PUB, PUBLIC WORKS HOST SHOWS
This weekend will be the first in a long time where there is no Tom the Tire Guy Mother’s Day Car Show in Surrey. For many years I went to see the cool cars that came to Tommy’s, and like so many of us I am saddened — and a bit jealous — that he finally retired.
It got me thinking, how many of us can boast of the legacy to the car culture that Tom Erickson can? Lots of cool rides are running on wheels and tires supplied by Erickson. What started as a grand-opening celebration for his new tire store three decades ago led to an amazing, not-to-be-missed annual Mother’s Day car show. I was lucky to get to create the artwork for a few of the last T-shirts Tom and Sandy had for their show. Here’s wishing the Ericksons all the best and I’m sure we’ll see them with their grandkids at many car shows this summer and beyond.
To carry on the fine tradition of a Mother’s Day event, Kennedy’s Pub has stepped in to fill the void. As of last week, its website said details on the show are “to be announced,” but hey, it’s a pub with a parking lot and I am sure the cars will come.
Another must-attend event this weekend is a Langley high school car show led by the students and staff with all proceeds going to student programs.
The Richmond public works yard is having an open house and they will be having a car show as well. These open houses are a great place to take kids to see the heavy equipment Richmond uses.
Last weekend, I went to the DW Poppy high school show, which set the standard for student participation for a car show. Lots of parents and staff worked really hard to make this a smooth and epic car show.
I found a great spot right by the goalposts and while I set up I was able to snap a bunch of video of the cars rolling in, including Rick Dyble of the Roadmen and his 1966 Chevy Panel truck that was the epitome of patina. I met Brent Grommel, who had a 1972 Olds 442 W30 that he found for sale in the classified section. Grommel worked for a time in Alberta during the ’70s and the local gas station had a 1972 Olds 442 W-30 sitting in front that belonged to the station’s owner. That car had captured Grommel’s attention and when he found a similar car for sale, he jumped at the chance. The car was sold to a local bodyman who could fix it up and flip by an Albertan relative who had stuffed it into a barn for a decade. The bodyman had it a number of years before deciding he would never get to it. Once Grommel started going through the car he found out it was the car he had lusted after all those years ago.
Like all of them I look forward to many more great shows this spring and summer, so make sure to bring a kid to a car show or a public works open house.
SHOWS
SATURDAY
What: Richmond CUPE 394 Car Show Where: Richmond Public Works Yard, 5599 Lynas Lane, Richmond
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Registration: Dover Park (across the street from the works yard). Arrive between 9 and 10 a.m. if you would like to show your car. Space is limited. Info: 604-786-2258 or pwopenhouse@richmond.ca What: Cars and Crafts Langley Where: Vanguard Secondary School, 3825 244th St., Langley
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free
Registration: $10 and starts at 8:30 a.m.
Info: 604-856-9193 or carsandcraftslangley@gmail.com
What: Classic Car & Parts, Antique & Collectibles Swap Meet
Where: White Post Auto Museum & Antiques Mall, 4439A Trans Canada Hwy., Tappen
When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rain or shine Admission: $2
Registration: Indoor and outdoor booths $25
Info: 250-835-2224, wpam@hotmail.ca or info@whitepostautomuseum.ca Website: whitepostautomuseum.ca
SUNDAY
What: Kennedy’s Pub Car Show Where: Kennedy’s Pub, 11906 88 Ave., Delta
When: Go early as the pub is not sure when it may wrap up.
Admission: Free
Registration: 8:30 a.m. $20 and includes burger/chicken fingers, fries and a beer. Proceeds to Christmas fundraiser
Info: 604-590-2366
COMPETITION
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY What: Oval racing
Where: Saratoga Speedway When: Qualifying at 6 p.m. Opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. both days Info: 1-250-337-5024 or race@saratogaspeedway.bc.ca
TODAY TO SUNDAY
What: Drag racing
Where: Mission Raceway Park, Mission When: Friday Night Mopac Auto Supply Street Legal #6; Saturday-Sunday NHRA Summit ET Racing Series, Junior Dragster, Jr. Street, Hot Rod, Super Shifters, Super Combo, CWDA, Top Fuel Harleys
Info: 1-877-826-6315
SATURDAY
What: Oval racing
Where: Agassiz Speedway
When: Time trials 5:30 p.m.; Racing 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (weather permitting) Info: 604-792-FAST (792-3278) or agassizspeedway@telus.net