A successful first Show and Shine in Hill Spring

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Norm Racine's award winning '77 Chev Van
C. Davis photos

Hill Spring was the site of the first annual Big Blocks and Hot Rods show and shine on Saturday, September 8.  Close to 50 participants entered, with some coming from as far away as High River. Blue skies and hot weather favoured the attendees with one more shot of summer.

Some of the vehicles were familiar favourites seen frequently at area show and shines, and there were a few new "faces" in the crowd as well, keeping it interesting. The show and shine was held in a big field at the entrance to Hill Spring, pleanty of space for a bigger show if necessary in the future.  Attendees were offered free camping at Spring Glen Park just east of Hill Spring if they wanted it.

Foreground: Cris and Pete Van Der Wielen's Beetle based trike
Background: Clem Smith's 2008 Harley davidson Trike
C. Davis photos

The event was organized by Cris and Pete Van Der Wielen, who soon discovered that putting on such a big event with only a couple of months notice was a monumental task.  The event was a testament to their efforts.


"The support we received with the sponsors and the community support was amazing, we couldn’t have don’t it without them," said Cris.  "We will definitely be hosting this again next year!"

Norm Racine's agate fireplace

Norm Racine from Lethbridge entered his classic '77 Chev van in the competition, and was not expecting to walk home a winner, as it didn't seem to fit neatly into any of the categories.  He bought it in 1979, a plain cargo van, and in 1982 he went to work on it, creating a period beauty, with a wood and shag interior (his brother did the woodwork), captain's chairs, a fancy exhaust system, and various other points of interest.  The "fireplace" was constructed around a beautiful tear-shaped piece of Brazilian agate, a lucky find that he said he knew just what to do with.  Lit up from behind with an alternating light, it was quite striking to see.

When the awards were handed out, Racine was surprised and pleased to discover he had won awards for "Best 1970 to Present" and "Audience Favourite".

Norm Racine poses with his awards and fellow Lethbridge
Transit Worker and friend Kathy Morrison

Winners:

Best bike - Clem Smith  2008 Harley davidson Trike
Best Muscle car - Brian Bates '69 Chevy Camaro
Best custom car – A. Cervo '34 Ford coupe
Best Custom Truck – D. Nelson '35 chevy 4x4
Best Original Car - Jess Derosier '69 Chevy Nova
Best original Truck - Bryce Meldrum, '53 International
Best pre 1950 - Jim Fraser, '40 Chev coupe
Best 1950-60 - Don Needham, '57 Chev
Best 1960-70 - Murray Griga, '66 Barracuda
Best 1970-present - Norm Racine, '77 Chev Van
Best import - Wayne Mackay, '89 VW Cabriolet
Best paint - Roy, '57 Chev
Audience Favorite- Norm Racine, '77 Chev van



Related link: www.hillspring.ca