Motor Gathering At Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit

A huge gathering of supercars and vintage vehicles at a large venue that seems more of a private club for the wealthy than a spectator racing circuit.  Entrance was by donation with all funds going to local charities including the David Foster Foundation and the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation. There were many interesting vehicles but it wasn't the best organized event we've ever been to. We got there as it opened at 11 am and left about an hour later as the crowd was starting to build.

Torque Masters Auto Extravaganza

A variety of vintage vehicles are lined up to enter the car show held annually on Beacon Avenue. There's something for every auto buff from military vehicles to muscle cars. The Lion's Club is serving up pancake breakfasts and the Shriner's gave me a balloon dog in hopes of convincing me to buy a $5 raffle ticket, the grand prize being a souped-up Mustang.  No dice.  For me, the "best in show" was this customized late 50s Rambler station wagon with reclining goddess hood ornament.

Fords & Friends Car Show at Heritage Acres

We set off at about 8:20 am on our Brompton bikes for the approximately 10 km ride south on the Lochside Trail to Heritage Acres. The going is easy with few surprises, other than rabbits crossing the path.

The Early Ford V8 Club #109 Victoria hosted its 38th annual show and shine event at this ideally located venue, just off Highway 17 and the Lochside Trail.  We pay $5 each and the gate ticket collector mentions that the number of cars registered is slightly lower than in previous years as there was another show being held locally the same day.  But we were not disappointed.

Grouped amongst the trees in front of the heritage buildings were a range of vehicles from Model Ts to drag racers to muscle cars. We pick up coffee for a dollar from the Lion's Club food truck and chat with various folk.  Food options at these events are usually limited to hot dogs and burgers so we'd packed our own lunch.

Heritage Acres is owned and operated by the Saanich Historical Artifact Society (SHAS) and houses marvelous exhibits of domestic, commercial and agricultural items collected and donated by local families. Seeing spinning wheels, shoemaking lasts and milk bottles on display made me realize what interesting "artifacts" I've got at home. Hubby is taken with the array of tools and machinery in the society's workshop and asks the familiar question, "Where was it made?" multiple times. 

While looking at the models in the Hatch Tramcar Shed, I hear local band Rukus strike up Brown Eyed Girl and my feet start moving. Some older ladies beckon me to join them dancing on the grass in front of the stage and we keep the groove going through several oldies covers. 

A big hit with the kids at Heritage Acres are rides around the park provided by Vancouver Island Model Engineers (VIME) on their miniature trains.  There are so many different models chugging along that it's difficult to count them, but I'm estimating about eight were running today. Rides are by donation and the wait lines were long so I'm sure they will agree that they've benefitted from the car show which has attracted folks of all ages to the site.