Classic cars converge on Cranbrook

Enthusiasts of all ages flocked to Western Financial Place for the Brothers Insurance Agency Charity Car Show

by Kirsten Armleder — July 25, 2013

A red and white car surrounded by other classic cars in a parking lot.

1 of 3The 2013 Brothers Insurance Agency Charity Car Show took place at Western Financial Place. — Kirsten Armleder photo

A red van parked beside two red coloured old trucks.

2 of 3The car show featured trucks and motorcycles as well; check out those sweet early-'50s Dodge Power Wagons! — Kirsten Armleder photo

A black classic car parked with the hood up.

3 of 3Polished wheels, chrome bumpers and fine-tuned engines—that’s what we love about classic car shows. — Kirsten Armleder photo

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For as long as I can remember, the annual car show in Cranbrook, B.C., has been a highlight of the summer, and this year was no different. On Saturday, July 20, the parking lot of Western Financial Place was transformed into a sea of shiny metal. This year’s event welcomed not only cars but trucks and motorcycles from bygone eras as well. There were, of course, a few newer vehicles from our era on display, giving passersby a chance to compare technology, then and now. Reps from Cranbrook’s local Harley shop, Harley-Davidson of the Kootenays, were also in attendance and had several new bikes on display at their booth.

There was no shortage of things to look at. When my attention was not focused on the cars (a 1969 Dodge Charger, to be specific) I was browsing the many vendors selling food, arts and crafts. To set the mood, the Blues Brothers Too, a tribute band, cruised around blasting oldies but goodies from their classic-style police cruiser.

Everyone and their dog seemed to be enjoying themselves at this year’s event and what surprised me was the number of young families in attendance. I would not think of a car show as an event for kids, but the organizers obviously did a nice job of making this event fun for all ages.

The car show on Saturday was only half of the event. The fun began on Friday evening with a Junk in your Trunk Swap Meet followed by a drive-in movie, which took place at Moir Park. Entry to the car show was by donation and all proceeds from this event are going to the Kootenay Child Development Centre.

Brothers Insurance Agency in Cranbrook sponsored this year’s car show and organizers were so pleased with its success that they are already making plans for next year’s event. Keep an eye on the event website for details, when released, on next year’s car show.