Street Machine Weekend starts up

By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on July 8, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com

Get your motors running – the 44th annual Street Machine Weekend is hitting the pavement.
The Street Wheelers event kicked off Thursday with a drive-in movie in the south lot of Exhibition Park. Fittingly, the film was the classic 1973 hit “American Graffitti” starring very young actors such as Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford and Cindy Williams.
While Friday is traditionally known for an official cruise, there is no sanctioned event this year but on its website, Street Wheelers say people are still welcome to cruise the city.
In years past, the cruise had fans lined up on 3 Ave. S. and Mayor Magrath Drive for the fun. While the cruising will be unofficial, city police said Wednesday they expect Mayor Magrath to be packed with vehicles and spectators alike.
And the weather should be perfect for some Friday night cruising and watching with a high of 28 and a low only of 14 expected today.
On Saturday, the mercury is expected to hit 27 and on Sunday 24 with sunny skies prevailing for the event.
The highlight of Saturday will be the 100 ft. Dash at the Exhibition grandstand. Spectator gates open at 9 a.m. for the run. There is an admission charge for fans 14 and older.
Drivers will compete in six classes – New Street, True Street, Real Street, Quick Street, Super Street and Pro Street.
The weekend ends on Sunday with the popular Show & Shine at Galt Gardens. Awards will be handed out at 3 p.m.
The Street Wheelers call club was formed in 1976 and has staged its weekend ever since except for one year because of COVID-19 restrictions.

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