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A show for the ages: Cochrane Show N' Shine puts a pin on Sept. 12

Classic automobiles and motorcycles will line the Historic Downtown from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Club president Ray Kaczmer is looking forward to reconnecting with some fellow car fanatics after last year’s event was canceled. 
20200516 Cochrane Car Club 0006
File photo

COCHRANE— Swoon-worthy vintage vehicles are set to cruise into Cochrane on Sunday (Sept. 12) for the Cochrane Classic Car Club’s ninth annual Show N' Shine. 

Classic automobiles and motorcycles will line the Historic Downtown from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Club president Ray Kaczmer is looking forward to reconnecting with some fellow car fanatics after last year’s event was canceled. 

“There seems to be quite an appetite because a lot of the car shows earlier in the seasons were not able to be held because of COVID restrictions,” he said. “So, a lot of the car enthusiasts are pretty eager to get out now and attend these events.”

Roughly 250 vintage vehicles showed up for the last Show N Shine two years ago— That was on a rainy day, Kaczmer said. If the weather cooperates, he believes that number can be exceeded, with 300-400 on display this year.

The car show is happening the same weekend as Cochrane Culture Days and is within close proximity of the event’s front stage at Centennial Plaza, where several performances will be taking place throughout the day. 

“It’ll be quite good with Culture Days,” Kaczmer said. “People can come out and enjoy a lot of different things with both the cars and the music that will be available.”

Kaczmer, who has a few vintage vehicles of his own, including a candy apple red 1949 Mercury two-door coupe, said with a laugh that he hasn’t decided what to roll into the event with yet, it may all depend on the weather and how he’s feeling that day. 

Due to weather uncertainty, vehicle owners are asked to register at the gate the day of the event for $10. The show is free for spectators.

Sticking with tradition, the Cremona Show and Shine will precede Cochrane’s, on Saturday (Sept. 11). 

“It’s great for people who want to attend both events,” Kaczmer said. “We try to attract people from the local area as well as out of Calgary. We do get some that even come from out of province to attend numerous car shows in the area.”

The following weekend there is another large show in Radium, the Columbia Valley Classic Show and Shine and on Sept. 26, High River will be hosting their 18th annual Show N' Shine.

Kaczmer believes there’s a lot more enjoyment in these kinds of events when spectators and car owners can freely share some of the knowledge behind each machine. 

“People can go around and they can talk to the owners and find out some of the history behind the vehicles or maybe some of the performance available in each of the vehicles,” he said.

The Cochrane Show N' Shine is typically held in September, just after the Labour Day long weekend so as not to interfere with other events happening in town.

It is a great opportunity to provide something different to the community, said Kaczmer, in addition to bolstering local businesses.

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