Feature story from 14th Annual Show & Shine brochure 2011. Although Allan has sold his 1970 candy apple red Mustang Mach 1, there is the odd day that he regrets it.
The Peachland Car Show has a rich history that began in the midst of infrastructure upgrades on Beach Ave in 1996. It resembled a war zone, yet amid the chaos, a vision emerged. Allan Wiebe, a local bus driver, navigated those trenches daily and thought, 'Peachland could truly benefit from a car show.'
The show began as a casual conversation Allan had with his neighbor Cheryl Scott, the manager at Sunnyside Grocery and the planning began. In the first year, the car show drew a modest crowd with 75 classic cars on display and over 500 spectators who eagerly indulged in burgers, smokies, and ice cream cones—consumed at record speed! This excitement didn't go unnoticed; local restaurants and businesses quickly recognized the event's potential and rallied their support.
The Car Show has a rich history that reflects the passion of car enthusiasts. Over the years, our show has become the premier tourism attraction, with rides, vendors, and enthusiastic viewers flocking to enjoy the experience of this massive display of horsepower. Allan was proud to be the organizer for the first ten years, building a foundation for future teams to continue this beloved tradition.
The continuance of the Peachland Car Show is a testament to the hard work and commitment of Darlene Thornton, Executive Director of The Peachland Chamber of Commerce, along with the expertise of Allan Wiebe, Cors Verhage with a dedicated committee of volunteers. In their efforts to preserve this wonderful event, they chose to scale it down while still maintaining its essence. This move safeguards the tradition for future generations of car aficionados and reinforces the community spirit that the Peachland Car Show embodies. Come join us as we honor this legacy and keep the wheels turning!