Two car shows took place in the Central Okanagan, with World of Wheels in West Kelowna and the Peachland Classic Car Show in Peachland. World of Wheels was previously held in Peachland during the May long weekend, but moved to West Kelowna due to a lack of agreement between organizers and the town. The Peachland Classic Car Show, celebrating its 25th anniversary, was organized by the Peachland Chamber of Commerce and volunteers. Both car shows showcased a variety of vehicles, with Peachland featuring cars that were 25 years or older, and West Kelowna showcasing between 150 and 200 vehicles.
The Peachland Chamber of Commerce expressed their excitement at the success of the Peachland Classic Car Show and the turnout of visitors. The event was a big deal for Peachland, as residents and the business community came together to support the show. Business owners recognized the value of having the car show on the May long weekend as it signified the start of the summer season for them. The Peachland car show stretched along Beach Avenue, drawing in a large crowd of attendees who enjoyed viewing the vintage cars on display.
In contrast, the World of Wheels car show in West Kelowna was more compact and featured additional attractions such as food trucks and a children’s play area. Attendees at the West Kelowna show could see all the vehicles from a single spot, making it a convenient viewing experience. Despite some weather challenges, the event was deemed successful by World of Wheels president Pam Cunningham. Both car shows provided entertainment and a fun experience for car enthusiasts and visitors in the Central Okanagan area.
The relocation of World of Wheels to West Kelowna and the decision by Peachland to host their own car show on the same weekend created a friendly competition between the two events. While World of Wheels showcased a slightly smaller number of vehicles compared to the Peachland show, both events attracted a significant number of visitors. The presence of two car shows on the same day provided car enthusiasts with more options to enjoy classic cars and connect with other like-minded individuals.
Overall, the success of both car shows highlighted the vibrant car culture in the Central Okanagan region. The Peachland Classic Car Show and World of Wheels in West Kelowna offered a diverse range of vintage vehicles for attendees to admire. The events also served as a platform for local businesses to attract customers and kick off the summer season. Despite the competition between the two car shows, both were well-received by participants and spectators alike, showcasing the passion and enthusiasm for classic cars in the community.
