2006 Southern Trans Am Regional Show

While good weather is always a concern at most car events, Mark and Belva Parrett's request for perfect conditions for the 5th annual Southern Trans Am Regional Show, or STARS, was answered with an exclamation point. For someone who has to endure a snowy and cold winter, escaping to the warm climate is a welcome change.

This year, there were a few differences from previous shows. The first change for the Fort Walton Beach, Florida, event was the date. Last year, the show was held in early April. For 2006, it was moved to the weekend of April 21-23.

Registration opened at noon on Friday as the participants started to roll into the Emerald Coast Conference Center on Okaloosa Island. As the first batch of cars was cleaned or unloaded and teched for class, the relaxed atmosphere was great for wandering around the show site, visiting old friends, and meeting new ones.

Another change was the location of Friday night's beach dinner. The previous years' half-mile drive was replaced with one that was literally just across the street as Howl at the Moon (specializing in Gulf seafood, naturally) hosted the evening's activities. The staff prepared and served cuisine worth every penny, and everyone got their fill. The meal was followed by live entertainment as dueling piano players took requests for any song you could think of. Their vast knowledge of various music types was impressive. Of course, they let it be known that getting your song played quickly was in direct relation to the size of your tip. Their comedy and musical ability kept all entertained past normal bedtime hours.

It was another gorgeous morning as registration opened at 9 a.m. on Saturday. The show site began to fill up with the various vendors and the show-and-shine Firebirds, Formulas, and Trans Ams from each generation.

All returning attendees know about the 10-minute cruise to Fisherman's Wharf in the nearby town of Destin and started to line up before the 2:30 p.m. curtain call. The sight of nothing but Trans Ams as far as the eye can see is nothing short of spectacular and definitely one of the highlights. Fisherman's Wharf's patio extends over the water and more great food and fellowship followed overlooking the many harbored boats and the setting sun.

Registration reopened at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday as the last participants rolled in to be judged. Judges clad in bright orange T-shirts complete with the old "Judge" logo made their rounds, carefully looking over the nearly 100 cars on the field.

As per tradition, bidding started at 2:30 p.m. for the treasures that were available through the annual auction, although silent bids replaced the familiar sound of the auctioneer's voice. As that event ended, it brought the start of the awards ceremony. The 2006 STARS closed with dinner and talk of the 2007 event at the Longhorn Steakhouse in Destin. More information about the upcoming show can be obtained at www.starsfl.org.

Proceeds again went to the American Cancer Society. Thanks to the help of Lee Pontiac GMC Jeep in Fort Walton Beach, National Parts Depot, Tricel Honeycomb, Parrett Plumbing, Hooters, and many others.