Only in its fourth year, Cruisin’ Clearwater saw a whopping 94 entries and overwhelming support from local businesses and residents at its car show Saturday, May 13.
“I never imagined it going this far,” said Ryan Mackenzie, founder and organizer of Cruisin’ Clearwater.
While most events were being cancelled during COVID, Mackenzie actually came up with the idea of Cruisin’ Clearwater during the pandemic as a pick-me-up during the difficult time and also a fundraiser for the local food bank.
Cruisin’ Clearwater started with a mobile car show that went past residents’ homes the first two years, followed by a combination of a mobile and stationary show in 2022. This year was the first year the event was held in one spot, at the local high school and Rotary park, from 11 a.m. until 3.
Not only was it a success in terms of entries, it also raised more than $4,741 bringing the grand total of money raised for the food bank to $42,000 over four years.
“It feels pretty rewarding to be able to give back to the community that I grew up in and that I’m raising my two children in,” said Mackenzie, who works as a section foreman for CN.
Mackenzie has liked vintage cars since he was a kid. Taking part in car shows is a great experience with other like-minded individuals, he said.
Awards were also handed out at the event.
Lawrence Morgan of Clearwater took home the People’s Choice Award at the car show for his 1969 red/burgundy Lamont.
Harold and Jacqueline Flemming of Houston, B.C. won the Longest Distance Award for coming so far for the show.
And Mackenzie won Best in Show for his 1968 dark metallic gray Acadian which took him six years to restore.
“I would like to thank all of our sponsors. So many businesses in the community supported us and it just wouldn’t be the same without them.”
“It wouldn’t be the same with out them.”
Sponsors included: Southgate Auto and Rad, Fresh Street Market Kamloops, Birch Island Diesel, Coca-Cola, Grimm’s Fine Foods, Canada Bread, Roadmen Car Club, Cruisin’ the Okanagan and Tim Hortons.
Mackenzie said Cruisin’ Clearwater will definitely be back next year.
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