Car enthusiasts gather for Devereaux-Kaiser Collector Car Show

The Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off is one of the major ways the Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund raises money each year for its mission of helping firefighters and their families in times of crisis.

However, the other important event is the Devereaux-Kaiser Collector Car Show, said Captain Dana Anderson, vice president of the fund. 

The 54th annual show, held April 27, brought together what Anderson said was about 400 cars, at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. 

The event showcased vehicles 25 years and older and celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Thunderbird.

Sarasota's Wayne Stephens, who has been coming to the show for 40 years, called it "probably the best show in Sarasota for the year," stating he also hoped for more public awareness of the event. 

Anderson said the participation in the show has increased since the fund began managing it in 2019. He said with more events in Sarasota today — it doesn't reach the peak of around 1,000 cars it once did at Sarasota Square Mall, but said he would hope to see it do so. 

Stephens noted the attendees, including kids, were enjoying the experience.

"It's like a bowl of Skittles with all the different colors and everything," he said.