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Rain can’t stop Wheels of Class

Cars and trucks, both old and new, took centre stage at the 29th annual Westlock Wheels of Class Show N’ Shine held July 10.
Dustin Jamieson shines the grill of his 1951 Chevrolet 3100 at the 29th annual Westlock Wheels of Class Show N’ Shine at Lindhal Park on July 10. About 200 car enthusiasts
Dustin Jamieson shines the grill of his 1951 Chevrolet 3100 at the 29th annual Westlock Wheels of Class Show N’ Shine at Lindhal Park on July 10. About 200 car enthusiasts braved the rain and took in the show featuring more than 60 classic cars.

Cars and trucks, both old and new, took centre stage at the 29th annual Westlock Wheels of Class Show N’ Shine held July 10.

Despite thundershowers that ultimately cut the day short, nearly 200 car enthusiasts braved the rain to check out more than 60 vehicles on display at Lindahl Park.

Event co-organizer Dave Ristoff said while attendance and participation was down over last year, he was pleased with the turnout.

“Considering the weather, it was very good,” he said.

“People like going to certain types of shows, and this happens to be one they like going to.”

The park setting and the location next to the Pioneer Museum, Ristoff said, adds to the experience to make the show a must see attraction.

“People enjoy coming through the museum and checking it out,” he said. “That really works to our benefit.”

Ron Reese, from Ardrossan, brought along his 1990 Chevrolet Caprice RCMP cruiser, which he purchased from an RCMP fleet sale in 1995.

Complete with real decals and sirens, Reese says he requires special permission from the RCMP to display the car.

“I’m very honoured to show the car with the decals and everything,” he said.

Travelling to and from the show, Reese is required to cover the sirens and police stickers.

Ristoff said after nearly 30 years, the show has become a regular fixture amongst Edmonton-area car shows, which helps attract a good mix.

“It’s kind of a circuit. The car community has a calendar that goes around and we’re on this weekend,” he said.

“A lot of people come every year to the same show.”

Westlock’s Matthew Smith proudly displayed a 1957 Volkswagen Beetle he restored after finding it in a Saskatchewan barn.

Complete with a wicker shelf under the steering wheel, almost everything in the car is original, Smith said.

“It’s got original rubber floor mats, which don’t survive very often,” he explained.

Smith said he takes his bug to the show whenever he’s around on the show weekend as well as to Volkswagen shows in the city.

Other notable cars included a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 and a 1930 Chevrolet Deluxe Roadster.

Amongst the oddities at the show was Cheryl Charabin’s 1988 Cadillac hearse, complete with Halloween decorations.

Through registration fees and admission, Ristoff said more than $600 was raised, although the final tally remains unknown.

The proceeds are used to fund two $500 scholarships handed out yearly to automotive students in Westlock. If there are any extra funds, organizers will pick a local charity to donate to.

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