Appearances by a Canadian funny car legend, a police car dragster and a historic western Canadian car club will ensure this weekend’s inaugural Innisfail Weekend of Wheels is one of the most memorable events the community has ever seen, a local spokesperson for the event said.
Debra Stoski said organizers are pumped about having hall of fame drag racer Gordie Bonin, YIELD’s dragster and The Igniters Car Club in town for the event, which begins on Saturday with a Show ’n Shine on 50 Street, the Innisfail 49th Ave. Street Market, and a drive-in movie at Henday Mall and concludes with a 100-foot shootout at the Innisfail Arena on Sunday.
Red Deer’s Thru the Windshield magazine/Just Ride Productions (TTW/JRP) is organizing the two-day event.
The Show ’n Shine runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and is free for spectators. There is a $10 registration fee for cars.
On Sunday, drivers involved in the shootout will be able to test and tune their cars from 8 to 11 a.m. at the arena. Racing along the 100-foot strip gets underway at noon. There is a $5 entrance fee for spectators and a $25 registration fee per driver. Children 12 and under get in free if they are accompanied by an adult.
With only days left until the weekend of wheels, Stoski said preparations are going extremely well.
“It’s overwhelming how all of the businesses have come on board,” she said of the event’s numerous advertisers. “The support has been fantastic. The excitement is starting to build.”
Bonin, known in drag racing circles as “240 Gordie” for his ability to drive a funny car at a speed of 240 m.p.h., is a childhood friend of Stoski’s. He waived his customary appearance fee for the Innisfail event.
“He’s got a big heart,” Stoski said. “His manager says Gordie gives way too much away. That’s just Gordie – that’s what he’s made of.
“He’s come to support us and to support our community.”
YIELD (Youth Initiatives & Education in Lifestyles & Driving Association) is a not-for-profit group comprised of police and emergency service personnel whose mandate is to make roadways safer through education.
Stoski said organizers have also received tremendous response from volunteers.
Citizens on Patrol will be watching “Port-a-Potty Alley,” which will be set up in the alley south of 50 Street.
Volunteers from the local Terry Fox Run will be selling popcorn, chocolate bars, and licorice at Saturday’s drive-in showing of “American Graffiti.” All the money raised from those sales will go back to the Terry Fox Foundation, Stoski said.
Gates for the drive-in open at 8 p.m. There is a $10 entrance fee per car and 100 per cent of the gate will go towards the beautification of Innisfail’s downtown core.
Ten per cent of the registration fees for the Show ’n Shine and Shootout, and 10 per cent of the Shootout’s admission fees will also be donated towards the local beautification efforts.
Members of the Innisfail Fire Department and Guardian Ambulance have also volunteered their time and will be on hand for Sunday’s shootout drag race.
The main sponsors for the Innisfail Weekend of Wheels include Palliser Chevrolet, Innisfail Truck Ranch, NAPA Auto Parts, ATB Financial, Bumper to Bumper, Custom Engine Works, Co-op, Altitude Adjustments, Fourlane Ford, Innisfail 2020 Auto Service, Reality Bytes, Sunset Glass, Kal Tire, Specialty Automotive, Proform Concrete Services Inc., 106.7 The Drive, Big 105.5 FM, CFK Collision Ltd., and the Innisfail Province.
Other businesses have also stepped up to help the Downtown Association, officially the Innisfail Development Enhancement Association (IDEA), pay for fencing, port-a-potties, the drive-in and T-shirts for event volunteers. They include Belinu Salon, Geo T. Ingham Jewelery, Freeman Insurance, TNT-Ken Sorensen, Barebones Clothing, Guardian Ambulance, 3-D Diesel, Baiers Staionery, Mike and Sheri Melanson, The Gift Loft, HomeTown Auto Services Ltd., Servus Credit Union, Crossroads Gas Company, Subway and Studio Arts.
For more information on Innisfail Weekend of Wheels call (403) 352-9290 or (403) 341-3044, or visit www.innisfailweekendofwheels.com.
