Numbers were down but car enthusiasts that did turn out enjoyed a satisfying day of looking under hoods, peering in windows and talking shop with other like-minded aficionados last Saturday, Aug. 15.
The air felt clean and crisp on a jaunt down Esplanade Ave. for the third annual Harrison Hot Springs Lakefront Car Show. The light rain was a welcome change and more than one person commented at the show how it was probably helping the Wood Lake wildfire burning nearby, if not helping the convertible owners parked in their garages.
"We had a fabulous event," reports car show organizer John Buckley. "It had a very festive feel to it."
Dozens of classic cars and rare beauties were on display. Oddly enough, one of the cars that seemed to draw the most attention was a piece of junk. The 'Tevie's Termite Taxi', a '47 Chrysler, with wood panelling peeling off, duct-taped seats and stickers splattered on the front, stood out from the chrome and sparkle.
Aside from the termite taxi out of Vancouver, gorgeous vintage vehicles from across the Fraser Valley and the Lower Mainland came, as well as one from Kamloops and one from as far away as Radium. Owners and visitors chatted amiably while Harrison's own 'Rockwell' band completed the scene with fun, fitting music for the occasion.
Buckley says they could not have done the show without the great group of almost 20 volunteers, including Harold Bruins who joined Buckley in a leadership role this year.
"I would really like to thank Harold Bruins and his family, and a special thank you to everyone else on our committee and team. We couldn't have done it without you," Buckley states simply.
Organizers are already looking forward to next year and anticipating a fourth successful event. Of course, next year, they hope the sunshine will co-operate.