Just over 700 cars rolled into Penticton for the annual Peach City Beach Cruise on the weekend.
“With the rain on Friday we weren’t too sure what to expect, but 705 cars is great, especially when our capacity is 750,” said Wayne Wood, Peach City Beach Cruise organizer. “The weather actually turned out great. Not too hot and not too cold — perfect for a car show.”
Cars came from as far as Arizona and Texas in the U.S. and from as far east as Winnipeg.
“I love seeing all the people on Saturday at the show and walking around. The energy that comes from that is amazing. Then we had great entertainment on both nights that had the park rocking. The expression that often comes up from visitors to the show is ‘what a party.’ We are very pleased with that,” said Wood.
Plans for additions and improvements have already begun for next year’s show. Wood said it continues to be a popular event because of the diversity of cars and people it draws.
“Everybody has a different favourite type of car. There is no right or wrong, it’s like food — you like what you like. We offer something that speaks to everyone because of the diverse cars that come,” said Wood.
The big winners from the weekend include Mervyn Pidherney’s from Rocky Mountain House, Alta. with his 1954 Buick Roadmaster which took the People’s Choice award, a 1950 Mercury two-door coupe owned by Gavin and Marlene Parsons from Vernon won the Mayor’s Choice award. Locals picking up first place awards include Dave Purcha from Penticton with his 1941 Willys Outlaw (1940s Modified), Phil Welock of Summerland with his 1940 Ford pick up took second place ((1940s Modified), Rob Ellingsen from Oliver and his 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS took second place (1970s Modified), Peachland’s Kym Miller’s 1967 Chevrolet Corvette (Corvette category), Penticton’s Don Sussey won with his 1998 Harley Davidson Dyna Glide (Motorcycle), Murray Symyk of Summerland took second place with his 1968 Ford Shelby GT (Mustang/Cougar), Alan Gow of Osoyoos took first prize with his 1962 Jaguar XKE (Off Shore) and Tommy Leung of Penticton won with his 2002 BMW M3 (Tuners and Low Riders).
