AUTO ENTHUSIASTS ARE YOU READY!
For motorheads in northern Alberta, the Edmonton Motorshow is like Christmas. Canada’s biggest auto show under one roof takes over the Edmonton Expo Centre April 12-15, bringing manufacturers, dealerships and after-market services together with hundreds of amazing vehicles. “This isn’t the type of event where you just spend a half hour – there is so much to see and do,” says show manager Eleasha Naso. From original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to an expanded Luxury Lane—now filling two halls—to a sampling of more exotic autos, there is something for everybody. When you visit the show, you’ll get a chance to scope out cuttingedge vehicles like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, or some new pickups like the 2019 Ram and Ford Ranger. And for a little more high-end, exotic flavour, the Ferrari GTC4Lusso can’t be missed. Some of the vehicles coming in are so hushhush, Naso can’t say much about them. But she is able to pull back the curtain a bit – expect to see Lexus unveil its new UX in Edmonton, while Toyota will also debut one of its new vehicles as well. “It’s always thrilling when a manufacturer chooses the Edmonton Motorshow for a Canadian premier,” she says. There will also be classics on display, with a collector car auction—bidding starts on the Friday—always a highlight. Also, the Auto Emporium offers a range of services from car performance to insurance. “We like to try and touch on every avenue the automotive world touches on,” Naso says. “We don’t want to leave something out.” And like always, there is a lot happening this year. If you’ve ever wanted to see drifting up close, you’ll get that chance at the outdoor drift demonstration (weather permitting). In addition, the Unrivalled Rides contest returns, with nine challengers facing off with last year’s winner to be named Edmonton’s favourite street vehicle. Social media will remain an important part of the show, giving people a behind-the-scenes look at set-up, and a chance to watch the vehicles roll off the trailers. In addition, you’ll be able to keep up to date on what is happening. “It’s the best way to stay in the know prior to arrival,” Naso says. If you want to beat the crowds and get an exclusive in-person peek at the Motorshow, be sure to get your ticket to the Precious Metal Gala on April 11. “There will be a lot of cars that people just won’t have access to during regular days available that night,” says Naso. “With the smaller crowd, we’ll have the house lights off and the cars spotlighted and a full array of wonderful food. It’s perfect for a date night to see the beautiful pieces of art on four wheels, or to network with your auto-minded peers.” Gala tickets are $150 (or $125 if bought in groups of 10 or more), and the proceeds support a scholarship in the NAIT automotive program and grants to high school shop programs. “To date, we’ve donated more than $3 million,” says Naso. The main show runs from April 12-15. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $15 general admission; $13 seniors and students with I.D.; kids under six are admitted free with an adult; and a Family Pass for $36 is available covering two adults and two children. For more information about the Edmonton Motorshow – and to buy tickets for both the main show and the Precious Metal Gala, visit www. edmontonmotorshow.com. Follow the show on Twitter at @yegmotorshow, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Edmonton-Motorshow, and on Instagram at @edmontonmotorshow.