July 11 is going to be a special day for car buffs in B.C.
For the second year in a row, the province has proclaimed July 11, and the month of July, as collector car appreciation day and month. Local enthusiasts will be gathering a day early to celebrate at the Riverside A&W in Penticton on July 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Bob Kelly, local director of the Specialty Vehicle Association of B.C., said the day is to celebrate their hobby, but also to recognize the work done in promoting tourism and supporting a variety of charities.
“Last year in Summerland, the car show we put on in September raised $3,500 — $3,000 went to various charities, and $500 went to a student from the high school to help him carry on in training to be a mechanic,” said Kelly.
Car enthusiasts of all ages are invited to attend to check out the vehicles or just share stories.
“It is a celebration of what you have achieved by putting your head and your hands to work,” said Kelly. “We are really out there to celebrate the collector car people and what they do for the community.”
The event is also to support the food bank. Kelly said a couple of barrels of food were collected last year at a similar event.