It’s possible that more than 250 vehicles will take over downtown Ladysmith during the 11th annual Ladysmith Show and Shine.
This year’s car show takes place Saturday, Aug. 16 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the show officially opens at 10 a.m.
“It is hoped that as many cars as possible will register early,” said organizing committee member Duck Paterson. “All the cars registering on the day of the show will come into Ladysmith from the north end, and the sign-in desk will be at First Avenue and Warren Street. If the weather co-operates, the committee is hoping to have over 250 vehicles registered this year.”
Paterson says they’ve had more pre-registrations so far than any other year.
As a prelude to the show, there is a Rod Run Friday, Aug. 15, starting at the Ladysmith A&W at 5 p.m. Vehicles will start to gather at 5 p.m., and there will be entertainment until 7 p.m. At 7 p.m., vehicles will leave A&W and parade into Ladysmith by the First Avenue round-a-bout and proceed all the way to Chemainus, where they will turn around and come back.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang, and although this isn’t a Mustang show, organizers are hoping to have a good contingent of Mustangs in the show, according to Paterson.
Paterson says the Ladysmith Show & Shine usually attracts about 225 vehicles. They have had as many as 260 cars, trucks and motorcycles, and this year, their goal is 275 vehicles.
This year, the organizing committee has designed its own plaques featuring a picture of downtown Ladysmith with the cars for the award winners.
Spectators will have a chance to decide who wins the People’s Choice Award, which will be presented for first, second and third place.
Plaques will also be given out to the participants’ top choices, and there will be a Little Valley Restorations trophy for the neatest paint job. There is a new award this year for the Ambassadors’ Choice, voted on by the Ladysmith Ambassador Team.
During the Show & Shine, there will be live entertainment, concessions and booths.
This year, local band Roctane will perform for the crowds.
“They play an assortment of the early- to mid-1960s and 1970s tunes that everybody used to cruise the main streets to,” said Paterson.
As well, the Wizard and Enchantress will be back to entertain spectators.
The Ladysmith Lions Club will provide a concession stand, and the Ladysmith Kinsmen will set up a hot dog stand. Funds raised will go towards rebuilding the playground at Transfer Beach.
Paterson thinks hosting a car show like this benefits Ladysmith in many ways.
“It gives the town exposure,” he said. “As more people get to experience Ladysmith, more people get to like it.”
The Show & Shine also gives residents something to do on a Saturday, he noted.
“It’s a nice family event,” he said. “I think it’s something Ladysmith can be proud of.”
First Avenue will be closed Saturday, Aug. 16 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Organizers request that dogs not be brought down to the car show, as this is a spectator event, and Town bylaws prohibit bringing dogs to special events on First Avenue, explained Paterson, adding that Animal Control will be enforcing the bylaw.
