Autorama is one of the biggest events on St. Albert's social calendar for May, and it's not just for the old-timers out there. By all accounts, it's a classic car show for kids of all ages to enjoy.
So says Bob Fisher, a member of the St. Albert Cruisers, the group that hosts the event now set to see its 24th year.
"It's an opportunity for families to come and hear grandpa or grandma or mom and dad talk about the cars: 'they used to have one of those' or 'grandpa used to have one of those on the farm.' It's a way for people to see some nice vehicles and connect their family."
The group is anticipating approximately 200 vehicles in the show and 1,000 spectators, rain or shine. Fisher indicated that it'll be a great event regardless of the weather, not the least reason of which is because it's such a family event but also because it goes even further to help the community.
Proceeds from the fundraiser go to help support the St. Albert Stop Abuse in Families (SAIF) Elder Abuse program. Fisher said that the Cruisers came to realize that the program needs more help from the community to offer more help back to the community. Over the last two years of Autorama, the group has raised approximately $4,000 for the cause.
Doreen Slessor, the executive director of SAIF, said that it's great that these classic car enthusiasts ("motorheads," she calls them lovingly) have their back because the demographics for abuse find women typically as the main recipients until things shift to the men when the age group reaches 65.
"When you get to elder abuse, it's mostly men that are the victims," she noted.
Elder abuse reporting has confirmed this trend as many people are now self-reporting, a positive result of the hard work being done by SAIF and the Seniors' Working Group here in St. Albert over the last several years. She added that the program is now in its third year of receiving funding from the Alberta Solicitor General's Victims of Crime Fund. "It's a really big deal to us."
There are more than 150 trained responders in the community who have been educated to recognize and refer people experiencing abuse. There were 235 reports of elder abuse in 2015 alone.
She added that there is an educational event focusing on elder abuse. It will be put on by the Geriactors and will take place at the Eagles Club on the afternoon of Thursday, June 2. It ties in to World Elder Abuse Day taking place on June 15.
Anyone who wishes to report elder or other abuse should call SAIF at 780-460-2195.
"A senior who is experiencing abuse … they come to us. We provide all the programming, services and supports that they require."
On with the show
Autorama will take place on Sunday, May 29 from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. in downtown St. Albert, focused on the parking lot across from St. Albert Place. There will be food trucks on site for hungry and thirsty classic car enthusiasts too. Attendees can also enjoy the raffles (including a treasure chest raffle with mystery prizes approaching $2,000) plus a family fun hula hoop contest. Watch for some swivel-hipped members of city council to put in their best efforts.
"It's all for fun!" Fisher said, with a laugh. "The kids like it and occasionally mom and dad like it. We have fun doing that as well."
Slessor reaffirmed that it's a multigenerational event that the whole family can enjoy.
"Any events/activities that draw seniors, their children and grandchildren strengthens family bonds and family time. To share stories and talk to their family about memories through cars is awesome to see. "'Your grandma had a car like that when we first got married. She used it to haul water from the well!' was one of the favourite stories I overheard one year!"
A swap area and vendor tables will also be set up.
Attendance is free but those wishing to participate by entering their own vehicles have a $10 registration fee.
