Seth Johnson
No need to go abroad, the cars will come to you in Gainesville.
This Saturday, Butler Enterprises will finally hold its first European Car Show across from The Cheesecake Factory in Butler Plaza from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Ever since I joined the Butler team this was an event that we’ve wanted to do, and the timing was perfect and it came together,” John Dickerson, director of marketing for Butler Enterprises, said in a phone interview.
The car show is free for spectators who can browse cars, ask questions and enjoy live music from The Medicine Show, a local outfit that plays classic rock from across the decades.
The planning process began months ago and started growing.
Deborah Butler, president of Butler Enterprises and a fan of European vehicles, knew people in the car market who, in turn, had contacts with other Florida car groups.
Sponsors like Porsche of Ocala, Continental Imports, BMW Car Club of America Florida Suncoast and Gainesville Cars & Coffee will feature cars and their services at the event.
And it seems like local residents have been waiting for an event like this, too.
“The feedback from the Gainesville community has been great,” Dickerson said.
Around 120 European cars will pull up for display on Saturday and some spots remain for any other European car owners who want to register. Butler Enterprises will accept new entries through Friday.
The car show doubles as a fundraiser for United Way of North Central Florida, a non-profit focusing on education, financial stability and health for families. All proceeds from vendor sales and sponsorships will go to United Way.
While the UF Gators football team will sit this weekend on the bench, plenty of other local events are scheduled for Saturday to fill the gap, including the 17th annual Bat Fest at 10 a.m. and the Friends of the Library bi-annual book sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.