The Sidney Summer Car Show is set to make a roaring return, promising a spectacular weekend of automotive marvels.
Organizers anticipate a crowd of at least 20,000 car enthusiasts to descend upon Beacon Avenue on Aug. 2 and 3, transforming downtown Sidney into the biggest open-air car showroom.
Over 350 vehicles, ranging from meticulously restored classic hot rods to the sleekest new Corvettes, will line the avenue from Fifth to Second streets for this year's Auto Extravaganza.
Jim Clayton, president of the Torque Masters Car Club and the driving force behind the annual event, emphasized the importance of community support this year.
"Our vision is really to get everybody involved," Clayton said. "We want to make sure visitors support the businesses in downtown. I think it's really important this year, more than any year, that we support the Canadian side of things."
The pre-car show festivities begin on Saturday with a poker run from 1 to 3:30 p.m., blending the thrill of a scenic car trip with the strategic fun of poker. Participants will drive to designated locations, collecting cards along the way, with the best hand winning a special prize.
A block party will immediately follow at 3:30, closing Third Street for a lively gathering featuring classic rock music performed by Saxum.
Adding to the entertainment, Star Cinema will host a screening of Transformers from 4 to 6 p.m. with admission by cash donation or a non-perishable food item for the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank.
Sunday's car show kicks off with a performance by Sidney-based rock band, The Haven, at 10 a.m. on the main stage at Beacon and Fifth.
The show will also feature a variety of vendors, trophies, dash plaques, door prizes, and commemorative 2025 car show licence plates for the first 350 registered vehicles.
