Central Island classic car buffs are fine-tuning their engines, polishing their chrome and shining their tailfins in preparation for the 10th annual Ladysmith Show and Shine and Rod Run.
The two-day festival thunders its way through Ladysmith and Chemainus this Friday (Aug. 16) and Saturday (Aug. 17).
Friday night’s Rod Run offers local fans a chance to spot their passing favourites as a convoy of classics makes its way from the A&W on Highway 1 and Oyster Sto’Lo Road out to Chemainus and back.
Ron Howe, Show and Shine’s chairman, said Rod Run participants will congregate at the A&W prior to their 7 p.m. departure.
The caravan is scheduled to roll through Ladysmith via First Avenue and Dogwood Drive before crossing Highway 1 to follow Chemainus Road to the roundabout at Oak Street and Victoria Road in Chemainus. From there, the motorcade will retrace its route back along Chemainus Road to Highway 1 before returning to its starting point.
“The route usually takes about an hour,” Howe said, “and it seems to be getting bigger every year. Last year we had upwards of 70 to 80 cars.”
The following morning, Show and Shine launches at 10 a.m. along a lengthy span of First Avenue, extending from Warren Street to Roberts Street in downtown Ladysmith.
Howe has 40 vehicles signed up to date, he said, with room for 260 in total.
Pre-registration ended Thursday, Aug. 8, Howe added, and would-be participants are now asked to sign up onsite on the morning of the event.
“Most people sign up on the day of the event if the weather’s good,” Howe said, adding that last year’s show drew “between 250 and 260” cars and bikes, including a rare 1918 Cadillac.
Last-minute entries for Show and Shine can be submitted at the registration booth at High Street and First Avenue, Howe said. Signing up costs $20 and includes a complimentary hot dog or hamburger from the Lions food truck, located on Gatacre Street and First Avenue.
According to Show and Shine’s website, car owners will vie for “Best in Show,” “Participants’ Choice,” or one of three “People’s Choice” trophies.
Bike owners, meanwhile, will compete in four categories: Vintage 1955 or earlier, Best Sport Bike, Best Cruiser and Best Custom.
Vendors will be on sight promoting car care and appraisal services, Howe added, backed by live music from Fred Izon.
Trophies and awards will be given away at 2 p.m., Howe said.
For more on Show and Shine and Rod Run, visit http://members.shaw.ca/ladysmithsns/.