[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 40 (Monday, March 3, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMELIA ISLAND CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Bean) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the king of auto racing, Richard 
Petty, was once asked when the first car race was. He replied: The day 
they made the second car.
  Mr. Speaker, America is in love with the automobile, and nothing 
celebrates that better than The Amelia. It started 30 years ago in 
northeast Florida as the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. This year, 
it celebrates its 30th anniversary with hundreds of exceptional 
vehicles descending on Amelia Island, Florida, to delight car lovers of 
all ages.
  Mr. Speaker, I don't know how they do it, but it seems they top 
themselves each year, and The Amelia is definitely going to be one of 
the best this year.
  In the words of their vice chairman, Matt Orendac: History comes to 
life on the fairways at The Amelia, where enthusiasts are guaranteed to 
discover new automobile stories and personalities.

                              {time}  1230

  This year, one of the four drivers to win the Indy 500 for a record 
four times, including the most recent driver to do so, Helio 
Castroneves, will be the Amelia's 2025 honoree.
  Mr. Speaker, attendees this year will ooh and ahh over 500 unique and 
specialized automobiles and enjoy seminars, auctions, films, ride and 
drives, dinners and parties, and, of course, the crowning jewel of the 
Amelia, Sunday's Concours d'Elegance.
  At the core of the event every year, Mr. Speaker, is a commitment to 
give back to the community. The Amelia has donated a whopping $4 
million to local charities and continues to have an incredible $30 
million economic impact annually on Amelia Island and all of northeast 
Florida.
  Mr. Speaker, nothing can compare to the automobile wonder of the 
Amelia, and it is an event that I am proud to host in my district. I 
wish them a hearty congratulations on their 30th anniversary. Here is 
to the next 30 years.
  Mr. Speaker, let the show begin.

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