People looked up from the row of classic cars on display and waved at the small quadcopter drone hovering overhead, recording the scene from the air over Centennial Park in 100 Mile House.
The unmanned aerial vehicle, which has exploded in popularity for hobby flyers in recent years, was being piloted by Robert Brunet, a 100 Mile House Cruzers Car Club member. He was capturing the action on a sunny day during the Hot July Nights Car & Bike Show last summer.
Brunet has been flying the drone for about one year. He started a YouTube channel and Facebook page for the 100 Mile House Cruzers Car Club, where he's uploading a lot of cool footage and photos from rallies and events.
“It's quite a unique perspective,” says Brunet. “Now that I'm with the car club, I concentrate on doing a lot of car events.”
Speaking to the worldwide appeal of classic muscle cars, the web pages see visitors not only from North America, but also from places like Argentina, Brazil, Iran and Afghanistan.
When Brunet is not flying his drone or operating the Canim Lake General Store, he's working on his 1968 Mercury Cougar, getting it ready for the road when the Cruzers fire up again in May.
The local club, which includes close to 60 members, recently confirmed its executive again for the next two years.
Jim Williscroft remains president, while Phil Pogue stays vice-president and treasurer, and Dave Neale as vice-president.
The Cruzers are open to anyone in the Cariboo with an interest in automobiles of any year, make or model.
Meanwhile, the drone has been a fantastic addition to club events, says Williscroft.
“It's something for us old guys to say: 'Holy jeez.'”