The Portage Vintage Cruisers organized a grand display of cars, new and old, on the Island in Portage la Prairie this past Sunday. Participants and visitors alike would not have a complaint to make about the perfectly beautiful day it turned out to be for the show.
President Brad Sanderson had four of his own vehicles.
“We had 225 registered cars and about 75 unregistered cars,” notes Sanderson. “So, about around 300 cars we had here today. It was a beautiful day for it.”
The sun was shining with barely a cloud in the sky, as visitors viewed the hundreds of classics and special model vehicles on the west side of Stride Place on the island.
“Last year, we had it here at the same spot,” adds Sanderson, “We had a little bit of rain but we still had 70-some cars, but this year was great.”
Sanderson notes they always had a Mayor’s Choice award. However, this time around, it was somewhat more special.
“This year, Sharilyn Knox actually came out to pick the vehicle she wanted. In previous years, we've picked for the mayor because the mayor was either busy or away. It's a weekend in June. Who wants to hang around in Portage when you can be camping somewhere?”
He says visitors and cars came from everywhere, including Brandon and Winnipeg.
“I've been trying to talk to different people and see where they're from, but they're from all over Manitoba,” continues Sanderson. “A lot of them always come to the show. We've been having a show here for, probably, the last 20-plus years in a different location. We were always on the other side of Stride Place.”
He notes they moved the show to the west side last year due to the planting of new trees on the east, leaving them lack of adequate room for all the cars.
“The venue seems to work out well,” adds Sanderson. “I just want to thank everybody for coming out. It was a really good turnout, and look forward to seeing them all again next year.”
