Tom Henihan
Express Staff
Had the weather been more favourable on Saturday June 11, the McLennan & District Chamber of Commerce, Show and Shine event would have garnered greater casual interest along with the diehard car enthusiasts.
Although it would take more than a rainy day to deter the specialty automobile aficionados, the Town of McLennan donated the use of the H.W. Fish Arena so the event went ahead indoors.
Those who exhibited at the show and shine came from McLennan, Falher, Manning and the Smoky River MD.
The vehicles on display included a 1940 Ford Pickup – 1953 Lincoln Capri – 1962 Chevrolet Corvette – 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Drag Car – 1970 Plymouth GTX – a silver 1978 Chevrolet Silver Anniversary Corvette – 1993 Honda Civic Del Sol and a pristine, black 2003 Chevrolet Corvette.
Another interesting aspect of the display was a pickup truck rigged out for demolition derby by six kids from the Coyote Acres 4H Club of High Prairie.
Sponsored by local businesses, the project had the kids, under the guidance of a local mechanic, work on every aspect of preparing the truck for the upcoming demolition derby.
“The mechanic, Martin Brand was the leader but the kids did all the work; cutting, welding, mechanical work and painting,” says Michael Strebchuk, whose son Lukijan is involved in the project. “The kids also raised the money for the entry fee for the demolition derby at High Prairie Triangle Grounds on June 25 and 26 and two of the kids who are old enough will drive the truck in the derby.”
The Show and Shine event was coordinated with a number of organizations working together.
To coincide with the Show and shine St. Paul’s Church and Heritage House opened for viewing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The McLennan Legion offered a pasta buffet and the Pioneer Threshermans Association from Triangle donated the use of tents had the event been held outdoors.
The Pioneer Threshermans were also on hand selling tickets for their annual vehicle draw as well as promoting 4H and its demolition derby truck project.
The Chamber of Commerce Golf tournament that was to coincide with the show and shine event had to be cancelled due to the rain. That event is to be rescheduled for sometime in late July to mid August.
The Show and Shine, along with a number of other events over the past few months, is designed to gain momentum and awareness for the McLennan Trade Fare on 24 September.
The sports and recreation themed trade fair has 40 registered participants at present with interest in the event continuing to grow.
The McLennan & District Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with other services and community groups in the region during the Trade Fair and other events.
For more information contact coordinator Avis Gagne, or to enquire about registration for the McLennan Trade Fair contact Emma Moore at mclennanmarketfair@gmail.com.