Fun Runners to host annual Show and Shine

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Strathmore Fun Runners are hosting their annual Show and Shine, July 19-20, in downtown and Kinsmen Park respectively.

“On Friday night, we have a meet and greet kind of a deal … in front of the Legion, and then we do a cruise between 7:30 and 8 p.m. around town, go past the old folks’ homes; lots of people come out and watch and cheer us on,” said Rick Grey, treasurer for the Strathmore Fun Runners. “We usually go to the Legion afterwards for a meal there, Kal-tire is serving burgers. Then, on Saturday, the Show and Shine is in Kinsmen Park … and between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. is usually when the event runs. There are beer gardens, food trucks, we have door prizes, and I think there are 17 awards to give out to different car classes.”

Grey explained Strathmore’s Show and Shine is not what it used to be, formerly having upwards of 300 vehicles on display during the event in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. 

Now, for the 29th annual event, he is estimating between 150 and 175 cars to be present. 

“It sort of tapered off as (car shows) have become more popular and it is harder and harder to pick and choose which show and shine you go to,” said Grey.  “I think we had 171 cars last year, so the car count is down a little bit, but I think there are three other events on the same weekend, so we have to get as many as we can.”

Through the Show and Shine, all profits are donated to various groups around Strathmore and Wheatland County. 

Last year, $2,000 was donated to True North, $1,000 to the Wheatland County Christmas Hamper, and $1,000 was donated to the Wheatland County Food Bank.

“If it rains, we will only have (around) 30 cars, and we are not going to make a whole bunch of money. We are hoping it is a good event and we can give out another $4,000 and choose groups to give it away to,” said Grey.  “Until the event, we do not really know how much money we are going to end up with to assess who we are going to give it to.”

For the Strathmore Fun Runners, this is their singular showcase event of the year. Attendance for the general public is free, as it is taking place in a public area. 

More information is available through the Strathmore Fun Runners Facebook page.