It’s hard not to get excited about cars when you see what’s possible at an event like the Westlock Wheels of Class Show & Shine.
Hundreds packed into Lindahl Park in Westlock July 13 to take in the sights and sounds of the 151 entries into this year’s event.
Wheels of Class president Tom McMillan said he was happy with everything about the event — the weather, the festive atmosphere and most importantly, the entries.
“We’ve got everything here,” he said. “Everything from the early 1920s to 2012 for sure, and maybe later. I don’t get the luxury of going around and checking each one.”
There are a lot of reasons people want to come out to a show like this, and no small factor is that a lot of people are nostalgic for old cars and trucks.
“For a lot of the older people, these are the cars they grew up with,” he said. “Then you get the guys in the middle age, which would be me, saw those guys driving those hot cars — we wanted the car and now we’re in a position to be able to afford it.”
McMillan was quick to add there are countless families and younger people who get a lot out of a show and shine as well.
“For the young guys, some of the older cars are timeless. The styling just appeals to a large group of people,” he said.
The event has been held at Lindahl Park for several years, and being able to be on the grass in the shade of trees is a huge boon to people who want to spend the day.
“We’re very appreciative to the town and museum for allowing us to be here,” McMillan said. “When we had it on parking lots before, (the heat) would kill you. You’d be pretty tired at the end of the day.”
Westlock Pioneer Museum president Art Avery said the benefit goes both ways, and the museum is always happy to be able to help host the event.
“One benefit, really, is that people become aware that we have a Pioneer Museum in Westlock,” he said. “A lot of people haven’t been through the doors, and they’ve lived in Westlock all their lives.”
And those interested in antique cars will a few things to interest them in the museum, as well: some old vehicles as well as the world-class gramophones, oil lamps and gun collection.
