Our club has held a car show every Father’s Day weekend since 1989 that is appropriately named the Father’s Day Rod Run (FDRR). It was a two day show but we changed to a Saturday show in 2017.
In the past, it was a pre-49 show. In 2013 we opened registration to all cars, trucks, jeeps and specialty vehicles.
After several years of complaints about hot blacktop and lack of shade, we moved the show to Christina Park in Lakeland in 2016. The park is located at the intersection of 540A and South Florida Avenue about 3 miles south of the Polk Parkway. The park has lots of grass, trees, shade and an enclosed pavilion. All those who attended the show in the last several years really liked the location. Therefore, we will be going back to Christina Park for future shows.
We do not have a host hotel for the show. If you need a hotel, there are several hotels located close to Christina Park.
In addition to a "goodie bag", each registrant is given a plaque which contains a dash plaque of the event and a picture of their car at the event.
All of the activities that were done at the two day show are bring done at the one day show. Some of the activities at the show include a live DJ, games, a 50/50, a silent auction and door prizes. The top five cars at the show are selected and given a special award. See program below for more details.
Pictures from prior FDRR shows can be seen under the Photo Gallery tab.
2023 FATHER'S DAY ROD RUN
Our 34th annual Father's Day Rod Run was held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Christina Park in Lakeland. The weather was sunny with rain off and on throughout the day. The many trees provided some protection from the rain and the grass provided a comfortable place to sit and chat. Attendance of 122 vehicles and 5 vendors was less than we expected. Probably due to the rain. However, everyone enjoyed the music, food, doors, prizes, 50/50 and free watermelon. Lots of folks said they will be back next year.
HERE ARE PICTURES OF THE JACKETS AWARDED TO EACH OF OUR TOP 5 PICKS AT THE SHOW:
2024 FATHER'S DAY ROD RUN
Saturday, June 15, 2024
8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Registration 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Christina Park in Lakeland
At the intersection of Co Rd 540A and South Florida Avenue (FL-37) about 3 miles south of the Polk Parkway
There are two was to register for the show. Pre-registration can be done by obtaining a registration form, filling it out and mailing it in. Day of the show registration can be done at Christina Park. Registration at Christina Park will be from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 15. Please click on one of the images below to download an event registration form or an event flyer. Click on one of the other the images below to download a donation request letter, go to our major sponsor website or go to our charity's website.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES AT THE SHOW.
2023 Poker Run
Our first Poker Run was held on Saturday, February 1, 2020. Weather was good and everyone had a great time.
We decided to do it again this year. It is open to all vehicles. Signup began at 9 AM at Auto Plus auto parts in Winter Haven, FL. First vehicle out at 10 AM. The runs ended in downtown Lake Wales at the monthly car show. Last vehicle in at 3 PM. The run is 86 miles with 4 stops. Hands are $20 each. There will be music, food, drinks and dash plaques for the first 100 entries.
Proceeds will benefit the Polk Sheriff's Charities. It is a non-profit organization providing support in several areas. They provide monetary support to the families of members who face unexpected tragic events. They provide Christmas support to economically challenged Polk children. They support jerseys for community sports teams. They support organizations that assist victims of domestic violence. They support the agencies K-9 partners.
Come enjoy the back roads of Polk county. Click HERE to see the Poker Run flyer.