NOT YOUR ORDINARY CAR SHOW
Laura England
Members of the River City Classics Car Club are hard at work getting ready for the 10th annual River City Classics Show & Shine on September 23 in High River, Alberta - located about an hour south of Calgary. I’ve spoken with a couple members of the car club and I can tell these guys are going to put on one heck of a party.
“Because it’s a one-day event, our day starts early at 4:20 am,” chuckles organizer Yvonne Montford (yes, she actually laughed). “One year, some cars from Calgary actually beat me there!”
The River City Classics Show & Shine is an experience where you’re guaranteed to see a wide variety of cars from the early 1900’s all the way to brand new, extreme high-end vehicles. With 1250 registered entries it’s no wonder Montford and her team are up so early with preparations.
Image courtesy of River City Classics Car Club
Over the course of the event, organizers hand out several trophies that are a little unique, the first being the Mayor’s Pick. All entrants are given a number and those go into a hat. Then the mayor reaches in, pulls out a number and, voila! There’s your winner!
“With some of our other trophies we’re not looking for the fastest, loudest, or most suped-up car,” explains Montford, “we’re here to share this passion with other members of the public.”
This philosophy is further displayed with other hardware handed out, including the Long Distance Trophy, the Hard Luck Trophy, (awarded to the unlucky soul whose vehicle broke down en route) and the Frank Janet Leadfoot Memorial Award. This prize is named after legendary Calgary Model T racer Frank Janet and is awarded to the individual who can produce a speeding ticket he or she received while driving to the event.
People attend this event for different reasons. Some like to take a trip down memory lane by strolling along the lineup of vintage vehicles and listening to the live 50’s style music. Some enjoy the ambience of downtown High River as many buildings match the era of the vehicles. And some, like local Fountain Tire owner Mike Beggs, go just because they’re car guys.
Image courtesy of River City Classics Car Club
During our four and a half minute phone interview, (negotiated down from five – these High Riverans are hilarious) Beggs, a long-time club member and Show & Shine participant explained, “I like going to this event because you see everything under the sun, and certainly vehicles you wouldn’t see in everyday life. The people there are great too. Well, 99% of them anyway.” The guy cracks me up.
There’s no fee to attend the Show & Shine but everyone is encouraged to bring a Food Bank donation. All those registering vehicles also bring a donation. In 2011, organizers presented the food bank with a truckload of food and $1500 cash.
After the show is over and all the bills are paid, all leftover entry fee money goes directly to local High River charities. Last year, organizers were proud to hand over $10,000.
Image courtesy of River City Classics Car Club
But those aren’t the only people who benefit from this event. Local businesses call this day their second Christmas; organizations like the cadets, scouts and rotary clubs all enjoy a visible presence, and attendees are treated to a top-notch car enthusiast show.
So grab some canned goods, load up the family and make your way to downtown High River on September 23. You’re bound to fill up on good times and good karma.
For more information visit their website at http://www.rivercityclassics.com/Main%20Show%20Details.html
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