Engine’s Revved for the Marco Island Car Show

Marco Island was zooming and revving its engines on the grounds of the YMCA for the Marco Island Car Show hosted by the Kiwanis Club. This was an event for the ages as we celebrated memories, embraced the community, and funded the future by enhancing the lives of our local children.

Trophies were awarded in various categories. One of the greatest honors of this show has always been the Best in Show Award determined by a panel of select judges. This year, that award was renamed the John DeRosa Best in Show Award in honor of the man who has organized this event for the past nineteen years. John DeRosa has selflessly and tirelessly put his heart and soul into the Marco Island Car Show to make it the event that it is today. The show’s impact on this community is outstanding and can be attributed to the integrity, dedication, and commitment of this man. John DeRosa will always be our Best in Show!

Another top award was the Guerin and English People’s Choice Award, determined by the show attendees, and sponsored by Guerin and English Wealth Management of Raymond James. 

But the awards weren’t the entire picture of this amazing event. It was a beautiful day to take in the Southwest Florida sunshine listening to the sounds of DJ Sugarcube as he transported us in a time machine of musical memories from the 1950’s to the present. The chefs of the San Marco Knights of Columbus were there serving up great hot dogs and burgers. It was just a few steps away to the Marco Island Academy Key Club tent for a delicious dessert from their bake sale. There were vendors galore displaying crafts, clothing, and jewelry.

There were also touching stories from the community. Marco Island resident Sam Falla was there with his 1981 Ford Bronco. The vehicle has a story and legacy all its own. The Bronco was originally purchased in the USA and brought to Columbia where Falla’s family originates. The vehicle sat dormant in a garage in Columbia for ten years. Falla’s uncle then decided to restore it with the intention to return it to the United States. Long story short, the Bronco is back on

American soil and is used as a work utility vehicle right here on Marco Island. The Falla family regards it as an heirloom.

Funds were also raised through 50-50 drawings, portions of which were donated back to the Kiwanis Club of Marco Island. As always, members of the Kiwanis Club of Marco Island were there in full force as volunteers to pull this event together with much help from so many friends in the community. Special thanks go out to our sponsors including Guerin and English of Raymond James, Phelan Family Brands (Pinchers, Deep Lagoon, and CJ’s on the Bay), Rose Marina, Imperial Marine Construction, Edward Jones, Gerber Collision and Glass, Bill and Karen Young, Gorman’s Auto Service Center, NAPA Auto Parts Marco Island, Coastal Breeze News, YMCA, Waste Management, and Pepsi. 

Funds raised will be used to support programs for our local children including Reading is Fundamental, scholarships for graduating members of the Marco Island Academy Key Club, and other initiatives.

2023 Marco Island Car Show Winners

Best Corvette 1992 -2023: Al Marchante - 2017 Corvette

Best Corvette 1971-1982: Robert/Susan Waltz - 1977 Corvette

Best Corvette 1954-1970: Richard Cauvin - 1959 Corvette

Best Mustang 1985-2021: Gary Smith - 2012 Mustang

Best Mustang 1964-1984: Thomas Wiltshire-Pitts - 1969 Mustang

Best Paint: Danny Zenisek - 1973 Plymouth

Best Truck: Ray Cappella - 1969 Ford Bronco

Best Foreign Car: Myrt Rose - 1959 Fiat Jolly

Best Hot Rod: Jim Pinkerman - 1040 Ford Coupe

Best Convertible: Bill Shelly - 1937 Cadillac

Best Car Pre 1950: Dave O’Brien - 1931 Ford

Best Car 1950-1965: Jim Fox - 1955 Chevrolet

Best in Show: Gene Dumontier - 1937 Packard

People’s Choice Award: Ray Capella - 1969 Ford Bronco