Car Festival
August 10, 2008: Oak Bay Avenue will be closed to regular vehicle traffic to make way for between 250 and 300 collectable cars representing a range of eras from some of the earliest cars to modern hot rods. Many of them bring more than the car to the show – they bring a sense of the time they were created and the people who drove them.
The Blethering Place Collector Car Festival stands apart from other car shows in that not-yet-finished cars are welcomed and eagerly sought out for participation. Cars begin arriving on the Avenue at 8 a.m. with an official start time 10am. To accommodate growing participation, cars will extend farther down Oak Bay Avenue than in previous years.
Entertainment takes place throughout the day as the Avenue comes alive with festivities. Festival favorites Johnny Vallis and Virtual Elvis will serenade the crowd at intervals throughout the day. New to the show this year the West Shore School of Dance will be performing at street level through the day.
Prizes are awarded for crowd-pleasing cars including ladies choice (also known as a ‘chick magnet'). At the show about a third of the participants are women,” says Agate. “Women go the extra mile with their cars. They really emphasize details that bring the era of the car alive such as accessories or detailing. It brings the history of the car alive.” Other prizes include the People's Choice (most popular car), Furthest Traveled for the car with the longest commute to the show and Best Survivor, for an un restored car in close to original condition.
A question and answer tent will be set up for those interested in learning more about specific aspects of vintage car restoration and detailing. The annual prime rib barbecue will run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
As always there will be a strong showing of English cars as well as colourful hot rods and cars from all eras. The majority of the cars come from local enthusiasts but some come from up island, mainland BC and the United States . The show favorite from the Fords & Friends show in July will be at the show.
For further information please contact Ken Agate at:
The Blethering Place
Phone: (250) 598-1413
email: tearoom@thebletheringplace.com