The Nicola Valley Cruisers Car Club Association (NVCCCA) will be hosting their 27th annual Show and Shine this weekend after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

On Sunday, July 25, a variety of vehicles ranging from classics (1940s – 1970s) to special interest such as top of the line sports and luxury cars will be assembling at Central Park. Visitors are welcome to browse and chat with car owners from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

“We have no registration this year, no registration fee, we’re trying to keep it as simple as possible,” said Susan Roline, President of the Nicola Valley Cruisers Car Club Association. 

People from around the province plan to attend, as Merritt’s Show and Shine will be the first of the season. 

Last year, in lieu of a show, the NVCCCA hosted a Cruise, similar to a parade, which welcomed classic car owners to drive a pre-determined route through Merritt for spectators. Many car clubs in BC will once again be hosting a Cruise instead of a show, or have cancelled their events entirely. 

Also on hand this year will be the Nicola Valley Farmers’ Market (NVFM). 

“This year we’re partnering with the NVFM, they’ll come out on the Sunday as well and set up on the show site,” said Roline. 

“This is the first time that we’re doing this, so hopefully it will be successful and then we might do it in future years, too. It gives them a different venue to be in and it adds to our show, it gives people more things to do.” 

NVFM vendors are excited for the opportunity to set up at a community event, something that was drastically restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The blending of farmer and machine is a natural fit,” said NVFM Vice President, Lucas Handley, owner of 3-Bar Farms and classic car enthusiast. 

“Many farmers restore old vehicles and machinery in their off season. This combination of the NVCCCA and NVFM is a perfect example of community building. It will introduce market goers to the car scene and unique hobby, and car guys who don’t always make it down to the market will get a taste of what the valley has to offer.”

Handley noted he was excited about the event and noted that several vendors, himself included, may bring their own classic cars out to the event. 

Roline anticipates anywhere from 80 to 120 cars, which is the number the Show and Shine typically hosts, although total attendance is often dependent on the weather, with extreme heat and air quality sometimes leading to a lower turnout.