The largest classic car event in Western Canada will soon roll into St. Albert for its 21st annual celebration of classic cars and classic rock ’n’ roll – Elvis, Buddy Holly, Fats Domino; prom nights, sock hops – and poodle skirts and car hops, too! Rock’n August helps us remember our past and not just through music. The cars being shown throughout the week are classics, treasured not just by their owners, but also by all who remember the era.Rock’n August will run from Aug. 8 to 12, bringing people from all over Western Canada and the U.S. This local summertime tradition is possible because of a partnership of the area Cosmopolitan Clubs, the St. Albert Cruisers car club and the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce. While it’s fun to reminisce, the purpose of Rock’n August Week is to raise much-need funds for the Alberta Diabetes Foundation. The money raised for diabetes research and education stays within the province to help researchers and doctors at the University of Alberta. Diabetes will affect one in four Canadians in the next three to four years. This year, Rock’n August has set a goal of $150,000 in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday. Throughout the week at a variety of venues through the city, participants can take part in pancake breakfasts, barbecues, car roadeos, a parade that has thousands of spectators lining the streets of St. Albert and a street dance. The finale is a show ’n’ shine on Saturday. New this year is the chance to win a 1968 Ford Mustang valued at $50,000. Mike Howse, Rock’n August event co-ordinator, said only 2,000 tickets are being sold for the car. “We’ve pulled together a pile of the car guys, some of our sponsors and they have done a complete restoration on a 1968 Ford Mustang and we’re selling tickets for $100 a piece. And the chances of winning are 1/2,000,” says Howse. Tickets will be available until Aug. 18 unless sold out prior to the date. A ticket kiosk will be on site at each event during Rock’n August or you can purchase them online at http://www.rocknaugust.com/2017-classic-car-lottery/. The draw date is Aug. 31. Rock’n August is not only showcasing classic cars this year. A new feature, race cars, has been added – an effort to get car fanatics of all stripes to participate. “We’ve been in touch with some people, we got a couple of race cars coming this year – that’s a little bit out of the ordinary. I can’t really speak as to what type of race cars they are but not something they can drive down the street, let’s put it that way,” says Howse. More than 800 classic cars will be on display throughout the week, as events showcasing classic cars are held all over St. Albert. Purchase a Rock’n August button, for a minimum donation of $5 and wear it all week to participate in Rock’n August activities. Buttons are available at each of the event venues. For more details about Rock’n August events, visit: http://www.rocknaugust.com
