A major new car show is gearing up for this weekend in Nanoose Bay complete with food, a kid zone, market and beer garden, all for a good cause.
The first of what the Mid Island Hot Rod Association (MIHRA) intends as the annual Nanoose Show and Shine and Family Day will be held at Arbutus Meadows Sunday, August 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hosted in and around the 60,000 sq.ft. horse riding and soccer arena, the day is meant as fun for the whole family and fundraiser for the Nanoose Community Services and Food Bank (NCS).
"Rising food prices present real challenges for our clients, and food bank donations drop off markedly in the summer," said food bank manager Charlie Brucker in a news release. "We're thrilled MIHRA has chosen our food bank to benefit from the event."
"Besides gorgeous vintage cars and big rigs, there will be an indoor swap meet and car corral for car enthusiasts," said Bill Lineham, one of the organizers, who also touted the spectacular location, including building and acres of grassy fields.
Things start with a Shriners pancake breakfast from 7-11 a.m. and continue with pony rides, a Mount Arrowsmith Vaulters demonstration, inflatable kids attractions, face painting, a wide assortment of food trucks and vendors, an artisan market, swap meet and Parksville Lions' beer garden.
Music will include Time Machine, with hits from the 1950s and '60s, the Arrowsmith Pipe Band, Marimba Boogie Band and buskers scattered around the property. And of course there will be hundreds of collector vehicles, mostly pre-1988 classics, with some big rigs and others competing for prizes in 20 categories.
At $15 for car entries, organizers said it is one of the less expensive shows around and spectator admission is by donation, with all proceeds going to help local people in need. The NEWS is the media sponsor of the event. For more check www.mihra.ca, e-mail mihra@shaw.ca or call 250-248-7384 or for Family Day 250-468-1925.
• In other car show news, don't miss the Ocean Idlers' annual Cops for Cancer fundraiser and car show starting at 7 a.m. Saturday, August 30 at Thalassa Restaurant at the Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course.