Corner Wrench: Show ‘n Shines are returning — here’s why you should go

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After a two years of pandemic isolation, the summer of 2022 holds hope of a season of ‘open’ and a return to something normal. For gearheads and car nuts, that means a few warm months of car show and shines and similar community events where collectors and modifiers and tinkerers bring out their finest examples of personal transportation for enthusiasts to admire. Some are weekly occurrences known as cruise nights, where a local commercial parking lot is turned into an evening haven for rolling works of art.

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These events are held in almost every community across the country, large and small and in a variety of ways. Some are vehicle manufacturer specific, meaning you’ll only find GMs or Fords or European makes. Some are serious competitions, with winners taking home major prizes along with their trophies and dash plaques. Most charge a modest fee for vehicle displayers but offer free admission to spectators. Sometimes they’re hard to find, meaning a little searching through ‘what’s on’ event listings. A tip: as parts retailers are often sponsors or have employees who participate in these events, a quick call to them is likely to shorten your hunt.

But big or small, professional or amateur, competitive or everyone’s-a-winner, all have one thing in common: a population of entrants who love to talk about their project vehicles and what makes their particular set of wheels the best in show. Show and shines and cruise nights can involve vehicles from the 1920s right up to last year’s showroom models, so it’s likely you’ll find something similar to what you’re working on or driving. If you’re a die-hard enthusiast or a maintain-your-own type, these events can be goldmines for information, tips, hacks, and building relationships from common interests.

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For those just getting into vehicle ownership, a stroll down these rows of chrome can provide opportunities to see what makes a car tick. It’s easy to see things in larger engine bays without all those plastic beauty covers and massive bundles of wiring and electronics. Many entrants use mirrors to show off their undercarriage work. And of course, standing by are the owners, many of whom have built their rides from the ground up and hold encyclopaedic gear knowledge.

So find out where your friendly neighbourhood show and shines and cruise nights are happening, grab the family, and head out for some very pleasant learning and inspiration on your next project. If you are a regular participant in these events, make sure the organizers are promoting them and consider suggesting some interactive outings, like holding a parade for a senior’s residence or offering nostalgia rides to residents.