While the 2020 iteration of Doin’ It on the Grass was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers with the Time Travellers Car Club (TTCC) in Airdrie are excited to bring their annual summer classic car show back to Nose Creek Regional Park on Aug. 7.
“This is our annual show and shine, which is a really big event for Airdrie,” said Jane Robison, president of the TTCC.
According to Robison, in a normal year, Doin’ it on the Grass brings approximately 6,000 to 8,000 classic car enthusiasts to Nose Creek Regional Park. The show-and-shine is also the club’s largest annual fundraiser.
Now that COVID-19 restrictions have eased in Alberta, Robison said the only obstacle that may hinder the event this weekend is weather.
“We weren’t able to set a rain date as we were late getting out of the gate, watching what would happen with COVID-19,” she said. “We certainly didn’t want to be a catalyst for anything in Airdrie.”
She added organizers waited until after the Calgary Stampede was over before deciding to move ahead with the event, so they could monitor the outcome. According to Robison, the event is set to welcome 500 classic cars on Aug. 7.
“Now it’s time to take the cars out and show them off,” she said. “We have already registered over 120. This is a big production [and] we just love being a part of it all.”
With the popular show-and-shine now in its 16th year, after everything that has gone on with the pandemic over the last 18 months, Robinson said she is just happy the car show can go ahead once again.
She added the importance of the car show is that it has always brought local car-lovers together.
“I think the event is a mix of the haves and the have-nots,” she said. “Everybody appreciates the history. It’s such a huge emotional jog down memory lane for some, and for others, it is a way forward.”
Another important aspect Robison wanted to note is that 80 per cent of the proceeds from the car show go back to Airdrie charities, which are chosen at a later date, while the remaining funds help TTCC host future events. Robison said being able to support the community is a great feeling.
“It feels like a thoroughbred waiting at the gate, this group of people want to run,” Robison said. “The car enthusiasts and the public really want this.”
While the current forecast is calling for rain on the day of the event, Robison said she isn’t worried in the slightest that wet weather will dampen the spirits of event-goers.
“If it rains on Saturday, we don’t care,” she said. “Our cars will drive, and we can still see everybody and see their smiles. Wear your boots and come on out, because we are going to be there.”
Doin’ it on the Grass will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Nose Creek Regional Park. For those who would like to register their vehicle, the cost is $15 per car. Pre-registration in person will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Tim Hortons at 185 East Lake Crescent NE.
For more information on Doin’ it on the Grass, visit timetravellers.ca, call 403-809-8462 or email [email protected]
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
