More than 80 classic and custom vehicles lined Church Street between Orange Avenue and Division Street on Saturday afternoon. This was the first of what will become monthly car shows sponsored by the Church Street District, an association of restaurants, clubs, and retailers along the stretch of road, which has long been a nightlife hub in downtown Orlando.
“We are doing it to bring daytime traffic down to Church Street. On a Saturday it’s usually pretty quiet from 12 to 5. We are trying to bring some great energy down here, and this is a family-friendly event,” said the district’s marketing manager, Lisa Cuatt.
Attendance at this first show was light—around 175 people stopped by between noon and 4 p.m.—but organizers say they were pleased with the turnout since there were two other large car shows in central Florida at the same time. Cuatt said she primarily relied on the district’s Facebook page and word of mouth to publicize this first show, but she plans to do more formal advertising in the future.
Attendees could pick up a wristband for a suggested donation of $2 to get discounts at more than a dozen merchants along this stretch of Church Street. The merchants also donated gift certificates and other items as prizes for the car contest, with the grand prize a two-night stay at the nearby Grand Bohemian hotel.
Photo: BizBash
More than 80 custom and classic vehicles lined Church Street for the first car show.
Photo: BizBash
The display of cars extended from the heart of Church Street to the west, under Interstate 4 and ending in front of the new Amway Center.
Photo: BizBash
About half a dozen vendors participated in the car show; organizers are hoping to attract more for future shows.
Photo: BizBash
A new high-rise apartment building and an influx of new restaurants are contributing to a revival of Church Street.
Photo: BizBash
In the past few decades, Church Street has primarily been known as a nighttime destination, filled with bars and dance clubs such as Antigua.
Photo: BizBash
For a suggested $2 donation, attendees could get a wristband that entitled them to discounts at more than a dozen Church Street merchants.
Photo: BizBash
