Fernie Arts and Culture Guide Summer 2023 Summer 2023, 21st edition | Page 8

COMMUNITY FEATURE

Elk Valley Cruisers

Over the past few years , many people suddenly found themselves with a whole lot of time on their hands . Some people took up baking . Others delved into reading or painting . Some learned a language . ( Okay , nobody did that ). For gearheads in the Elk Valley , it was time to finally get into the shop and work on the beat-up Camaro , classic Chevy , or the vintage Ford truck rusting in the corner .
With a whole lot of elbow grease , spare parts , and hours of polishing , the Elk Valley now boasts an impressive and growing fleet of hot-rods , souped-up 4x4s , and classic and vintage cars and trucks , some dating back to the 1930 ’ s . Local automobile owners formed the Elk Valley Cruisers in 2020 to take over the Show n ’ Shine event from the Chamber of Commerce and continue the legacy of the early Fernie Auto Club that had founded the event , and create a community of like-minded enthusiasts . The 43 ’ s is a second club , based in Elkford .
From May to October , the club hosts the Fernie Cruise on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month , meeting at
Fernie Auto Parts on Manitou Road for a 6pm departure then cruising through town . Everyone is welcome to join the cruise , so if you ’ re visiting town with your own classic wheels , tag along and meet the group – or watch for the procession as it visits local neighbourhoods , senior ’ s homes , and downtown 2nd Avenue , finishing at the Fernie Legion for a social and impromptu show n ’ shine .
The club also hosts larger events once a month , including the popular show n ’ shine on August 26th and the Fernie Rally and Poker Run on July 15th , plus a number of drives to neighbouring communities including Kalispell on June 17th , and car shows around the region .
Elkvalleycruisers . ca Fb / WheelsintheValley
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