The weather is expected to be dry and sunny next Sunday (Aug. 21) when thousands of vintage vehicle enthusiasts descend on the city for the Port Coquitlam Car Show and Cruise.
With hundreds of shiny collectible cars to view, as well as entertainment, the PoCo Car Show is anticipated to be the city's biggest festival of the year.
"This is a fun family day," said spokesperson Kayla Steele, who said as many as 70,000 people have turned out in the past.
The 16th annual event will be held in the city's historic downtown, on Shaughnessy Street and neighbouring avenues, and will also include a pre-show cruise the night before — Aug. 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
As for the main attraction, interested visitors can expect an amazing collection of classic cars from the past 50 years or more.
Since its beginning in a parking lot on the corner of Shaughnessy Street and Lougheed Highway in 2005, to the amazing crowd of 70,000-plus spectators on hand in 2016, the PoCo Car Show has seen huge growth and popularity.
This year, the PoCo Events Society anticipates larger crowds and more than 500 vehicles on display.
There will also be live music and entertainment throughout the day, a beer garden, and a children’s area as well.
The combination of good weather and large crowds is good news for Ron Allegretto, a judging coordinator and committee member since 2012.
He'll be bringing his 1965 Pontiac GTO to the event and taking part in the cruise.
"This is one of the best car shows around; it has a very good reputation," Allegretto told the Tri-City News.
"There's a lot of fun and camaraderie," he added.
Allegretto bought his car off a friend about 25 years ago and brought it up to mint condition, including upgrading the transmission, suspension, interior and engine.
When he drives his muscle car around the city, it makes a throaty sound and provides viewers with a feeling of nostalgia for the vehicles of yesteryear.
"The car is a pleasure to drive," said Allegretto, who only takes it out on dry days.
It's painted the stock colour of Montero Red, and with a white leather interior, chrome accents and shiny mags, the car is a beauty.
The PoCo Car Show is set for Aug. 21 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. The festival is free for patrons to walk around and awe over the slick shines.
For more information, you can visit its website.
