Lethbridge fast and furious car and truck enthusiasts eagerly await the return of the Street Wheelers Car Club’s Street Machine Weekend in July.
The Classic Car Controlled Cruise gears up July 10, with the 100-Foot Dash revving up July 11, and the Lethbridge Show and Shine polishes off the weekend July 12.
President Alex Dewar said the club has been around the city for the past 48 years — in one way or the other.
For this year’s highly-anticipated three-day event, Dewar noted the focus is on online registration for the events. “To streamline everything, and to let our members enjoy the weekend.”
One of the big takeaways for the cruise this year, Dewar added, is after participants register, they can swing by the Lethbridge Trade and Convention Centre to grab a sticker. “Like we used to do in the old days.”
Dewar explained the cruise route is the same as last year, just along 3 Avenue. “And it’s free for everyone to spectate.”
The 100-Foot Dash will be held once again at Bully’s Grandstand.
“It’s a big burnout show,” Dewar said.
Galt Gardens will host the Lethbridge Show and Shine, which is also free. “We’re really pushing to have online registration for that, as well,” Dewar noted.
There will also be food trucks and merchandise vendors this year along Vendor Row.
Last year, Dewar shared, the cruise typically sees anywhere from 600-800 participants.
“It’s a safer and more controlled environment than the mayhem on Mayor Magrath Drive. You can come down to 3 Avenue and check out ours. It’s a little bit more refined and a little more polished,” said Dewar.
The dash usually has just under 100 cars registered for the event. “The spectator area is always full,” Dewar added. “There’s a pretty good turnover throughout the day. Some people come for the morning, and some people only come for the end.”
For the show and shine, Dewar noted last year there were about 600 vehicles jammed in the park. “There’s people sitting by their cars and you can talk to them to get a story of it.”
According to Dewar, the club works closely with the Lethbridge Police Service to maintain a fun and safe atmosphere.
“They will be on patrol for our cruise, so there will be a presence. Even if you’re not at our events, just follow the law and don’t do anything silly. If you want to do a big burnout, you can come to our event and put on a show,” Dewar said.
