Popular weekly car show moves to Shell Factory
A popular North Fort Myers car “cruise in” has changed locations. The Shell Factory and Nature Park is the new venue for Larry Day and his Monday Cruise In.
The event, which features classic and not-so-classic cars of the past, will be held in the front parking lot adjacent to U.S. 41.
The event , which draws as many as 400 cars weekly, was previously held at Merchants Crossing Shopping Center around the area of Applebee’s.
According to Day, ownership of the plaza changed hands and he needed to find a new location.
“The representative of that corporation approached me one Monday night before Christmas and said their company does not authorize automotive events on their property and we would have to find a new place,” Day said.
It didn’t take long for Richard Dunmire to contact Day and offer the Shell Factory as a possible location. After speaking with the Cronins and Rick Tupper, the company CFO, it didn’t take long to hammer out an agreement.
Day said it’s great to be a part of Florida history, but even better that they have the space to get 400 cars there, as well as parking for spectators.
“On a good night during season, with all the cars there, and places for spectators, people can come see all the classic cars and trucks and everything else,” Day said.
Day has emphasized this is not a car club event but rather a Cruise In, which gives everybody an opportunity to show off their prized cars and trucks.
The Shell Factory kicked things off in grand style on Monday with a cocktail party for Cruise In participants with live entertainment by Chuck Peterson.
And coming to the Cruise In has its perks. In addition to a great venue for the cars, Capt’n Fishbones is offering 15 percent off selected dinner items for participants.
“The party is our way of saying welcome to Cruise In participants and letting them know we support Larry and his efforts to have a safe and fun venue for his event,” Tupper said. “We hope to see a lot of families, both car owners and spectators.”
The Cruise In officially runs from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., but some tend to arrive a little or a lot earlier, Day said.
There are usually door prizes awarded.