Walmart Show and Shine packs 'em in

Best In Show: Terry Opheim of Pincher Creek with his 1955 Ford Ranchero

"This is a local car," said Terry Opheim about his 1955 Ranchero that won Best in Show.  "It was owned by Darrel Brown, of Brown's Autobody."

Toni Lucas. story and photos (except where otherwise noted)

 Pincher Creek Walmart hosted a Car Show and Shine for the Children's Miracle Network on a beautiful sunny June 7.  According to organizer Gayle MacIntyre people brought their prized vehicles from near and far, from other small communities, and the cities of Lethbridge and Calgary.  "We have had great support from this community, the car clubs, the bike clubs, everybody," said MacIntyre, who was delighted to report that the fundraiser collected over $3,200.  

There is an easy answer to what attracts people to a car show.  The variety of cars.  They spark the imagination, summon memories, and allow people to dream, to compare, to reminisce.

The answer to what draws people to collecting or restoring vehicles more difficult, and as varied as the number of cars that were in the parking lot. A few common denominators are a love of beauty, freedom, and the open road. Whether one collected bikes or cars, a specific year, or a specific model, old or new, all of these owners had something in common.  Whether it was their first acquisition or part of a stable that has them building extra garages, they all have a passion for their vehicles, and they were happy to share their treasures for the day.

Best Car: Tim and Theresa Ellerton of Bellevue with their 1958 Edsel

Tim Ellerton believes in the power of the press. He explained how a single Disc Jockey may have publicly ruined the name of the Edsel before sales of them really got off the ground. He was happy to show his '58 Edsel that took Best Car in the show.

\

Best Motorcycle: Thomas Woitte of Bellevue with his 2009 Harley

Thomas Woitte is proud to say that he did all of the custom painting on this bike, cooler, and trailer himself.

Best Truck: Pat MacInnis of Pincher Creek (blue shirt) and her 1960 El Camino

Pat and her husband both collect cars.  Her El Camino 'Ginger' won  Best Truck.

Above and below: panoramic views of the auto show by Shelby Karpiak

Tim MacInnis with his future show stopper, a 1959 GMC pickup

Show and Shine organizer, Walmart's Gayle MacIntyre

Irene and Wayne Hollander's granddaughter Shelby Karpiak (center).
Shelby can really 'picture' herself in Granddad's Corvette.

Savi Houldin sold t-shirts as a volunteer.
She and her husband had motorbikes in the show.

Tessa and Gord Pitt show off their bikes

Gordon Pitt's love of motorcycles is something that he now shares with his daughter, Tessa.  Chihuahua Axyl was also along for the day.

Cindy Dwyer  ready to enjoy the sights with her 2002 Harley Fatboy

Lundbreck's Dennis and Rose Olsen brought three cars to the show, including a 1929 Durant, behind Dennis in the above picture. Dennis was happy with the day, saying the weather was fine and the people were friendly.  "This was even better than fishing, today."

Rear interior of Dennis and Rose Olson's 1929 Durant

Michael Houldin has been into bikes since he was ten.
His wife Savi has learned how to ride to share in his passion.

Jo Nielsen with her custom Harley-Davidson

Garnet Heinzig and Ray Degan brought antiques from Kootenai Brown
Pioneer Village.  Quite the conversation starters.

The organizers had a good day, and were easy to find, being being situated close to the concession and DJ booth.  Gayle MacIntyre said that there was close to 80 entries in the show.  "It was a really good turnout.  Lots of people, lots of cars."  They plan to have another event next year, and if you can't wait that long there is a car show scheduled for Main Street Fort Macleod on June 21.