There will be plenty of flashy sights and mighty sounds to take in when close to 200 classic cars and bikes rumble into 100 Mile House this weekend.
The Hot July Nights Car & Bike Show, a premier automotive event in the area, is gearing up for another big event, July 17-19.
The weekend starts with a rod run leaving the A&W Restaurant at 6:30 p.m. on July 17.
The rod run, hosted by the 100 Mile Cruzers Car Club, will see participants cruise a new route this year.
Instead of heading north to 108 Mile Ranch, the long procession of powerful and stylish rides is heading south through Lone Butte and back to town via Horse Lake Road.
The rod run will start down Highway 97 South and turn left on Highway 24 toward Lone Butte. The cars then make a left past Lone Butte on the Horse Lake cutoff over the train tracks, then left on McMillan Road to Horse Lake Road, followed by a quick sweep of the Ranchettes down Lakeshore Drive and Imperial Road, before turning back toward 100 Mile House. The last leg of the run is down Birch Avenue and First Street, arriving back at the A&W Restaurant, a popular spot for Cruzers Car Club regular events.
Jen Daniel, 100 Mile House A&W Restaurant manager, has done wonders for the club, says Cruzers president Jim Williscroft.
“We're picking up [members] fast and furious right now.”
On July 18, the fun begins at 2 p.m. with registration for a poker run.
Participants will leave the South Cariboo Rec. Centre at 3 p.m. and enjoy a scenic route toward the Green Lake area. Drivers will arrive at the 100 Mile House Community Hall at about 5:30 p.m.
“This year, Birch Avenue will be turned into one big street party,” says Stephen Almond, an organizer with Hot July Nights, which draws many car aficionados from all over British Columbia to the area. “BJ's Donut and Eatery will be having an outdoor barbeque and the rock band ThirdDegree from Williams Lake will be rocking out the tunes. Everyone is encouraged to come on down and enjoy the music.”
The Show 'n Shine in Centennial Park is July 19.
Gates open at 10 a.m. The public is invited to browse the grounds and see all the cars and bikes on display throughout the day. ThirdDegree will be providing the entertainment.
Handicap parking and food vendors will be on site at Centennial Park for the Show 'n Shine.
Visit www.hotjulynights.ca for more information.