It’s going to be a Cadillac kind of day.
Fort Rodd Hill and the Vancouver Island Chapter of the Cadillac Car Club of British Columbia join forces once more, filling the main field on the national historic site this Sunday (July 10) with a fleet of classic cars, showcasing a day steeped in two very distinctive eras of history.
“Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse is a venue like no other, a National Historic Site, with parking on the grass right on the ocean,” said chapter president Dewane Ollech. “The best of the best.”
The long-time car connoisseur said the Classy Caddie Show and Shine day is special for him because it brings together like-minded Cadillac fans to enjoy what he called the “Standard of the World.” Funds raised at the event go the Victoria Elder Care Foundation.
“The best part for me is the enthusiasm and support for this family-oriented event, which is supported by Greater Victoria businesses and residents, as well as a whole lot of great volunteers,” he said. “We are Canada’s largest Cadillac LaSalle show, and should be even larger with the (pre-1975) Buicks and Oldsmobiles attending. A one-of-a-kind show, at a one-of-a-kind location.”
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites promotions officer Sophie Lauro said the show has been ongoing for more than 10 years, yet she looks forward to the event every year.
“(It’s) the colours, especially certain eras, a lot of pastels and chrome. And on a sunny day those vehicles are pure gems and it embellishes everything,” Lauro said. “I love the fact that people are so proud of their vehicle and put so many hours working on them. To be able to present these vehicles in a locale like that is pretty special.”
She said many people come back year after year to take in the show, often bringing children and grandchildren with them. The event also allows visitors to compare these heritage vehicles to the 1942 Willis Jeep permanently on exhibit. The show has featured more than 100 vehicles in past and will be the first thing visitors see when they walk onto the main path into the fort.
“(This) is an opportunity to for us to showcase what people have to bring to the site, but also an opportunity to show people what we have here,” Lauro said. “Sometimes heritage is not always available for folks and through events like this, they realize a little bit of our history and can relate to it.”
Local old time rock’n’roll band Rukus is set to provide the entertainment, and admission to the show is included in the regular ticket to Fort Rodd Hill: $3.90 for adults, $3.40 for seniors and $1.90 for children, with kids under five free. Those interested in the car show can take it in between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Anyone with one of the aforementioned vehicles is also welcomed to participate in the show, with registration starting at 9:30 a.m. A classic car poker run is also planned for Saturday (July 9) starting at 9 a.m. from the Westshore Town Centre parking lot near Tim Horton’s.
alim@goldstreamgazette.com