will truly take center stage, and so many cars are expected to bring in so many paying customers, Allen said.

“We usually get about 1,000 vehicles for this, combined. We expect between 10,000 and 15,000 people based on previous years,” Allen said.

The event will also raise money for Builders Care, an organization that provides no-cost emergency home repair and renovation services to needy elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged homeowners in Lee County.

Tickets are $15 per person, with children under 10 admitted free, and will be sold on the day of the event only. Parking is free.