Contributed by Russ Muller Photography
After taking 2021 off due to COVID, Cops n Cars for Kids returned to the parking lot of the Oviedo Mall on Saturday, January 22nd. As always, the event was hosted by the Oviedo/Winter Springs Optimist Club, with proceeds benefitting local children’s and special population organizations. Dozens of local law enforcement agencies participated, providing a K-9 demonstration, displays of specialty law enforcement vehicles, and providing information and recruiting 
information for their departments. DJ Don from Cruisin Orlando provided the music, and Texas Roadhouse and others had food tents where great barbecue could be purchased. This year, for the first time, beer was available for purchase as well. There were play areas setup for the kids, too. All of this adds up to a potentially great event, doesn’t it?
Well, it was almost a great event this year. Mother Nature decided not to smile upon us, with on and off showers and temperatures in the low 50’s. The weather kept some people and their classic cars home, although there were well over 100 cars in attendance. While that was about ½ of the expected turnout, it was still a successful event. Lots of local car clubs came out to support this great cause, including the Mopar Mafia, Rogue Mustang club, the British car club, the Corvair club and of course many dedicated individuals.
Did I mention trophies? There were judges who rated every registered vehicle and they awarded Top 30 choices, as well as best in show, mayor’s choice, and some trophies for law enforcement agencies. But at the end of the day, the real winners were the locals who took advantage of a great opportunity to get to know some of the people who serve and protect them every day.
Originally scheduled to run until 4:00 PM, the trophies were awarded a little early and the show wrapped up around 3:00. The rain and cold may have kept some people away, but all the attendees I spoke with seemed to enjoy the day in spite of the weather. Great cars, interesting law enforcement vehicles and demonstrations, cool music, good food, trophies, hmm… I take 
back my earlier comment, it really was a great event. Thanks to the Oviedo/Winter Springs Optimist Club, Cruisin Orlando, and the law enforcement agencies and 100+ registered car show participants who once again made this an event that people look forward to every year. For more photos, click HERE.
