People of the Lakeland region love their autos, and at no time is this more apparent than in summer. Not only do Lakelanders love their cars and trucks, they use them to raise money for good causes and great community events.
Bonnyville's Dairy Queen hosted Miracle Treat Day on Aug 12, combined with a car show for the sixth year to raise money for the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton. While generating some needed donations for the hospital, the event gave locals the chance to show their rides, like a 1955 Chevy Belair, a 1971 Mustang, or a 2009 Challenger.
Then there was the smash 'em and bash 'em Glendon Derby Daze on Aug. 14, drawing 3000 spectators to the annual fundraiser for the Glendon Ag. Society, followed up by a Glendon cruise night this weekend. Also this weekend, on Sunday the Cold Lake Cruisers held its 10th annual show and shine in Cold Lake.
Coming up on Thursday, Master Cpl. Chris Downey will host a bike night at the Cold Lake A & W to raise money to support the good work of the Military Families Resource Centre at 4 Wing. An improvised explosive device injured Downey while serving with Canadian Forces in Afghanistan in May. He received financial support from the MFRC and decided to raise money to give back to the organization. On the same day in Cold Lake and Bonnyville, A & W will host its Classic Car Show, donating a dollar for every Teen Burger sold to the MS Society.
Starting on Friday, the expanded Ardmore Extreme will continue the crunching of metal with a truck and car derby, as well as the awesomeness of monster trucks performing tricks in the outdoor arena, and other events. Money raised will go to supporting the community event and making Extreme bigger and better for area motorsports fans next year.
Also starting Friday in Cold Lake and ending Saturday in Bonnyville is the much anticipated Dream Wheels Weekend, bringing exotic cars from around the province to 4 Wing for racing and pinning the pedal to the medal on the tarmac, and Bonnyville for a fundraiser gala. All proceeds from admissions, car ride auctions, and driver donations go to four charities. For information visit www.dreamwheelsweekend.com.
Is any more proof needed of the Lakeland's fervent love of autos, and its continuing support for good causes and community events? No, case closed, the people of the Lakeland love their cars and trucks.
