The Nanaimo chapter of the Vintage Car Club of Canada is bringing 200 vintage automobiles and their owners to Port Alberni over the May 12-13 weekend. The May tour is actually based out of Oceanside, but half the entourage will visit Port Alberni on the Saturday and the other half of them will come to town on the Sunday.
Between 9:30 and 10 each morning 100 vintage cars will drive down the Highway 4 into Port Alberni, continue on Redford Street to Third Avenue and then along Kingsway to the train station. Many will park at the train station for the steam train ride to the mill each day.
The cars will remain on display by the train station until they return later in the day. Some will drive right to the mill for display there.
Local coordinator, Bob McGraw, says that they will produce a detailed program and a local “goodie bag” for all the participants and give prizes for the various categories of vintage cars. Any businesses that would be interested in becoming a sponsor can contact Bob directly at mcgrawfamily@shaw.ca. Given that these car club members are from all over the province it will be a great opportunity to showcase our community, particularly in our centennial year.
You should be aware of a number of big events taking place over the next days and weeks. We will celebrate our centennial in the re-enactment of the first council meeting at Alberni District Secondary School on Sunday, April 1.
Campbell River’s economic development CEO presents at our next Networking Luncheon Wednesday, April 11 at the Best Western Barclay Hotel.
The chamber’s Community Excellence Awards Dinner takes place Thursday evening, April 12 at the Barclay. Nominations are now in and to reserve your place at the supper table call us at 250-724-6535. There is limited seating for this popular evening so reserve soon.
International educator, Jeff Mowatt, comes to town Wednesday, May 2 as the chamber sponsors his presentation entitled, “The Art of Customer Service”. He will be speaking at the Barclay Hotel and this is an excellent opportunity for businesses and staff to learn more about how exceeding customers’ expectations paves the way to business success. Reserve by calling 1-800-566-9288 or clicking on jeffmowatt.com.
Early bird discounts are still in effect. Our chamber AGM will take place at our Networking Luncheon, noon, Wednesday, May 9 at Chances Rimrock Gaming Centre.
Looking way ahead, the chamber, Twin Travel and Collette Vacations will present a multi-media travelogue on taking a river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest down the Danube, Tuesday, June 26 at the Visitor Centre. Space is limited so if you would like to learn more about this fantastic European vacation (taking place in September, 2013), reserve your spot by calling the Chamber or Twin Travel.
The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a “Beard and Bonnet” contest to be judged Aug. 4 at Bob Dailey Stadium. Start growing your beards and making your bonnets now. For more information about categories etc., call our office at 250-724-6535.
Thought for the Week:
“I adore simple pleasures. They are the last refuge of the complex.” — Oscar Wilde.
