Following many years without an opportunity for local automotive aficionados to display their prized vehicles, a Sundre business recently decided to roll out a new car show.
"We are surrounded by automotive enthusiasts quite a bit. We see a lot of people coming in working on their hot rods," said event organizer Cody McAllister, who works at RPM Automotive, which sponsored the free-to-attend event.
That was largely the motivation behind reintroducing a local show and shine, which many years ago had once been organized through the local Fountain Tire under its previous ownership, he said.
The inaugural Sundre Car Show was held on Saturday, June 17 at the Sundre Arena. Planning had begun "last minute" in May, and considering the late scramble, McAllister told the Round Up he was pleased with the turnout, even if the numbers of vehicles and people dropping by were not quite as high as he had hoped.
There was at one point a turnout of 22 vehicles, but as some motorists came and went throughout the day, he estimated there were as many as 30 to have been on display. During the afternoon's peak, there were about 50 people at the arena to check out the vehicles, and the day's total would have been higher as visitors came and went, he said.
"For as short notice as it was, it was good," he said.
"It wasn't as high as I was expecting, but it wasn't slim either."
While the arena served well for this year's number of vehicles, he said the car show could potentially be relocated to another venue depending on the number of entries next year. Other possibilities could include the Aquaplex parking lot or the Sundre Airport, although he expressed a desire to keep the event in town so the show remains more accessible to people who might be on foot.
The vehicles displayed included a range of old classics such as a 1950 Ford Meteor to a more modern 2007 Saleen Mustang as well as just about everything in between. There was, however, a predominant turnout of Chevy vehicles, and he hopes to have a bigger variety of models next year.
Although there were no recognition plaques for categories such as, for example, fan favourite or best classic car, that is something organizers will be looking into for future events. Moving forward, he said the priority will be to start preparing for the event sooner, as well as to investigate the possibility of establishing partnerships with other local car shops and businesses that might be interested in getting involved.
Additionally, a number of local car enthusiasts expressed a desire to take part in the event, but because of the later notice were unable to because they had already committed to appearing at other car shows in the area, he said.
"There are a lot of people interested in wanting to stay in their hometown."
When asked whether there would be a second annual event next summer, he without hesitation replied, "Absolutely."
"It's only going to get bigger and better."
