While the weather may have not started out as well as people wanted for Hot July Nights, it turned for the better and made for a great weekend event.
A large lineup of classic motor vehicles rolled through town during the three-day event, including some surprises, such as the Pioneer Cedar Rocket, a fully functioning vehicle made out of a cedar log.
The Pioneer Cedar Rocket was brought down thanks to creators Gerald Overton from 150 Mile and Bryan Reid Sr. from Williams Lake.
The vehicle is slated to be auctioned off at Barrett Jackson 2017 with all proceeds going to non-profit groups serving military veterans.
However, Hot July Nights didn’t start out so well with the Hot Rod Run on July 15. Just before the run was about to start, a massive rain and thunderstorm rumbled through 100 Mile House, causing the event to be cancelled.
The weather changed for the better during the Poker Run the next day.
Forty-five vehicles participated in the run from the South Cariboo Rec. Centre to the Interlakes to Horse Lake Elementary School and over the Watch Lake Lodge with it ending at Little Horse Lodge.
It was a good run, says event organizer Gary Hales.
“No one got lost. The dinner at the Little Horse Lodge at the end was good and the beer was cold.”
Tony Pacheco from 100 Mile House had the highest hand with four kings, which earned him a $50 gift certificate to the Little Horse Lodge.
Then came the grand daddy celebration – the massive car show in Centennial Park on July 17. Approximately 200 vehicles drove into the park that morning.
Word had spread that the event was going to have to be relocated to the South Cariboo Rec. Centre. However, these comments were dismissed by Hales.
“The park drains really well. Everyone loves the park. It’s a great venue and has a really relaxing atmosphere.”
Winner of the Favourite of Show Award was Bernard McKay for his 1956 Ford Victoria Fairlane. Despite having driven it all the way from McKay’s hometown of Prince George, the classic car looked brand new with its crisp red-and-black paint and smooth model frame.
Hales says he was thankful for how well the event ran despite the weather complications.
“It was one of the most organized and least stressful shows we’ve ever done. Everyone pitched in from the [100 Mile & District Women’s Centre Society] with the coffee to the [100 Mile House Lions Club] with their burgers. All the volunteers really helped out.”
Hales says he is looking forward to what next year’s event will bring.
“We’re always hoping for more cars but we are still very happy with the 200 we had. We have a lot of repeat guys coming out and they really like it here.”
Top placements
Unrestored Car: Tony Poole, Williams Lake (Ford Thunderbird)
European Car: Dennis Henschel, Williams Lake (Panther Kallista)
Japanese Car: Karen Rogers, Williams Lake (Nissan Figaro)
Convertible: Alan & Terri Fisher, Surrey (1964 Chevrolet SS)
Four Door: Mike Kidd, Roberts Creek (1947 Plymouth)
Station Wagon: Ryan Hindmarsh, Lac la Hache (1976 GMC)
1974 & Newer Muscle Car: Frank Ruyter, Williams Lake (1978 Corvette)
1973 & Older Muscle Car: Dave Evans, 100 Mile House (1967 Camaro)
Ford or Mercury: MacKay, Prince George (1956 Ford)
Mopar: Dale Purcha, Hinton, Alberta (1969 Dodge)
GM: Dale & Linda Casner, Hixon (1957 Chev Bel Air)
“Other” American Brand: Doug McCreadie, 108 Mile Ranch (1956 Lincoln)
Chevrolet or Beaumont: Gary & Lisa Puckett, Mackenzie (1966 Chevy Malibu)
Camaro or Firebird: Wayne Lamonthe, Williams Lake (1969 Camaro)
Mustang or Cougar: Blair McKenzie, Quesnel (1968 Mustang)
1974 & Newer Pick-up: Mike McNeil, 100 Mile House (1979 Ford)
1973 & Older Pick-up: Dave Warman, 100 Mile House (1966 Chev Pickup)
Truck over one ton: Ken Ransford, Abbotsford (1951 Mercury)
Trailer Combo: Brian Cave, Merritt (1933 Ford Pickup & 1974 Boler)
Challenger or Cuda: Clint Mathers, Langley (1974 Dodge Challenger)
Street Rod: Dave Akehurst, 100 Mile House (1966 Chevy II)
Hot Rod: Bruce Browne, Chilliwack (1931 Ford Hemi)
Rat Rod or Home Built: Deborah & Cameron Tedford, Ashcroft (1940 Ford Pickup)
Japanese Bike: Aidan Harding, 100 Mile House (1986 Suzuki G5400S)
American Bike: Paul Duff, 108 Mile Ranch (2015 Harley Davidson)
Joe Muench Memorial: Bobby, Horse Lake Road (2001 Harley Davidson)
People’s Choice: Simon Dengel, 100 Mile House (1969 Camaro SS)
Long Distance Award: Nick Stark, Portland, Oregon
Favourite of Show: McKay, Prince George (1956 Ford)
