In case you hadn't noticed, the number of car shows being held all over Western Canada and the U.S. has grown.
In fact, you would be hard pressed to find a week during the summer months that didn't have at least one show happening. Locally, both Red Deer and Sylvan Lake host weekly events that bring out participants from all over Central Alberta who want to show off their rides.
This year will represent the second year your local Innisfail Kinsmen and Kinette clubs will have the honour of hosting the Weekend of Wheels. Carrying on the tradition from the Downtown Association and Deb Stoski, we are proud to continue offering this popular family event scheduled on the second weekend of September. This year, the two-day event falls on Sept. 9 and 10.
Whether you have a classic muscle car, import tuner, low rider, motorcycle, rat rod, raised truck or daily driver, if you are proud of your ride we encourage you to bring it out and show it off on Saturday (Sept. 9). John's Nofrills has again provided us with parking lot and green space areas for the Show and Shine event. Last year, we had more than 110 vehicles on site with enough space to park at least double that number. Vehicles can begin to arrive around 8 a.m. with the show running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On Sunday we will hold the 100-foot Shootout along 42nd Street in front of the Arena. No matter what you drive, bring it down and enjoy some legal racing in the Town of Innisfail.
To build on our goal of growing the popularity of the Weekend of Wheels, we are adding a Burnout competition at the end of the 100-foot Shootout. Participants will have the opportunity to do a brake stand for their chance to win a trophy and $250 gift certificate from Innisfail's OK Tire that you can put towards a new set of tires. Tech begins at 8 a.m. for participants with the show starting at 11 a.m.
Both events are popular for participants and spectators alike. The car culture in Innisfail and Central Alberta is strong with enthusiasts coming from all over to show off their wheels. Families from near and far can come to our wonderful community and enjoy spending time together while viewing some awesome vehicles.
With today's economic conditions, families are looking for ways to spend time together without breaking the bank. This weekend is perfect for that. On Saturday, the car show is free to all spectators with participants paying only $10 to register their vehicle.
On Sunday for the 100-foot Shootout entrance for spectators is only $5 each with accompanied children under 12 getting in for free. Drivers in the Shootout can register for $25 per vehicle and $10 per vehicle for the Burn Out competition.
We are hoping to grow the Weekend of Wheels and have everyone mark this weekend in their calendar every year going forward. The more successful we can make the weekend then the more we can give back as proceeds from fundraising events stay in the area and support our goal of “Serving the Community's Greatest Needs.”
All proceeds from this year's Innisfail Kinsmen and Kinette clubs' Weekend of Wheels will go directly to the new skatepark.
Check us out on Facebook for more details: fb.me/innisfailkinweekendofwheels
Russ Klemmer is a director with the Innisfail Kinsmen.
