DIDSBURY - One of the biggest events in town year after year is the very popular Didsbury Car Club Show and Shine, which goes on May 13.
The event is held in support of prostate cancer research and various local charities and community support organizations.
There are several new activities this year including a cabaret on the Saturday with a live band, a comedian, a stunt biker and much more.
Car club vice-president Dana Munn said there is a lot that goes on in planning the event.
"We start making plans as soon as last year's ends," said Munn. "The plans are looking stellar. We have decided to add another event this year. That is the cabaret - which we are having at the Didsbury Memorial Complex in the multi-purpose room. We have tickets for sale for that."
The cabaret starts at 5 p.m. with a roast beef dinner until 7 p.m. followed by a comedian and then the Chevelles band playing.
"In between during intermissions we're going to have Billy Kohut performing bike stunts for us outside," said Munn. "The main incentive (for the cabaret) is to mark the 25th anniversary and do something we haven't done before.
"We thought what better way. We had over 800 vehicles come into town last year so we thought it would be nice to have these people stick around and enjoy some time with us. I think it certainly helps put Didsbury on the map."
For tickets to the cabaret call the club at 403-325-9941 or call Munn at 403-923-2481.
The Show and Shine itself starts at 7 a.m. on May 13. Much of downtown will be blocked off for the vehicles to be shown off.
"We have over 100 vehicles pre-registered already," he said. "We also have the motorcycle show 'n shine.
"We're trying to get a dyno (unit for measuring horsepower and torque) for the motorcycles. We already have a dyno for the car."
The show also features 100-foot shoot-outs, burn out box, car culture vendors as well as after dark motorcycle stunt show and after dark burn outs.
Munn said the show is open to any and all vehicles without any restrictions.
"We encourage everyone to come out," he said. "We certainly want more youth. We're getting more young people joining our club and that's what we want."
The car club has almost 100 members and is a fixture in the town. The club has its "Get Fueled" gatherings every Tuesday where members and the general public come to socialize and check out the vehicles.
"We're doing it every Tuesday," he said. "We're asking people to follow us on Facebook. We are moving it around this year.
"We've had two at the Centex parking lot and had one at the Aardark Car Wash in Carstairs. We're going to keep moving it around and share the experience around Mountain View County."
Munn said the club is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Show and Shine this year and the cabaret is one of the special ways they are celebrating.
In addition, the club is selling special poster prints autographed by the artist with only 500 available.
The club is also selling raffle tickets for a vintage gas pump with the money raised going to a number of local charities: Chinook Arch Victim's Services, Rural Alberta Motorcycle Ride for Dad, Mountain View Food Bank and Essentials for our Community.
Several car club members attended the World of Wheels event in Calgary in February and finished very well with six receiving best in class.
Munn said the car club has recently adopted the theme of TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More.
"It's a very family-type atmosphere at the car club," he said. "We have husbands and wives, sons and daughters; I really think that separates us from other car clubs. In fact, you don't need to own a car or motorcycle to be a member of our car club - just a passion for our community and a willingness to help with different events.
"Some of our biggest members that we can really count on for everything we do don't have a hot rod or an older vehicle."
Munn said the Show and Shine itself is a great family atmosphere and people can expect to see some great vehicles of varying ages.
"Last year we had over 800 cars and bikes," he said. "There is everything from 1920s vehicles to brand new Lamborghinis. I think there is something for everyone. We have a couple of different car clubs that have already called and pre-booked."
