Mark your calendars for the weekend of Aug. 10, 11 and 12. This is when our wonderful town turns into Hot Rod Heaven.
Starting early this week you will see all kinds of wonderful, beautiful autos arriving on the Coast for the Rod Run and Show and Shine on Cowrie Street.
Friday evening starts off at 6:30 with vehicles leaving Hackett Park on the annual Rod Run down Highway 101 and through Halfmoon Bay following the water.
It is an evening spectacular when many thousands of fans line the streets and side roads to view the cars, much to the delight of the participants.
Last year there were approximately 450 vehicles that took place in the Rod Run.
This year the executive and general members have voted not to continue with the public participation contest due to liability concerns. We look forward to everyone’s ongoing enjoyment and applause and invite you to dress up, theme up, cheer and enjoy the run. But sorry, no contest this year. And also it would be wonderful if you don’t request Burn Outs on the Rod Run. It is definitely a liability and is not condoned or welcomed by the Coasters or the RCMP that will be monitoring.
Saturday sees members of the Coasters on Cowrie Street at 6 a.m. readying the street for the cars to come down and park for the Show and Shine. If you have not yet been down to see this event, it is well worth walking the street and viewing, meeting the owners and enjoying the amazing vehicles on display. You might also want a souvenir T-shirt of the run available at the Coasters setup on Cowrie. For those that are new to this idea, a Show and Shine is where the cars are lined up, shined up and put on display for all to see and enjoy. There is also judging for trophies and a special trophy for people’s choice. So you can also vote for your favourite car.
Continuing on with the Festival of the Rolling Arts, all are invited to come to the Sechelt Airport on Sunday and watch, listen and enjoy the thundering engines of cars racing on the 1/8th-mile drag strip at the airport. This event is put on by the Sunshine Coast Drag Racing Association. A reminder: there is no alcohol allowed at this event and, especially in this heat, no dogs allowed. A running dog on or near the track would have serious results for the drivers.
Sunday also features another car Show and Shine in Pender Harbour. Cars are invited to come and park by the Pender Legion for another great day of cars, friendship and fun.
So come on out and enjoy one of the largest participant weekends on the Sunshine Coast – the Festival of the Rolling Arts.
