Innisfail Historical Village will soon be transformed with the 10th Annual Vintage, Classic and Specialty Vehicle Show and grand opening on May 24.
The two events are being held in conjunction with a pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Innisfail Rotary Club.
“May 24 will be a busy day at the Historical Village,” said Jane Duncalfe, events coordinator for the village. “Our day will start off with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. and car buffs can bring their vehicles in to register them for the show at the same time until 11 a.m.”
She added the car show will run until about 1 p.m. It will be followed by a classic car parade through town that will pass by Autumn Glen Lodge and Sunset Manor. Vehicles will be judged in six categories: best of show, best classic, best specialty, best over 25 years, best over 50 years and best non-classified.
“Admission on the grand opening will be free for everyone,” said Duncalfe. “Normally we charge $3 per person, or $15 for a family of five to get into the grounds and we do have ice cream, popcorn and other treats available.”
She said the pancake breakfast will cost $5 for an adult, $3 for youth under 12 and free of charge for those under the age of two.
“While we will be open to the public from May 16, the grand opening will be special,” she said. “We are changing the displays around the grounds. For instance the bird display will now be in the chapel. We have a ‘new' old building now that is an old home that is part log construction beside the chapel and the Bowden train station.”
The coordinator pointed out the skeletal teepee will be “skinned” up for the grand opening. She added the train station will once again be a major attraction.
“It seems to have everything,” said Duncalfe. “It has living quarters. It has a miniature train and it has a telegraph office and a storage room.”
Duncalfe spoke of the library being developed that will house the village's archives and reference books.
“As we are getting ready to open the library, we are uncovering an incredible amount of books we did not know we had,” said Duncalfe. “It will be a good resource for the community once it is open.”
The museum will be hosting a Canada Day celebration on July 1 with Denver Daines performing. Friday afternoon teatime will return for the summer season in June.
“This is Innisfail and area's history,” said Duncalfe. “It always fascinates me to see the changes in Innisfail over the last century.”
