Innisfail's Weekend of Wheels keeps on getting bigger.
With close to 300 collectors and show cars and as many as a thousand spectators expected to line Innisfail's Main Street the weekend of September 13 to 14, what was once a small Show n Shine is now big business.
“The Innisfail Weekend of Wheels is more than a car show,” said Deb Stoski, weekend organizer. “Car owners from Western Canada come to Innisfail for the weekend, and families can bring their children and wander through downtown looking at the cars. It has a large financial impact on the town. ”
The Innisfail business owner and president of the Innisfail Downtown Association (IDA) noted that the event started with the Innisfail Car Club, which started the Show n Shine years ago.
“When the car club let the show go, the Chamber of Commerce took it over, and it soon transitioned to the IDA,” said Stoski. “The shootout, which was a feature of previous years, will not be part of the weekend this year, but drew attention from car collectors western Canada wide.”
Funds raised from the show will be directed by the IDA to enhance the town driven beautification project and keep downtown vibrant.
“We expect to see cars from the early 1900's, classic coupes, muscles cars, and a possible 41 ft. boom truck,” said Stoski. “When a driver brings their car to the show, we park it and provide protection. Our fleet of drivers certainly drive a good variety of cars over the weekend.”
She noted that the community has come on board as good sponsors of the show and as it grows, so does community involvement with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Innisfail selling popcorn, and other groups coming on board.
“This is the first year without Red Deer's Gordy Bonin, who was a funny car legend,” added Stoski. “He was an avid supporter of the car show from its inception and a big part of the success.”
Events scheduled for the weekend include a 50/50 draw, a beer gardens/dance (first 50 people receive beef on a bun free), best of show competition, bouncy houses for children, vendor booths, a draw for a travel voucher and a set of four tires, and an awards ceremony.
For further information call Deb at 227-4218, 403-505-6160 or go to Facebook and look for Inn Down Assoc.
