Written by Tara Bush. Photos by Russ Muller Photography
Memorial Day weekend marks the official start to summer and for Florida that means afternoon thundershowers and extreme humidity. But that didn't stop the 300+ show cars, trucks and custom vehicles from attending the Memorial Day Celebration in Lake Helen (located north of Orlando, east of Deland). Hosted by Tina Jett GreatFlorida Insurance Agency which offers many options for classic and exotic car/truck insurance.
I asked Tina what prompted her five years ago to attempt to fill up 5 acres of Blake Park with show vehicles. Her response was “I've always been active in charitable event planning and someone on social media said “hey we should have a car show in Lake Helen” and I raised my hand. Memorial Day was right around the corner and the American Legion Post 127 sits right by the park in the center of town, so I went and spoke with them to see what they actually do for folks and after that conversation it just seemed a natural fit for me. My husband and I are car people, I own a business with a marketing budget, we found our charity and that was it, we were off and running.”
This “show n shine” event was to honor our Veterans on a day filled with remembrance. Several large military vehicles were displayed along with a fantastic trumpet player who hit all the notes of the various military branch anthem songs, and decorated horses paraded through. The highlight was 5 small planes did a flyover with the American flag colors in smoke trailing behind, and then returned for the missing man formation. It was a very moving moment for all.
This event was free for everyone. The small city of Lake Helen, population about 3000, was happy to assist by waiving fees and provided free access to the park. About $500 in donations were randomly drawn for participants and the 50/50 totaled over $1200, proceeds were donated to the American Legion. There were two trophies presented. One was the Tribute trophy for a veteran-owned, veteran-memorialized, or decked-out in honor of our armed forces which were voted on by the American Legion members. The other was people's choice trophy, where every gets to vote and that creates an interactive experience.
DJ Don from Cruisin Orlando played all the hits, from rock n roll to new country and many patriotic song that were right for the occasion. Russ Muller Photography captured the moment in pictures, view them HERE and HERE. Tara from FlaCarShows.com and Hot Rod Holly got all the vehicles parked in neat rows throughout the park.
During Tina's first show, she met a guy with a 33 Plymouth coupe (no motor) and was looking for a 55 Chevy (in pieces), which she and her husband Mike had. The swap was made. Four years later, the coupe now sports a giant 1965 426 Hemi topped with a cross ram intake. The rest is still in the works. Between the hot rod building and her insurance agency, she deemed the show a huge success and is already planning on making it even better for 2026.
