A few light showers and grey skies weren’t enough to stall the shine on hundreds of polished classics during this year’s Little Chicago Show & Shine, held Sept. 13 in downtown Moose Jaw.

The fourth annual event drew auto enthusiasts from across the Prairies — and beyond — as more than 500 vehicles of all makes and models lined Main Street North for the one-day celebration of vintage rides, custom builds, and automotive passion.

Hosted by the Downtown Moose Jaw Association (DMJA), the Show & Shine is fast becoming a staple on the Saskatchewan car show calendar.

“This event is for anyone who’s got gas in their veins,” said one participant as he towel-dried his fenders between rain showers.

Despite the weather, car clubs, solo collectors, and spectators filled the streets throughout the day, enjoying live music at several stages, local eats, and more than a few under-the-hood conversations.

Ron Isaac

For Ron Isaac of Regina, the show was a chance to revisit his roots that run deep in Moose Jaw.

Isaac brought his 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air to this year’s event, a nearly all-original beauty that’s just as eye-catching as it was when he first owned one decades ago.

“That was my first car when I was a kid,” Isaac said. “I wanted another one, so I found this one about 10 years ago. It was already about 90 per cent restored — I just had to polish it up, add a few things like the door trim, and she was good to go.”

His time behind the wheel — and under the hood — is a labour of love.

“Even when it’s done, you always find something to tinker with,” he said with a smile.

Isaac knows the city well, having once made regular deliveries during his days as a delivery driver for Eaton’s. Decades ago, he ran a dedicated route between Regina and Winnipeg, with Moose Jaw as a key stop along the way — including drop-offs at the now-closed Eaton’s department store downtown.

During those stops, Isaac said he’d often leave his trailer in the alley and grab lunch at the old A&W on the highway, back when carhops still roller-skated to your window. “It had those wind-down trays on the window and everything,” he said. “That’s going back a few years, but those kinds of memories stick with you.”

Isaac said the car show reminded him why he loves returning to the Friendly City.

“I enjoy coming out here — the people are great,” he said. “The car show (demonstrates how) the whole town gets together … it’s one of those things that you don’t see very often. In Regina, they don’t have (a similar event).”

Calvin Kirby

Among the more unique entries this year was a 1973 Plymouth Fury III, still sporting its original hand-lettered scriptures — a spiritual statement on wheels, courtesy of Rockglen’s Calvin Kirby.

“This car came from Washington State,” Kirby explained. “It was painted when it was new in ’73, and it’s never been touched up since. The guy who did it did a real professional job, and it’s lasted all this time.”

Kirby and his brother travel to car shows across the province to share not just their vehicles, but their faith.

“We come to put out the Word of God and encourage people to go to church,” he said. “It’s not just a churchy thing — you’ve got to live it and believe it. That’s when you start to see the miracles.”

It was Kirby’s first time showing in Moose Jaw, but likely not his last.

“(There are) over 500 cars … some have come from a long way away,” he said. “It has been really good.”

To learn more about the DMJA, visit DowntownMooseJaw.ca or call 306-684-1982.

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express