Skip to content

Vintage drive-by parade returns to South Okanagan

The rally stopped by 10 senior facilities from Summerland to Osoyoos on June 10
29476266_web1_220622-PWN-SeniorCarShow-CarRallyPenticton_1
Courtesy of the Specialty Vehicle Association of BC, an Okanagan-wide car rally appeared at Penticton’s Trinity Care Centre on June 10. (Photo- Andrea Naylor)

Residents at 10 senior facilities across the South Okanagan were recently treated to a vintage car drive-by parade that started in Summerland and ended in Osoyoos.

With the sun shining on June 10, vehicles like the Model A Ford coupe, 1956 Mercury truck, 1965 Mustang and 1967 Chevrolet Nova appeared before locals across the region in recognition of the provincially-recognized Seniors Week.

The tour, courtesy of the Specialty Vehicle Association of BC, was dedicated to the community’s senior citizens but also to the preservation and promotion of collector vehicles.

“It was a wonderful afternoon of clapping, cheers and lots of reminiscing for both residents and staff,” said Andrea Naylor, who watched the tour make an appearance at Penticton’s Trinity Care Centre.

The association organized the tour across the South Okanagan in 2021 as well, with eight senior facilities taking part in the event instead of 10.

Starting at the Summerland Seniors Village and Extended Care Centre and ending at Osoyoos’ Mariposa Gardens, the tour stopped by an additional five facilities in Penticton and two in Oliver.

“We started the tour format originally because of COVID and it’s grown ever since,” said Bob Kelly, the president of the association.

Okanagan groups Apple Valley Cruisers, Coachmasters Car Club and the Vintage Car Club helped make the recent 10-stop tour a reality.

The Specialty Vehicle Association of BC’s car rally driving to McKinney Place Residential Care Facility in Oliver on June 10. (Photo- Bob Kelly)
The Specialty Vehicle Association of BC’s car rally driving to McKinney Place Residential Care Facility in Oliver on June 10. (Photo- Bob Kelly)

Penticton’s Haven Hill Retirement Centre was one of the stops on the Specialty Vehicle Association of BC’s car rally on June 10. (Photo- Bob Kelly)
Penticton’s Haven Hill Retirement Centre was one of the stops on the Specialty Vehicle Association of BC’s car rally on June 10. (Photo- Bob Kelly)

READ MORE: 1934 Ford and 1940 Cadillac crowned winners at Penticton car show


@lgllockhart
logan.lockhart@pentictonwesternnews.com