3 minute read
Appreciating Fathers with Action-Packed Day
Appreciating Fathers with Action-Packed Day
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Excitement and fun for everyone was featured at the 31st Annual Father’s Day Event at Vegreville Agricultural Grounds and Multi-Plex Centre on June 16.
Vegreville Iron Runners Auto Club and Vegreville Agricultural Society hosted the event that attracted 4,000 people.
The Show and Shine was for classic vehicle enthusiasts of antique tractors, vintage and custom motorcycles, antique snowmobiles, big-rig semis, and bone wagons. Also offered were model train displays, a mini-market trade show and outdoor food trucks.
Bill Smolak, Coordinator of Show and Shine, said there were around 120 classic vehicles. “It went well overall. Everyone seemed to be happy.”
Stan Norlander showcased his 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback. “I owned this car for 53 years. I had it restored professionally in 2016 because it is a classic. My wife Vicky used to drive our kids to soccer games and get groceries in this car.”
Bill Hopkins from Mundare had his 1935 Standard Chevy. “I built it from scratch. It was originally a 1997 Chev Blazer. I wanted to make a classic look alike. I started building it 13 years ago. I did this because I built a couple of motorcycles and wanted to try to build a classic truck. It is personalized in a way that it is an extension of my personality.”
The Phelan Family were with their father Cory. His little children admitted their dad was special because he is fun. “Our dad takes care of us and plays with us. He teaches us a lot. He likes to watch a car crash.”
The Martin Family who live close to Holden were with their father James. His young children mentioned that they like their dad because he is strong. “He has a good sense of humour; he’s fun and plays with us, is a good worker, and a good cook.”
The Demolition Derby was for adrenaline-rush seekers who loved watching the drivers ram their vehicles into each other.
When there were intermissions, around 20 kids participated in the Youth Power Wheels Derby and seven adults were in the Burnout Demonstration.
Organizer of Demolition Derby Ken Gulevich said there were 11 entries which consisted of six full-size cars, one mini car, and four trucks competing in the Demolition Derby. “The event went well. We had a great turnout. The weather was nice; it wasn’t raining. The best parts were everyone getting acquainted with old friends and sharing their passion for motorsports. We had people from Bonnyville, Calgary, Lloydminster, Vegreville and Area, and Langdon.
The first place winner of the Demo Derby was David Mercer.
There were many sponsors for this event with Veg Auto & Industrial Supply Ltd. being the major sponsor and Grant Miller Motors of the Demolition Derby.
