Canada’s largest car show, the Atlantic National Automotive Extravaganza, is revving its engine in Moncton this week and is expected to generate millions for the local economy.
“We estimate, very conservatively, to be at the $10 million mark,” said event organizer Bill Doherty.
The show, which started on Wednesday and runs through to Sunday, pumped $8.3 million into the local economy in 2013, according to the City of Moncton.
Doherty expects larger crowds this year, with as many as 120,000 visitors from across Canada and the United States taking in the various events.
“It in it’s 16th year and we welcome cars from 10 provinces, two territories and 26 U.S. states,” Doherty said.
Doherty says roughly 2,000 custom cars and their owners are motoring into the city to show off their hot wheels.
Award winning custom car designer Kent Writtenberry and his son AJ trucked in their custom built, award winning 1951 Fleetline all the way from Virginia.
“I grew up in a junk yard more or less with my father and he painted cars and it just trickled down from there,” Writtenberry said.
“Now my son is coming along in my shoes. I don’t know if it’s good shoes or bad shoes, but he’s coming along in them.”
Organizers worry rainfall in the forecast could put a damper on crowds this weekend, but for the car lovers, the weather won’t be keeping them away.
Lawrence Knapp still rolled in from Brockville, Ontario for the third year in a row. He says he’s been to other car shows, but “nothing of this caliber.”
“The people of the East are so friendly, they will bend over backwards to help ya and we’ll keep coming back for years to come.”
Hundreds of hot rods will be on display on Main Street Friday and in Centennial Park on Saturday and Sunday. Activities like a drive in movie, a weekend show and shine, super cruise and a concert by Kim Mitchell will highlight the festivities into the weekend.
Many prizes are up for grabs for cars registered in the event — the grand prize being a completely restored 1967 Chevelle Malibu SS.
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