Over 270 vehicles made their way into Saskatoon for the Draggins Rod and Custom Car Show over the weekend.
“It’s our biggest car show that we’ve ever had. We have 182 first-time showings” Shane Arthurs, one of the event organizers said
Prairieland Park was packed with car lovers of all ages, with proceeds going towards Camp Easter Seal.
“This is a world-class show. It’s the best show in Western Canada. We really pride ourselves, all our members, on what we do. And everybody gets together as a team, now they get to show off their masterpiece,” Arthurs said.
Rick Sikora is the proud owner of one of those masterpieces. He spent countless hours restoring his jet-black 1965 GTO Pontiac, and it was showcased for the first time ever over the weekend.
“[I] got up early in the morning, drove through the snow with an enclosed trailer, unloaded it, brought it in. But what’s so nice about it is the volunteers at Draggins helped me set up my display,” Sikora said.
Sikora received many compliments for his work on the car, making the trip from Edmonton well worth it.
“Saskatoon is the absolute best because the people are willing to chat and talk, and the stories you get from them are what make you do what you do,” Sikora said.
The Pontiac hasn’t been driven since 1973 by a man named Wally, who originally built the car, but Sikora said he and his wife are planning to put 5,000 kilometers on it over the summer.
“They spent all this time in their garage and helping build it. Now they get to show their masterpiece, talk to people. They get to see there’s a story with every car,” Arthurs said.
Upon walking into the show, patrons were immediately greeted by a cherry red 1931 Ford Coupe Model A.
Rod Stordy is one of the passionate individuals who keeps the car in tip-top shape despite the fact that the vehicle is nearly a century old.
“Lot of hours, long hours. Just cleaning; it’s a lot of hours to buff it up and make it shine. After each show we go, we clean it and get it ready for the next show,” Stordy said.
Stordy made the trip from Winnipeg to showcase the coupe. He said the car travels across North America for many shows, but this is his first time at Draggins.
The feedback has been incredibly positive, with many kids taking an interest in the animated eyes within the vehicle’s windshield, and adults taking an interest in the history.
“A lot of memories for the older people. They remember when their dad had that car....It’s just one of those things that catches people’s eyes. It makes them feel like they’re back in their youth again,” Stordy said.
