(PRWEB) March 14 -- The event started on Friday evening with over 500 attendees gathering at the Avantair aircraft hanger for a reception presented the Grand Bohemian Hotel & Residences. Each guest was greeted by an awaiting valet which directed them down a red carpet into the hanger. Once inside they found themselves surrounded by an amazing display of luxury aircraft, exotic cars and stylish motorcycles. Aircraft included, a one of a kind Piaggio P-180 in Ferrari livery, a Gulfstream G5, Two Falcon 50‘s, a 1958 vintage Beech craft, the last flying Star fighter F-104 and many others. As for vehicles on display it was a virtual who’s who of the auto world including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Dusenberg, a FORD GTX1 prototype, Porsche, Rolls-Royce and countless others. Over 50 vehicles and motorcycles were on display inside the hanger with the aircraft.

To keep things interesting an elegant premium brands open bar was in place where guests indulged in festive cocktails and endless Martini's. As for culinary options, guests were able to delight their palette with food from themed food stations including Italian, French, Asian, Key West and a variety of others. Finally, a strolling sax player cruised throughout the reception while a live, silent auction took place.

Once everyone was rested enough from the “Jet Hop” a “Yacht Hop” awaited over 400 attendees on Saturday afternoon. The Marine Max “Yacht Hop” which was presented by Nautico took place at the private marina of the Renaissance Vinoy Hotel. As guests arrived they were welcomed by a fabulous display of exotic cars & motorcycles. Attendees were treated to cocktails from an open bar and tantalizing hors d' oeuvres. Approximately 14 vessels including Ferretti, Riva, Pershing and Chris Craft were available for all to enjoy.

Next was the Saturday evening gala Presented by Merrill Lynch, Kilgroe , Howard & Associates. The gala took place at the Four Diamond Renaissance Vinoy Resort. Guests started the evening in the Tea Garden of this 1925 hotel with cocktails being served in a lush tropical setting. Next everyone moved to the 11,000 sq ft Ballroom filled with 8 very rare automobiles and motorcycles. The world renown Audi R8 race car was among those on display. Smooth jazz, a live & silent auction benefiting the Children’s Dream Fund and festive Martini bars made for an exciting evening. Over $30,000 was raised for the charity.

Last but certainly not least was the incredible display of exotics in Vinoy Park on Sunday. 40,000+ enthusiasts of speed were able to view over 335+ exotic cars and motorcycles in this beautiful setting overlooking the water. The list of Super Cars reads like a who’s who of the exotic car world. Cars included the Ferrari FXX, a Ferrari Enzo owned by Pope John Paul the Second, McLaren F1, Porsche GT1, not one but two Maserati MC 12’s, #1 of 25 in existence Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR‘s, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder as well as many others. To make the day comfortable, on site cafes served beer, wine and fine foods. In the end, an awards presentation took place in the afternoon with over 30 cars taking awards. Event founders Joe Sabatini and David Berndt awarded a Lalique crystal trophy from Paris and a Tag Heuer watch to the best of show winner.

5th Annual “Festivals of Speed” Luxury Jet, Car, Motorcycle & Boat Display
March, 29th
St. Petersburg, FL Vinoy Park
Information: WWW.FESTIVALSOFSPEED.COM