Classic cars for a cause: Car and bike show to benefit Mariner High’s Silver Magic Marching Band
The ninth annual Mariner High “Silver Magic” car and bike show is taking place today to help raise funds for the marching band at the Cape Coral school.
The show, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is being held at the Mariner High School football stadium at 701 Chiquita Blvd. N. Admission is $5 for teens and adults, while children age 10 and under can get in for free.
“It’s one of the premier events in Southwest Florida,” Robert Yoho, head coordinator for the event, said. “It’s one of the largest car shows.”
As of Thursday, more than 100 participants had pre-registered.
“The pre-registered are right around the same number every year,” he said.
People can register their vehicle today at the event for $25.
In past years, the show has drawn from 250 to 300 cars, trucks and bikes in total. Attendance typically ranges from 2,000 to 2,500, according to Yoho.
“We show all of the vehicles around the track, around the football field,” he said. “People like to make several trips around because it is a lot to take in.”
More than 125 trophies will be handed out at the event, including 10 Best of Show awards, five Judges’ Choice awards and 100 Show Favorites, which the judges will pick on a point basis. Spectators do get to vote on their favorite.
In terms of the motorcycles, there is a Best of Show award, along with trophies for first, second and third in seven different bike categories.
“As far as the motorbikes go, it’s anything from your sport bikes, to your trikes and anything in between,” Yoho said.
The trucks include everything from 4-by-4s and antiques, to customized vehicles, while the participating cars can range from the 1920s on up.
“It’s the run of the gamut,” he said. “It’s just a good eclectic group.”
Entrants will receive a free dash plaque, along with coupons from area businesses and raffle tickets for items. Spectators are welcome to take part in same raffles, along with a silent auction that will be taking place.
According to Yoho, there are more than 20 items in the silent auction.
The items include Disney park hopper passes, sports memorabilia like signed baseballs, a Harley Davidson free weekend rental and a free rider’s education class to go with it, a precious stone ring donated by Zak’s Jewelry and more.
Yoho estimated that the items are worth more than $1,000 in total.
One new addition this year that event organizers attempted a few years back is hot air balloon rides. Weather permitting, REMAX Realty Team/Josie Pierce Partners will provide $5 rides, with all proceeds going to the band.
“They have an actual, working hot air ballon,” Yoko said.
There will be a live DJ taking audience requests, and there will be some appearances and ensembles by the “Silver Magic” marching band.
Vendors will be on hand representing the automobile and the motorcycle industries and retail items will be available. There is a full concession.
“We have a great barbecue plate that everybody comes back for,” he said.
The judges will consist of about a handful of members from a local car club called the Cape Street Machines, as well as the owner of Hurricane Cycles in Fort Myers, Jeff Avery, who will be the only person judging the motorcycles.
“They’re members come from all over the state to judge that day,” Yoho said of the Cape Street Machines.
For more information, contact Yoho at 728-1874, or by e-mail at yohoincc@gmail.com or ryoho@damexcorp.