APOPKA – The Church of the Holy Spirit was a vision of nostalgia this summer – thanks to its inaugural Classic Car Show.

Church of the Holy Spirit (CHS) welcomed 58 show cars to its first Classic Car Show on Saturday, August 4. Car owners and enthusiasts enjoyed the display of classic cars and trucks, coupled with music provided by DJ J.R. Goodman, food, crafts and a kids’ bounce house.

Sponsored by Mullinax Ford and co-sponsored by Central Florida Classic Truck Club, the car show benefited two local Apopka Charities: Debbie Turner Cancer Care and N.A.O.M.I.’s KIDS.  The event was the brainchild of Tom Friederichs for a new project at the Church of the Holy Spirit.  He and his wife, Patty, recruited most of the congregation and ministries to put together the first-class event.

Trophies and Top 5 Picks were awarded at the end of the show. The ‘Top Five’ cars, selected by all of the entered car owners, included Maurice Beotto for his 1962 Corvette; Art Reddick Jr. for his 56 BelAir; Rick Kramer, showing his 1954 Corvette; James Wolf in his 1970 Chevelle SS; and Steven Tuck for his 1962 Cadillac El Dorado. In addition, Father John Pallard, rector at Church of the Holy Spirit, reviewed all entries and selected a 1929 Ford pick-up owned by Stephen Acerra for the ‘Priest’s Award.

One of the biggest attention-draws of the show was the Apopka Police S.W.A.T. vehicle. CHS leaders thanked local law enforcement for taking the time to share this special vehicle.

Additionally, four drawings featuring prizes from Apopka merchants and a 50/50 drawing were held. In addition to lot of happy winners, the result was a generous donation of $1,000 to be divided between the two local designated charities.

Also, the Women of the Church offered a preview of items that will be available in the group’s upcoming Annual Holiday Bazaar scheduled for November 10, while the Prayer Team offered prayers in the ‘big’ church and tours of the historic 100-year-old ‘Little Church.’

The event also had its fun moments as deacon Rob Griffith and Pallard bravely manned a booth for “Ask A Priest Anything.” Additionally, the church’s American Heritage Girls troop had water, soft drinks and chips for purchase, and the Men’s Group grilled hot dogs and hamburgers.

Feedback from participants was so positive that leaders have already scheduled the Second Annual Classic Car Show for Aug. 3, 2019.

Church of the Holy Spirit is located at 601 S. Highland Ave., Apopka, FL, 32703. For more information, call the church office at 407-886-1740.