Time to shine
Shannon LeClair – Times Reporter
For 17 years classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles have graced Kinsmen Park, showing off their glossy coats and supercharged engines. This year will be the same as previous years, boasting a day of fun and sun which people of all ages can enjoy. There are a few things different this year though, such as the Strathmore Fun Runners raffling off two BBQ’s.
“The BBQ looks like an engine and most people don’t even realize it’s a BBQ, they walk right by it, until you point it out,” said Todd Blakney, a member of the Strathmore Fun Runners club.
“It was made by a company down in the States, we’re hoping they’ll change it and make some different ones (for next year),” said Shawn Palendat, president of Strathmore Fun Runners.
Tickets are being sold right up until, and during, the day of the Show and Shine. Tickets have already sold out on one of the BBQ’s, there are only a few hundred left for the second one. The tickets are selling for $2 each and 100 per cent of the proceeds will be donated to local charities. “We’ve generally given a lump sum to one group, but this year we want to split it up,” said Blakney.
Another difference is they used to do a burnout contest, which is when a person spins their tires creating a lot of smoke. This year, due to liability reasons, the burnout contest has been cut out. The show will be taking place rain or shine, and Blakney said the average is about 250 vehicles being shown. It’s a free event for anyone who wants to come down, but it’s a $10 cost for people bringing their cars down to show off.
“Anyone from anywhere can come down. For those that want to come walk around for a bit, have a beer and relax, there are beer gardens,” said Palendat.
On Friday the group will be meeting at A&W for a meet and greet, then they will cruise around Strathmore before heading to the Lodge to visit the elderly for a bit, and then off to Muscle Motors to show off the shop. Saturday will be full of activities for kids and adults, there will be games, and even a Hot Wheels race track set up for the kids. An all girl band will be playing; there will be the raffle, a 50/50 draw and door prizes. There will also be a chassis dynamometer, which basically measures the power of a vehicle. Another treat this year is there will be six special cars at the show. There will be a 2010 Dodge Challenger, ’10 Ford Mustang and a ’10 Chevrolet Camaro. The other three cars will be the same three brands and names but the 1960’s versions, so car enthusiasts can compare what a difference 40 years has made.