This August will mark the 20th annual Coasters Car Club rod run and show ‘n’ shine, which delights thousands each year and has become an anticipated summer staple on the Sunshine Coast.
The car club was officially formed in 1996 as a non-profit society of automobile enthusiasts who, until then, had met informally for small show ‘n’ shines and tours together.
Once the club was official, the rod runs and show ‘n’ shines became official too, and each year they grew in attendance and popularity. What started as a club of about 25 members has grown to over 120 and those early show ‘n’ shines with 20-odd cars have now topped out at 325 – the maximum Cowrie Street can hold.
Each year spectators for the Sleepy Hollow Rod Run have increased as well, and now it’s not unusual to see upwards of 4,000 spectators take to the roadways to watch the old-time automobiles drive past.
The rod run features all of the automobiles registered for the show ‘n’ shine the following day, driving in a low-speed parade between Sechelt and Halfmoon Bay for the community’s enjoyment.
Safety has always been paramount for the rod run, Coasters Car Club president Greg Falls said, noting drivers are briefed on the rules before the rod run starts, which include no throwing candy and no doing burnouts.
“We want to keep it a safe and fun event for families,” Falls said.
Families flock to the roadways to see the cars during the rod run and some even set up couches, barbecues and dining tables to enjoy dinner while viewing the spectacle.
Falls said the rod run is just as fun for drivers who get to see the beauty of the Coast and the excitement of the residents.
Each year, Falls said, about two-thirds of the drivers who register for the rod run and show ‘n’ shine are from off-Coast, but there’s room for more locals who want to join in.
He invites those who want to get involved to go to the club’s website at www.coasterscarclub.ca to print out a registration form and send it in soon, as registration is starting to fill up.
The rod run takes place on Friday, Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. Drivers will gather at Hackett Park before the run starts to go over the rules, meet each other and enjoy a corn roast.
On Saturday, Aug. 8, the show ‘n’ shine starts on Cowrie Street at 10 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. Guests can view the cars and trucks on display and vote for their favourites.
Saturday evening wraps up with a dinner and dance for drivers who registered for the weekend and the awarding of prizes and gifts.
In addition to the weekend’s car club events, there will be a drag race on Sunday, Aug. 9 at the Sechelt Airport hosted by the Sunshine Coast Drag Racing Association and another show ‘n’ shine at the Garden Bay Pub and Restaurant from noon to 4 p.m.
The purpose of the Coasters Car Club is to promote the preservation of vintage, street rod, hot rod, custom and specialty automobiles. It’s also a non-profit society which donates money and services to charities on the Coast such as the food bank, volunteer fire departments and the hospital foundation.
Falls said anyone with a passion for automobiles is welcome to join, whether they own a vehicle or not.
“You don’t even need a car. Our registration is clearly shown on our club website and you can come to our general meeting and just join,” Falls said. “It’s open to anyone.”
