Spooktacular Vette/Chevy Fest show Saturday
Corvettes on the Gulf will host the eighth annual Spooktacular Vette/Chevy Fest Saturday at Roger Dean Chevrolet on Pine Island Road.
The event, which will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., is being held in the memory of Ron Gagnon, a former president of the car club who passed away in June.
“We’re trying to keep his memory alive,” Joe Hansen, president of Corvettes on the Gulf, said.
The show is free is spectators, but costs $25 for those who want to enter their vehicle on the day of the event. The show is open strictly to Corvettes and Chevrolets, with about 77 trophies going out in multiple categories such as best paint, best engine compartment and best interior.
“Not everyone is going to get a trophy, but it might be close,” Hansen said.
There also will be 10 “best of show” awards handed out Saturday.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Operation Open Arms.
Operation Open Arms is a support organization that links servicemen and servicewomen on overseas assignment leave with services donated by local sponsors. According to the website, the sponsors extend free benefits and services in a range of categories. The organization also offers counseling.
According to Hansen, Corvettes on the Gulf had collected more than $1,000 for the charity as of Thursday through pre-registration. About 50 vehicles had pre-registered, but Hansen expects more to sign up the day of the show.
“Usually, that’s the way it is,” he said “We’re hoping for 100-plus cars.”
Hansen said the club typically picks a different charity each year, but that this is the third time that Operations Open Arms will benefit from the show.
“It’s for a good cause. It’s to benefit the returning military and, at this point in our lives, we need a lot of respect for these guys and gals,” he said. “This charity does a lot for them. The more money they can collect, the better.”
Capt. John “GiddyUp” Bunch, founder of Operation Open Arms, said the organization became the favorite charity of Gagnon when he learned that Operation Open Arms pays no salaries or benefits to any administrative staff, founder or board of directors.
“On behalf of U.S. troops on their combat leaves in Southwest Florida, we are humbled to be chosen as beneficiaries for Spook-T,” he said. “I encourage everyone to support our troops, either through Operation Open Arms or some other military outreach program.”
Corvettes on the Gulf hosts a handful of shows each year.
“This is the one in the Cape that we do,” he said.
Saturday’s show will feature a deejay, as well as a band that will perform Beatles music. Food and beverages will be available on site for purchase.
Roger Dean Chevrolet is located at 101 S.W. Pine Island Road.
For more information about Spooktacular Vette/Chevy Fest, call 727-547-8082 or Joe Hansen at 549-5686. For information on Corvettes on the Gulf, visit the club’s website at: www.corvettesonthegulf.com.
For more information on Operation Open Arms, call Bunch at 822-8888 or visit the website at: www.operationopenarms.com.