June 28, 2025, 10am – 7pm
Downtown Fort Myers will shift into high gear on Saturday, June 28, 2025, with the debut of Cars On 1st: An Inaugural Celebration of Cars & Culture — a one-of-a-kind experience that fuses automotive excellence with the vibrant creative spirit and community pride of Southwest Florida.
General Admission to the Public is Free.
This event is poised to become one of the region’s most anticipated annual traditions. Stretching along First Street from Royal Palm Blvd. to Monroe Street, and filling every cross street in between, the event will feature over 300 stunning vehicles, including classic, muscle, exotic, import, and custom builds. This isn’t just a car show—it’s an immersive festival highlighting everything that makes Fort Myers special.
Three live performance stages will showcase an all-local lineup of musicians, DJs, and performing artists from right here in Downtown Fort Myers, turning the city streets into an open-air celebration of music, culture, and community.
Downtown Businesses Take Center Stage
Happening during the traditionally slower summer season, Cars On 1st arrives as a powerful economic engine for local businesses. With dozens of downtown restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and service providers participating through vendor activations, special promotions, and pop-ups, the event is expected to draw thousands of residents and visitors—helping reignite off-season foot traffic and boost sales throughout the district.
More Than a Car Show – A Cause with Purpose
Cars On 1st also serves as a powerful fundraising platform, supporting four local nonprofit organizations:
- SJC Boxing Club – Mentors 200+ at-risk youth through boxing, discipline, and leadership.
- Ubuntu Spirit – Promotes community health, empowerment, and cultural education.
- Kimmie’s Zone – Supports youth recovery through peer-led mental health programs.
- Halo Project – Helps foster youth build essential life and academic skills.
Why Sponsor This Community Celebration?
Cars On 1st offers a 100% tax-deductible sponsorship opportunity and unparalleled community exposure. Sponsors benefit from:
- Media coverage across television, radio, digital, and print platforms
- Custom marketing activations, brand visibility, and on-site engagement
- VIP networking experiences and brand recognition
- The opportunity to support a cultural cornerstone for Fort Myers
Sponsorship Opportunities
TitleSponsor – $50,000 (1 Available)
• Exclusive naming rights, full-scale branding, media spotlight, 15 VIP passes
PresentingSponsor – $20,000 (3 Available)
• Premium booth and logo placement, stage mentions, 10 VIP passes
VIPSponsor – $10,000 (2 Available)
• Strategic signage and booth, gift bag opportunities, 6 VIP passes
PlatinumSponsor – $5,000 (3 Available)
• Logo on printed/digital media, reserved booth, 4 VIP passes
GoldSponsor – $500 (Unlimited)
• Signage placement and event guide acknowledgment, 1 VIP pass
VIP Experience Tent Includes:
- Complimentary gourmet food and beverages
- Celebrity guests and exclusive performances
- Live boxing exhibitions by SJC Boxing youth
- Comfortable seating and networking access
In-Kind Sponsorships (event materials, services, auction items) are also available and include equivalent tier benefits.
Be Part of the Movement
Whether you’re a business, vendor, artist, or car enthusiast, Cars On 1st: An Inaugural Celebration of Cars & Culture is your opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, promote local pride, and be part of something unforgettable.
To become a sponsor or participant, contact Rick Rhodes at (239) 722-9982 or info@carson1st.com, or visit www.carson1st.com
