Wednesday, August 14, 2013

The Daytona Turkey Run Turns 40!





DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 30, 2013) – The November 28th – December 1st 2013 Thanksgiving weekend Daytona Turkey Run marks a historical 40 year event!  Rich in local history the event has created many unforgettable memories for local residents and visitors alike.
            In celebration of the Turkey Run’s 40th anniversary, organizers created a monumental photograph like no other…40 beautiful classic cars, on display in the infield of the Daytona International Speedway, showing their excitement to be celebrating 40!
            The Turkey Run was created in 1974 by the Daytona Beach Street Rods association. The clubs president, Stu Sarjeant had previously attempted to enter his 1923 Ford Hot Rod in the Ormond Beach 1973 Gaslight Parade but was denied as no modified cars were permitted. Sarjeant said, “My four year old son started to cry and we decided right then and there we would have a show of our own. And that’s exactly what we did the following year.” The first Turkey Run hosted 45 cars and was held at the Howard Johnson hotel across from Bellair Plaza.  
Continuing to grow, the show moved to Seabreeze High School in 1982 and added a swap meet. By 1987 The Turkey Run had grown to more than 900 cars and relocated to a property at the Daytona Beach airport.
In 1989 the Daytona Beach Street Rods association partnered with the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District and found a permanent home in the infield of the Daytona International Speedway. By this time, the show had grown to over 1,520 show quality cars and 250 swap meet vendors.
The 40th Anniversary show in November will host over 6,000 vintage, classic, muscle and race cars and trucks for show and sale. In addition, guests will be treated to anniversary celebrations, and can shop the massive swap meet in which vendors sell and trade hard-to-find auto parts and accessories.  There are also arts and crafts, entertainment and a full midway of food vendors.
           Admission starts at $15 and parking is free.  Children under 11 are free when accompanied by an adult.  Show hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. 

To purchase tickets or for more information about the Daytona Turkey Run, visit www.daytonabeachcarshows.com or www.turkeyrun.com.

1 comment:

  1. Yay buddy, can't wait to see all my friends that I have made over the past years. So many nice street rods and classic oldies. Born in 1940, drivers license in 1956. I was part of the hot rod era. Built my first hot rod at 15, 1931 Model A chopped top and all. See Ya There!!!!

    ReplyDelete