St. Albert's iconic Rock’n August event is one of the province's best car shows, thrilling crowds with its display of automotive muscle while raising money for a noble cause.
Way beyond the sound of revving engines, live music, and activities, Rock’n August, now in its 27th year, carries a much deeper purpose, supporting diabetes research in Alberta.
Rock’n August has managed to raise an impressive $1.4 million to date, according to longtime board member Cheryl Mackenzie.
One of the key factors in raising such a large amount of money for diabetes research is the Classic Car For A Cure Lottery.
Each year, the event features a classic car as the lottery's grand prize. This year, the lucky winner will drive off — likely rapidly — in a 1973 Plymouth Barracuda, supplied by St. Albert Dodge.
Rock’n August draws passionate drivers from the local scene, and around the country.
The event last year saw over 800 cars participate. Many of them travelled from Calgary, Winnipeg, and many other points in Canada, far and wide.
Kery Samardzija, a volunteer, said the volume of visitors indicates the car show's status across the country.
“People know it’s a big event," Samardzija said.
The annual summer spectacular and its fundraising have special meaning for many of its volunteers and members who have personal connections to diabetes.
”My daughter is one of them, she was diagnosed at two years old," Samardzija said. "She was in a full coma.
"Ever since, I have looked out for events to support the cause because it is a huge one and it affects so many people, not just Type 1, but Type 2 as well. She wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for help.”
The success of the event wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of all the volunteers like Samardzija.
Many of them have been a part of the event since the very start and dedicate a good chunk of their lives to make it happen, said Gary Malanchen, one of the board members and organizers.
“We depend on a lot of volunteers," Malanchen said. "This is not a paid situation — it’s people that want to be here and help out."
