Thousands are flocking to downtown Kelowna this afternoon not just to enjoy the warm weather but to take in the annual Boyd Autobody & Glass Father’s Day Car Show.
What started out as a mere 40-car ordeal in a Boyd’s parking lot 20 years ago has since grown into a destination for dads and families across the Okanagan, with the event welcoming nearly 30,000 spectators each year.
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“Thanks to the tremendous support from the city and the community we have seen so much growth, it is just overwhelming,” said Mathal Abougoush, owner of Boyd’s and the event organizer.
“This has always been an event that we thought dad would enjoy, because as a car guy if given the option of what to do on Father’s Day, this is what I would do, but we do try to have something for everyone.”
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Seemingly bigger and better than in previous years, the event sprawls into nearly every nook and cranny of the park, with over 80 local vendors, multiple live music stations, food trucks, a kids zone and more to explore.
This year the event is playing host to more than 600 vehicles of all makes and models.
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With the event attracting rat rods, dragsters, souped-up supercars, classic muscle cars, the new addition of the electric car club and even boats, motorcycles and the Dragoons TAPV, it's no wonder car enthusiasts from as far out as Osoyoos and Kamloops are travelling here to take it all in.
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Amidst all of the fun, the event is also mustering up some funds to support a very worthy cause.
For the second year in a row the car show will be supporting Kelowna’s Child Advocacy Centre — a new organization in the Okanagan that will aim to create a safe environment to support children and youth in need.
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Last year the event raised an impressive $25,000 for the centre, and this year they are hoping their new approach to fundraising will garner even more cash.
"It is a great cause — I mean there are no bad causes out there, but this is one that we feel strongly about and we are 100% behind and we think that we will knock it out of the park this year," said Abougoush.
In partnership with the CAC, Boyd’s is raffling off a stunning 2005 Ford Mustang to one lucky ticket buyer.
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When it comes to supporting the community that gives so much to them, Abougoush says it's just how he “was raised.”
“It is what we have done from the beginning,” he said.
“We have always had a charitable aspect to this event, the community supports us so well and we appreciate the city and our customers, so this is our way of giving back.”
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The fun and excitement carry on until 4 p.m. today, so grab your dad, your mom or your friends and get ready to spend an afternoon by the lake!
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