Booming thunder was no match for roaring engines Monday evening, as car enthusiasts refused to let bad weather dampen a community cruise warmup event for this year's Rock'n August.
One of the longest-running car shows in the province, the five-day festival returns to St. Albert from Aug. 8-12 for its 27th edition, promising an unforgettable combination of beautiful vehicles and stellar entertainment. Every year, the nearly three-decade old Rock'n August draws auto enthusiasts from across Western Canada, while raising funds in support of the Alberta Diabetes Foundation. During that time it has become the largest car and music festival in the province.
According to Kery Samardzija, a volunteer at Rock’n August, the warmup community cruises serve a significant purpose, attracting attention to the main event and giving people in St. Albert the opportunity to see the vehicles up close.
“Rock'n August is the one that a lot of people go, ‘Yeah, this is the big one,’ and a lot of people prepare themselves for it," Samardzija said.
In addition to Monday's community cruise of St. Albert's northwest communities, others were held in different sections of the city on July 24 and July 27 and Aug. 3 in the southwest communities. It was followed by a country cruise on Sunday, Aug. 6 to Morinville and Legal.
Throughout the Rock'n August week and into the weekend, a number of events will be held across the city.
Starting on Aug. 8, a show and shine at the Century Casino runs from 6-9 p.m., giving attendees an opportunity to vote on their favourite classic vehicle. The following days feature pancake breakfasts, and events such as a poker run, lunches, barbecue, and a round of classic car trivia.
One of the lynchpin attractions is Friday night's street dance in the Perron District, featuring music by the Dean Ray Band and headliners Dash Riprock. It goes from 8-11 p.m., and attendees can take advantage of park-and-ride service from the Naki Transit Centre.
On Saturday, the Main Event Show and Shine takes over North and South Lions Park, complete with a beer garden. Spectators can again use the park-and-ride service, this time departing from St. Albert Place. The weekend finishes up with an after-party and silent auction at 7 p.m. at the Thirsty Rooster Trail Eatery and Bar.
For complete updated details on events, times, dates, and more information, check the official website at rocknaugust.com.
With its long history and commitment to a worthy cause, Rock’n August has become a cherished tradition for St. Albert car buffs, a summertime celebration of automotive excellence.
