Mayor Dick Richards signed a proclamation on Thursday, July 8 declaring the day as the ‘Collector Car Appreciation Day’ as collector car owners gathered around with their vehicles parked at the Town of Stettler parking lot.
“The hope is to foster an awareness of the common interest of ‘car guys and gals’, regardless of their area of interest,” said Malcolm Fischer, one of the directors on the board of Specialty Vehicle Association of Alberta (SVAA). “Classics, imports, sports cars, trucks, rat rods, hot rods, etcetera, I don’t think it matters, there are some common issues that can arise, and common positive goals worth discussing, and the SVAA is an excellent vehicle for those discussions.”
The SVAA has 60 clubs around the province as members.
According to Fischer, as an active Central Alberta Vintage Auto Club member and newsletter editor, he thinks the ideal would be if all car clubs were members, but they are getting there.
“There are several vintage/collector vehicle hobbyists in the Settler area,” added Fischer. “Not all owners have club memberships or affiliations, but it is interesting to meet and discuss about whatever project they are working on.”
Fischer explained that the more classic car owners know about what is going on around them, the more likely they are to perhaps join a club, or come out to show and shines to share old car stories and the joys and the heartaches.
“It is yet another way for people to connect and delight in a common interest,” said Fischer. “Having a singular day focus like Collector Car Appreciation Day, over time, should have that growth effect on the hobby, as common interests, problems and excitements drive a lot of great conversations.”