Celebrating Fathers

Celebrating Fathers

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

Vegreville Father’s Day event was held at Vegreville Agricultural Grounds on June 19.

Over 6,000 people attended this event which was brought to the community by The Iron Runners Club of Vegreville and the Vegreville Agricultural Society.

On the grounds, families were enjoying spending time together. Joey and Shellie were with their children, Kinsley and Quinn. When Kinsley was asked what was special about her dad, she said, “I love how my dad spends time with me and takes me camping. Also, he reads me stories and spends a lot of time with me and he is loving and caring. He is affectionate too.”

L-R. Joey McCready with his daughters Quinn and Kinsley and his wife, Shellie.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Quinn said her father takes her on a lot of adventures. “He is a good worker and makes sure to buy me lots of things that I need.”

Taylor Balash was with his wife Jaime and their three children: Renington, Walter, and George. When Renington was asked why he likes his father, he said, “I like to work with my dad when we feed chickens and cows. He’s a good worker and he buys me nice things. We go fishing and hunting together. I just love my dad.”

A few of the owners were next to their vehicles. Dave Gibson from Sherwood Park had a vintage vehicle from 1941, a Ford Model Pick-up that he’s owned for six years. “This is the only one I own. I drive it all over the place, not just for shows. I bought it used and made a few changes, but not too much,” Gibson said.

In no particular order is Taylor Balash with his wife, Jaime and their children, Renington, Walter, and George.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

There were also a Model Trains Display and a Mini-Market Trade Show.

William Smolak said he co-chairs the Father’s Day Event (FDE) along with Derek Fox. “People brought in 174 vehicles to showcase. They came from as far as Calgary, Westlock, Lloydminster, St. Paul and elsewhere. “We usually get collector vehicles ranging from vintage pre 50’s cars and trucks to 1980’s and up vehicles.

Classic cars and antique tractors were on display for attendees to admire.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

We had modified vehicles, muscle cars, hearses (called bone wagons by some), unrestored vehicles, rat rods, pick-up trucks, and even special interest and foreign vehicles. Hot rods and other vehicles were also showcased.

The Father’s Day Show and Shine is held to remind people of the vehicles of the past as well as a bit of history in the development of the vehicle throughout the years. As well, we host the Show and Shine because of our appreciation and love of vehicles of the past,” Smolak said. When asked how he felt it helped people

or models of vehicles was a guy thing. What better way to celebrate fathers than by displaying what are commonly referred as boys toys. That’s things like snow mobiles, motor bikes, tractors, cars, and trucks. Speed was of interest for many guys as was fixing or juicing up their vehicles to make them go faster or make them look like something special. Fathers and their sons would often work together and many a father passed their pride and joy down to their son.

or models of vehicles was a guy thing. What better way to celebrate fathers than by displaying what are commonly referred as boys toys. That’s things like snow mobiles, motor bikes, tractors, cars, and trucks. Speed was of interest for many guys as was fixing or juicing up their vehicles to make them go faster or make them look like something special. Fathers and their sons would often work together and many a father passed their pride and joy down to their son.

Model train displays were enjoyed by all ages.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

For decades, men have been enamoured with vehicles and ways to make them look better and go faster. The same can be said for sleds, motorcycles, big rig semis and tractors,” Smolak said.

One of the Organizers for the Demolition Derby, Ken Gulevich, said there were 19 entries. “This derby helps to celebrate fathers as they actually have father, son and daughter’s teams. “Most of the fathers enjoy this event because it helps them spend time with their family and build the cars and trucks. We have a lot of people say that they wish they could do that.”

The Demolition Derby was a fan favourite.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)