Classic cars again filled the streets of Langford Sunday (Aug. 17), as the city hosted the annual Show and Shine Car Show.
It was the 13th year for the event and, judging from the throngs of people strolling along the avenue, it’s an event that just keeps growing in popularity.
The family-friendly free event ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Goldstream Avenue and spilled over to food, market stalls and entertainment on Station Avenue. There was also an activity tent for the little ones with games, balloon art, face painting, and a chance to decorate miniature cars and launch those creations down an elevated track.
The main attractions and the stars of the show were, of course, the cars.
More than 100 classic, concept, vintage and just cool cars were proudly displayed by their smiling owners who were invariably happy to provide full details on their babies.
One of those owners, Cam McLennon of the Torque Masters Car Club, grinned as he surveyed the crowds that milled between the cars that lined Goldstream Avenue.
“Everyone has a huge smile on their face when they see a vintage car,” said McLennon. “These cars really are an art form and seeing them reminds people of yesteryear. Everyone I talk to comes with a memory of the car they used to have or the one that belonged to their dad or grandparents. They always have a car story of their own, and shows like this remind them of those stories and keep those memories alive.”
The Show and Shine Car Show is also great for the City of Langford and for the businesses along the avenue.
“I was speaking to Doug, over at Poncho’s (Café) and he was saying that this event is his busiest day of the year, so it’s good for the businesses,” said Colby Harder, Langford’s deputy mayor. Harder was on hand at the event and, although she admitted that most of the vehicles on display predated her, she appreciated the inter-generational connections that the show evoked.
“The history of these vehicles and the connections that they form between neighbours and generations is just amazing, and the City of Langford is pleased to be a part of this wonderful event.”
As to why classic and vintage cars and trucks have such appeal, one of the show’s participants, Tim Scott, had his own ideas. His 1965 Ford F-100 sat gleaming in the centre of the show, and Scott was hard-pressed to keep the smile from his face as passersby stopped to marvel at his vehicle.
“It always gets a lot of attention and it’s great to talk to people about the truck. I have 2,000 hours of work in restoring this truck and there isn’t anything on it that I didn’t do myself,” said Scott. “Well, I actually had a friend help me with the tailpipes, but everything else, including the paint job, is my own.”
Down the street, Mike King sat beside his 1969 Camaro SS with a similar sense of pride.
“I love the classic cars. They bring back memories of when I was a lot younger. I grew up with these cars and I love them so much. And driving them is amazing,” said King.
The mood was reinforced by the driving rhythms emanating from the free stage entertainment tent where the band, Late Shift, banged out classic tunes that, not surprisingly, tended to have themes associated with driving and cars. After all, it wouldn’t be a car show if ‘Drive My Car’ and ‘Mustang Sally’ weren’t being played at some point.
For more information on future car shows, check out www.torquemasters.ca/.
