Daytona Beach, FL – The largest annual classic car show and swap meet in the United States sets a new attendance record in 2015.
Over 158,000 people went through the gates during the 42nd Daytona Turkey Run on Thanksgiving weekend.
That’s a 5% increase from last year’s attendance, which was also the previous record holder, according to Turkey Run Director of Marketing & Public Relations Jennifer Labonte.
Much of the attendance bump came on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, the first 2 days of the annual 4-day event. Attendance was up 10% on Thanksgiving and 8% on Black Friday.
Organizers say the weather was ideal for drawing a big crowd even if it was a bit warmer than normal for this time of year.
A stronger social media presence also helped draw more people, according to Labonte. Among the new features this year was updated parking and traffic information on smartphones using the Turkey Run app.
Labonte also gave credit to some new acts and displays, including the “Dream Build”, where a group of people built a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air from the ground up in 4 days using nothing but parts found at the Turkey Run.
Over 6,000 classic cars were on display during the event, with many of them taking to Daytona Beach’s roads when they weren’t at the Speedway itself.
The Turkey Run has generated just over $8 million in proceeds for the Daytona Beach area since its inception. The money is used for capital projects decided on by city leaders.
The spring 2016 version of the Turkey Run takes place Easter weekend and Labonte says they’re expecting to break the attendance mark for that show as well. The spring version usually draws about 1/3rd of what the fall version draws.
Copyright 2015 Southern Stone Communications.