Downtown Barrhead will soon be like taking a step back in time. On May 31, dozens of beautifully restored antique vehicles will line Main Street for all to see and admire.
Downtown Barrhead will soon be like taking a step back in time.
On May 31, dozens of beautifully restored antique vehicles will line Main Street for all to see and admire.
Headed by the Barrhead Chariots Car Club this year, the annual Antique Car Run promises to be a marvelous sight.
Drivers of the old cars will begin their day in Fort Assiniboine with a breakfast at 8 a.m. After showing off their pride and joy to locals, the cars start their journey to Barrhead at 11 a.m, with the slowest cars leaving first.
Car club president Charles Clow said it takes about an hour for the vehicles to make their way into town, so the community can expect to see them arrive around noon.
Every year drivers come from Whitecourt, Mayerthorpe, Edmonton, St. Albert, Athabasca, Westlock, Stony Plain. Last year the event saw some from Slave Lake.
About 80 vehicles drove into town in 2013, which ranged from a 1938 Nash, to a 1948 Cadillac two door fast back Sedanet 62 Series, to a 1916 McLaughlin.
Clow said the club is always looking for something new, and this year interested onlookers can expect to see some different cars.
“I know of two that were just rebuilt last year, so they're ready to go this year,” said Clow.
This time around, Clow is hoping to exceed 100 vehicles. He will be participating in the run himself as the owner of both a 1977 Ford and 1958 Imperial.
“It's enjoyable. You're associating with people who have the same likes as you,” he said. “You get to look at all the different vehicles from the 40s, 50s and 60s.”
However the event isn't only fun for the car owners. Clow is encouraging people of all ages to head downtown and see the works of art on wheels.
“For me, they're always fun to look at,” he said. “Come out and have a good time. Come and enjoy the vehicles.”
The club, which has about 12 members at the moment, is also planning to host their third annual Show and Shine event again this fall. Last year the club successfully hosted 67 vehicles, and Clow said he would also like up this event's numbers to about 100 cars there as well.
In addition to the two main events, members of the club meet every Thursday evening at 7 p.m. in the A&W parking lot. Weather permitting, of course.
“Just like they used to do in the 1950s,” he said. “We just chat and show off our cars.”
For more information on the club or events, contact Charles at 780-674-3353. To register for the Antique Car Run call Parks and Recreation director Sue Keenan at 780-674-2532.
