Mustangs, Barracudas and more will herd onto the grounds of Centennial secondary school next Friday.
But this gathering isn't the animal kind; rather, it's an automobile event to raise money for a scholarship fund for automotive students.
Jacquie Hutchins, who is helping organize the June 3 Centennial Show and Shine, is hoping more than 30 car enthusiasts will rev their engines in support of a scholarship in honour of retiring automotive teacher Geoff McElgunn.
"We thought this would be a great legacy to acknowledge his 35-year-teaching career," said Hutchins, whose son, Andy, an automotive ACE-IT student and first-year apprentice, is graduating this year.
Car enthusiasts from all over the region have been invited, including the local Mustang car club, and the event is expected to serve as a reunion of sorts for Centennial graduates who were taught by McElgunn during his lengthy career.
Besides her son, Hutchins has other connections to Centennial's automotive program. Her brother-in-law, Cam Hutchins, an automotive writer and photographer, husband, Jeff, and brother Will Walls, were all McElgunn's students in the 1970s and '80s.
"Geoff's been a real mentor," she said. "He's more than a teacher here."
"I think he takes a personal interest," said 18-year-old Andy Hutchins, who has been working on the school's propane-powered 1973 Plymouth Barracuda and hopes to race it at Mission Raceway.
McElgunn is thrilled about the scholarship, which is a first for automotive students and will help with their tuition fees. "We've got kids who are really deserving," said McElgunn
McElgunn is leaving with some mixed feelings and is proud of the program, which has produced hundreds of skilled technicians and winners of the BCAA's Skills Competition, including two students who placed first and third in the province in the competition's written test this year.
He plans to travel and take it easy during his retirement but promises to return for future show and shines at the school.
Hutchins said she hopes it will be an annual event and will attract a wide array of community members, vendors, participants and sponsors. "We want the people in the community to come out and feel like it's part of their school."
Students are welcome to enter their jalopies and classic, muscle and race cars are all welcome. In addition to the car show, there will be a by-donation barbecue, vendors, t-shirt sales, music, prizes and a chance to vote on the most popular entry.
Car registration fees are $15 and the show runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on June 3. For registration or sponsorship information, email [email protected].
