The seventh annual Sylvan Lake Customs and Classics Show and Shine on Saturday attracted classic car enthusiasts eager to show off their most prestigious rides.
The event, held at Meadowlands Golf Club, already had about 100 vehicles on show by around 10 a.m., and finished with 173 entries.
The number of both spectators and participants was an indication of the show’s growing popularity, according to Sylvan Lake Customs and Classics president Gord Bredo.
“This year we’ve got great support, and we’ve got a number of good sponsors,” he said. “People that have come here, they always tell us that they have to come back, and they usually bring a friend.”
Bredo said there are a number of factors that contribute to the show’s appeal.
Its location at Meadowlands — where it was held for the third time — is one of them.
“The nice thing is it’s on the grass, so you don’t get that heat and dust from the pavement.
“It’s much easier to walk around.”
Chuck and Marg Baer, who travelled from Innisfail with their 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, have been to almost all of the show and shines in Sylvan Lake, and said the grass surface is one of their favourite things about attending.
“It’s much better than pavement,” said Chuck.
Robin Griffiths of Galahad felt the same way, and said grass feels much cooler on his feet.
The show and shine began seven years ago in the parking lot beside town hall.
It then moved to Centennial Park on Lakeshore Drive, where it was held before moving to Meadowlands.
The idea to hold it at the golf course came after members of Sylvan Lake Customs and Classics learned of a similar set up at a show at Radium Resort Springs Golf Course in B.C.
“We approached (Meadowlands) about a venue here and they were very receptive,” said Bredo. “It’s a perfect location at the corner, and they’re great with it.”
Ten handmade piston trophies were awarded after participants voted for their favourite entries.
Winners included: Clarke Lamont, 1969 Camaro convertible; Ivan Kachanoski, 1948 GMC Canopy Express; Eric Christensen, 1953 Buick Custom; Ike Martens, 1957 Meteor Rideau 500; Gary Eisenbarth, 1934 Chevy Standard; Wayne Russell, 1950 Ford Woodie; Trevor Burge, 1969 Chev Camaro SS; Robin Griffiths, 1961 Pontiac Laurentian; Craig and Denise Phillips, 1961 Ford Wagon; and Garry Johnson, 1955 Chevy Bel Air convertible.