Thousands attend car show in downtown Chilliwack

One such car owner was Oliver McNeill of Cloverdale, who proudly showcased his 1969 Plymouth Valiant.

Olive McNeill with his ’69 Plymouth Valiant. | L. Gomes/ Pattison Media

“Working on it for quite a few years, so I finally got it on the road,” McNeill said, pointing to his car. “It’s great to be able to bring it out to the show and enjoy the day.”

McDonald said he was proud of his team that was able to efficiently organize the display of cars.

“Kudos to our crew,” he continued. “Ed Godbout and Vic Issak, they had 400 cars parked and assembled in an hour and a half. It’s amazing.”

Some of the vintage cars on display. | L. Gomes/ Pattison Media

McDonald remarked that aside from cars, the event had a lot of other activities for families to enjoy.

“There is a concert in Central Community Park featuring two live bands,” he expanded. “Six Gun Romeo and Appaloosa, two killer bands.”

The event also hosted entertainment for children, in partnership with a local church.

“We have a beautiful kid’s zone with the Main Street Church,” McDonald said. “All kinds of activities for the kids, to give them a break from the sun if they need it.”

And while St. John’s Ambulance was in attendance at the show, the BIA executive stressed the importance of using “common sense” as the weather hit scorching temperatures of 34 degrees.

“Prep your kids, bring sunscreen, lots of water,” he said. “Make sure you’re taken care of in the hot weather.”

Attendees were also able to support local at the Downtown Chilliwack Community Market on Mill Street. From fresh produce to baked goods, McDonald described the scene as “alive and well”.

“And the Vintage Market, courtesy of the Royal Hotel Chilliwack and Circa Vintage,” he added. “All the way from Wellington to Kipp on Main Street, it’s going to be a great day.”

While the event itself was free to attend, vehicle registrants were requested to bring in one non-perishable food item as part of their fee for the Salvation Army food bank.

Don Armstrong, food bank coordinator for the Salvation Army Chilliwack, said approximately 30 banana boxes full of food were collected.

“We couldn’t have it without them,” Armstrong said. “They’ve allowed us to come down here, receive the food and cash donations. We’re looking forward to next year’s event already.”

Don Armstrong from the Salvation Army Chilliwack collecting donations for the food bank. | L. Gomes/Pattison Media

He remarked that the food bank is currently struggling to meet the needs of families.

“With the food costs, it’s killing us,” Armstrong said. “Our numbers have risen from 900 people a month to 1500 people a month.”

McDonald expressed his gratitude for everything the day had to offer, including the weather.

“We’re grateful to mother nature most of all,” he said, laughing. “And we’re grateful, of course, to the folks in Chilliwack. We’re just grateful in general that we can have an event. It’s time.”

by Laurice Gomes

Thousands attend car show in downtown Chilliwack

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