Looking at classic cars and eating ribs might seem like an unlikely combination, but in Esquimalt, an estimated 25,000 people will do just that this weekend.
The third annual Rods and Rides free car show takes place Saturday (Sept. 13) in conjunction with the Esquimalt Rib Fest, taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The car show and the rib festival serve as fundraisers for the annual Esquimalt Celebration of Lights. Organizers are hoping to use the money to expand the end-of-year celebration this year.
“Eventually we’ll have the whole municipality lit up,” said Dino Fiorin, chairman of Esquimalt’s Celebration of Lights. “This is a long-term plan.”
This year’s car show will not only feature vintage cars, but there will be a range of vehicles all the way to electric. The Victoria Leaf Club, an electric car club, will have around 20 cars at the show.
“It’s to show all different kinds of cars and transportation history,” said Lorne Argyle, organizer of the car show. “Come see what’s happened in the last 70 years.”
Fiorin will be showing several of his classic cars, including his 1947 Pontiac, which he has had for 35 years. He has five vintage cars, ranging from a 1927 Chevrolet truck to a 1965 Pontiac convertible.
“They’re fun to work with,” he said.
The Victoria Fire Department Historical Society will also be bringing three of its historic fire trucks.
While both events this weekend are free, money will be raised through draws for prizes such as a Canucks package and a big screen TV and sales from the ribs.
“It’s all about the community and giving back,” said Murray Boyce, fellow car show organizer.
Rib Fest takes place in Bullen Park in Esquimalt on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Rods and Rides car show takes place in the Esquimalt Curling Rink parking lot on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
editor@goldstreamgazette.com