The eighth annual Silver Magic Car and Bike Show registration is still open for those who would like to showcase their cars, trucks and bikes at Mariner High School on Feb. 12.
Robert Yoho said he and his wife took over the annual event during its third year because the person who was heading it had a child who was graduating.
Mariner High School Assistant Principal Ronda Amaya said the Silver Magic Band boosters have used the annual show as a way to raise funds for the band for the past seven years.
The event grows every year because the parents of the band members, who also organize the car show, produce flyers to pass out at various car shows throughout the county every year to get the word out, she said.
The flyers begin circulating Lee County between November and December for the February show.
“They walk around and leave a flyer in a car and that is kind of how we get the word out,” Amaya said. “All year long they keep people informed.”
They drop flyers off at the car shows because it helps those who showcase their cars to plan out their season.
The cars, trucks and bikes will be displayed on Mariner’s track from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., along with other areas if need be.
“For the health of the grass we don’t drive them on the field,” Amaya said, explaining why the cars are driven and parked on the track.
She said although the vehicles cannot be on the grass, “the kids can run all over the field” during the great family event.
Yoho said he enjoys organizing the event because of the final outcome.
“I enjoy when it is all set and on the field and everyone is about doing their business,” Yoho said.
He said that Tampa Bay Buccaneer football player Earnest Graham, an alumni of Mariner High School, will make an appearance during the car show as he has in years past. He explained that Graham signs autographs and picks out his favorite car, bike and truck for the special Earnest Graham award.
The event also will feature a live DJ, along with various performances from the band. A silent auction and door prizes will also be awarded throughout the event.
The silent auction will feature a couple thousand dollars worth of items ranging from jewelry to merchandise signed by Graham, Yoho said.
Retailers and industry related vendors will be on hand as well. A full food concession will be available to those who wish to purchase food.
Tickets are $5 per person and admission is free for children 10 years old and younger. Proceeds from the car show will benefit the Mariner High Silver Magic Band Program.
“This is the bands biggest fundraiser,” Amaya said.
The car show typically raises anywhere from $10,000 on up, Yoho said, which determines their yearly decisions on what they can provide for the kids.
Those interested in becoming a sponsor, vendor or showcasing their car in the show can contact Yoho at (239) 728-1874.
An annual Silver Magic Car and Bike Show shirt, along with a dash plaque will be given to those who register their vehicles by Feb. 11. Registration is $20.
He explained that about 60 percent of those who register for the event are returning participants and about 40 percent are new to the show. The show typically attracts 300 cars, trucks and bikes.
Mariner High School is at 701 Chiquita Blvd.
Josie Pierce of Remax Realty is the title sponsor of the annual Silver Magic Car and Bike Show.