It’s been argued that cars have become the modern-day equivalent of the great gothic cathedrals.
In many ways, they are the supreme and most influential creation of an era, created with passion by unknown artists and artisans and consumed and revered by a reverent population.
And while some may discard that characterization as being a bit over the top, most car lovers will agree that cars – particularly classic cars – reflect the heart and art of their era.
“It’s a world-wide passion. There’s a beauty in an automobile and there are people from young to old who are passionate about their cars,” said Jim Clayton, the President of the Torque Masters Car Club.
All that passion will be on full display as the club will hosts its annual car show in Sidney.
The show, titled the Torque Masters Auto Extravaganza, will roll into Sidney on August 3 and 4 and will feature scores of cars, trucks, classics, antiques, muscle cars and just plain neat vehicles.
“A lot of car clubs are centred on certain models of vintages but we’re just an open club. If it’s automotive and kind of cool, we welcome you to the club,” said Clayton.
The activities will start on August 3 when the club will host a ‘poker run’ followed by an ‘après-poker’ 3rd avenue street party and gathering, sponsored by Beacon Brewing and Small Gods Brewing.
There will also be some classic car movies running at the Star Cinema with the movie entrance being by donation or non-perishable food item.
The main action follows on Sunday, Aug 4 when the cars line the street for viewing and the main stage entertainment starts.
That Main Stage, sponsored by the Stonehouse Restaurant and Pub, has been upgraded for this year’s offerings and is now a state-of-the-art venue, complete with an extended sound system that will spread the music throughout the festival site.
Sidney-based band, The Haven will be rocking the house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with their fun and energetic mix of rock and contemporary music.
There will also be a special concert at the Sidney bandshell between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. when tribute band, Completely Creedance, brings the Music of CCR to Sidney with their own phenomenal offering of the band’s iconic tunes.
“This show is a great opportunity for Sidney businesses to capitalize on the estimated 20,000 people who will arrive to take in the party – see the cars and hear the music,” said Clayton. “We’ve been working with the Business Improvement Association and the Peninsula Celebrations Society, and I just know that this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever.”
Clayton thanked Canadian Tire for their generous support of the event, noting that the company does some great work with their Jumpstart”program, which ensures that kids in need have equal access to sports and physical activity.
“It’s a great partnership,” Clayton said.
The Torque Masters club is also involved in its own charitable efforts and this year have raised more than $32,000 in support of the Ukrainian Safe Haven Society. Those funds have been raised through the generous donation of four cars as well as additional Go Fund Me donations.
To register your car, or for more information on the Torque Masters Auto Extravaganza visit www.torquemasters.ca/events.