Gentlemen and ladies, start your engines, the 28th annual Lakers Car Club Spring Round Up event is getting ready to roll on May 25 and 26.
A popular community event, this year it will be bigger and even better, as the event continues to build up.
“We’d like to grow the show as much as we can with more cars and more things to do,” said Paul Christianson, a long-time Lakers Club member and volunteer.
This year will still include the usual show and shine portion on Oliver Street and First Avenue, with gates open at 8 a.m. for vehicles, show starts at 10 a.m. Access will be slightly different and will be at First and Borland, to accommodate the Spring Festival taking place on May 26. The festival will have family-friendly activities and volunteer group information.
A roundup poker run on Saturday, May 25, from noon until 3 p.m., gives drivers the chance to show off their vehicle, tour the community and stop in at businesses to pick up cards to make a hand of poker for the chance to win some of $350 in cash prizes.
A cruise through the central area of the city on the Saturday as well, starting at 4 p.m., is a great chance for folks to see the car show entries in action, not just sitting.
Christianson said the cruise goes by three seniors centres and ends at Chances Casino.
“It’d be so nice if we can have more people come out and watch,” said Jackie Potter, another club member and volunteer.
He’s also hoping it goes a little smoother for him than last year.
Not far into the cruise, Christianson was helping to lead the parade of vehicles, when he ran out of gas and had to drop out.
“It was a good laugh,” said Potter, who was riding with Christianson last year when it happened.
This year, there will also be a dinner at The Point Restaurant, which will be open to the public to purchase tickets, though registrants and club members will get first chance.
The dinner is at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and are available through car club members or by contacting Peggy Christianson at 250-267-1644.
Those who register for the car show before May 15 will be entered to win an early bird draw prize of $100.
Registration is $20 and is available online through the website at www.lakerscarclub.ca.
The event raises funds each year to donate towards local organizations, with funds going towards bursaries, Williams Lake Rotary Club’s Starfish Program, the Salvation Army food bank, Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre, Williams Lake Hospice and others over the years.
Last year, Christianson said the group donated $14,000.
This year, the Williams Lake Blue Fins will also be supporting and supported by the event. The club will be helping with the hot dog stand, with proceeds going towards supporting the club.
The club is also always looking for new members.
“It’s a great group to be part of,” said Potter, noting the 1927 Ford Roadster people will see in the show is her husband’s but she enjoys the social side of the club and the collaboration.
Christianson said planning for the event begins in November, but the real work gets underway in January.
READ MORE: Upcoming events in Williams Lake starting April 18
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