The Show and Shine is going green for this year's big event.
The Key West Ford Show and Shine will feature more than 350 cars, trucks and bikes on Columbia Street on Sunday, July 14.
"We get cars from all over the place," said Kendra Johnston, executive director of the Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association. "This is the largest car show in Western Canada."
The show attracts a variety of classic, vintage and low-rider cars, but is also reaching out to a new demographic; this year's event will feature the Electric Avenue Alternative Transportation Block and a bicycle Show & Shine.
"We are switching things up a little bit," Johnston said. "We wanted to keep things fresh. This is our 14th year."
Electric Avenue will feature Modo Car Co-op, the City of New Westminster's electric vehicle, the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association and other displays related to green transportation alternatives. EPIK Bikes and New West Cycle are presenting the event's first-ever bicycle Show & Shine.
"People can bring their bicycles out to show them off," Johnston said. "There will be different classes."
The Key West Show & Shine will close Columbia Street to traffic on Sunday, July 14 so tens of thousands of guest can interact with car experts, collectors, merchants and the community.
"It is a huge, huge festival," Johnston said. "Last year we had 120,000 people come."
But the Show and Shine is about more than cars, as food, beer gardens, a children's area and entertainment on three stages are also popular features during the annual event. Food trucks scheduled to attend include Japadog, Beaver Tails, Chronic Tacos, ReUp BBQ, Triple O's and Urban Wood Fired Pizzas.
Entertainment will be provided on three stages, including performances by Stacey McKitrick, 2 Days and Counting, Bobby's Cane, The Beladeans and more.
"We are extremely proud to be associated with the annual Show & Shine," Key West Ford general manager Adam Isfeld said in a press release. "The event draws huge crowds each year and is a great fit for our brand. We plan to have a large presence at the event and showcase our great line of vehicles, including our exclusive high performance Roush Mustangs."
Johnston said the event attracts a wide variety of people, with many Lower Mainland residents taking advantage of the downtown's proximity to transit and opting to leave their own vehicles at home.
"We see over 100,000 people come from all over B.C., Alberta and even Washington Sate," she said. "Whether it's to check out the amazing cars, enjoy the live entertainment or simply take in the community atmosphere, the Key West Ford Show & Shine has earned a place on the list of great, free things to do during the summer."
The event, which is presented by the Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association, in partnership with the City of New Westminster, will be held on Sunday, July 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.downtownnewwest.ca.
