Emerald Coast Cruizin'

PANAMA CITY BEACH — The fall rally of Emerald Coast Cruizin' continues this weekend with classic cars and muscle cars, tributes to classic bands, appearances by TV star Erik Estrada and much more.

In addition to the lineup of literally thousands of vintage and unique motor vehicles on display, each rally brings a special guest to town, and this one is no exception. Estrada, who played Frank "Ponch" Poncherello on the hit TV series "CHiPs," will be on site to meet, greet and sign autographs for event guests from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.

"I always loved Ponch," Estrada said in promotional materials. "It was so much fun for me to be him, to put on my duds, get on that bike and bust the bad guys, help out the kids, and to get the babes."

As a child, Estrada wanted to become a New York City police officer, but he joined his high school's Drama Club to be near a girl he liked. It changed his life, he said.

"I was hooked on acting from that time on," Estrada said. "I experienced emotions I had never felt before. I still don't understand it all. I only know that I need to perform. It must be my way of giving to others, and giving to myself at the same time."

Event organizer Robert Parrish with Flip Flop Promotions said Estrada represents a positive memory of many people's youth. He was a hero many boys wanted to emulate and men wanted to be, and a sex symbol for "the ladies," Parrish said. Previous Cruizin' guests have included Butch Patrick ("Eddie Munster"), Courtney Hanson, Cristy Lee, Bowser of Sha-Na-Na, and Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits.

“Each year, we try to book celebrity guests, and this year we decided to bring in a sort of sex symbol for the ladies,” Parrish joked.

Music is another big component of the event. Friday is "Rock Music Day," with tribute bands including the Alter Eagles (a tribute to the Eagles), Woodstock (a tribute to Crosby Stills & Nash), and Boxers (a tribute to Simon & Garfunkle). Saturday brings "Country Music Day,' featuring a concert by recording artists and songwriter T. Graham Brown and a performance by the Country Superstars (a tribute to both Garth Brooks and Shania Twain).

Born in Atlanta in 1954, Brown has recorded a total of 13 studio albums and charted more than 20 singles. His hits include "Darlene," "Hell and High Water," and "Don't Go to Strangers."

All concerts will be on the Main Stage at Aaron Bessant Park, and admission is included in the event ticket. Daily passes are $12 each (available at the venue's East Entrance) for anyone age 12 or older. Children under the age of 12 are admitted for free with an adult.

The Vendors Midway will include more than 60 booths selling everything from car parts, trailers and racing gear to vintage records, street signs, fine art, cigars and more. A special area just for the female guests includes cosmetics, boutique items and more.

Food vendors include barbecue, chicken salad, hot dogs, snacks, tea and sodas, peanuts and more. No outside alcohol or other beverages are allowed into the venue, but will be on sale by vendors.

You could even buy your next car at the event. A car auction will take place Saturday, with classic and muscle cars on the block. The Emerald Coast Collector Car Auction is run by L.W. Benton Co. Inc., a permanent fixture of the event. Register to consign or bid at BidderOne.com.

The venue, Aaron Bessant Park, is located at 600 S. Pier Park Drive, just one block away from the beach. The park features 17 acres of green grass with side walks, shade trees, park benches and restrooms. Musical performances, the car auction and awards ceremonies will take place on the park's Main Stage.

FRIDAY, NOV. 10

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Event site open at Aaron Bessant Park

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Vehicle registration in the Pier Park lot

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Erik Estrada on site at Aaron Bessant Park

11 a.m.: Woodstock concert on the Main Stage

12:30 p.m.: The Boxers concert on the Main Stage

2:30 p.m.: Alter Eagles concert on the Main Stage

5 p.m.: Staging at event site for cruise to Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant

6 p.m.: Beach Bash at Sharky’s

SATURDAY, NOV. 11

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Event site open at Aaron Bessant Park

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Vehicle registration in the Pier Park lot

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Erik Estrada on site in Aaron Bessant Park

10 a.m.: Collector Car Auction in Aaron Bessant Park from Main Stage

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Country Superstars concert on the Main Stage

3 p.m.: T. Graham Brown concert on the Main Stage

4:45 p.m.: Awards/cash giveaway on the Main Stage

Emerald Coast Cruizin' will return for its Spring Rally March 7-10, 2018. For more information, visit EmeraldCoastCruizin.com.

What: Car show, concerts, celebrity guest

Where: Aaron Bessant Park, 600 S. Pier Park Drive, Panama City Beach

When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Admission: $12 day pass; children under 12 free with an adult

Details: EmeraldCoastCruizin.com

EMERALD COAST CRUIZIN'