MELFORT — The Northeast’s largest car show is back this year – under new management.
The Melfort Business Revitalization Corporation will host this year’s XFM 29th Annual Show and Shine June 15. The event is usually run by the Melfort and District Chamber of Commerce, but because they are dealing with internal issues, the corporation offered to take the reins.
“It’s about working together today for tomorrow’s future and tomorrow’s successes,” said Tara Muntain, a spokesperson for the corporation. “It’s really important to help each other wherever we can.”
Muntain said keeping the event going is good for Melfort businesses.
“You’ve got people coming in from all over, not just from northeast Saskatchewan, that come to town,” she said. “When you come to town, you usually make a few stops in town, so it’s great for the city of Melfort and it’s great for all of the business owners here.”
The car show will be held on Melfort’s Main Street. It will open to the public at 4 p.m. and last until 9 p.m. Those wanting to show off their ride can register at the old 7-11 parking lot at the corner of Main Street and Saskatchewan Drive from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Muntain said they’ve tried to keep the show pretty much the same as previous years, but one thing that’s different this year is vehicles will be parked on either side of the street instead of the middle.
Visitors will be able to vote for the best vehicle at Memorial Gardens, where they will also be children's games and a food court. The North East Offroaders will hold a demonstration between the Affinity Credit Union and Quarter Inch Quilt Shop. There will be pizza at the Melfort Legion.
Muntain said they are coming up with plenty of ideas for next year and are documenting them so that next year’s organizers – whether it be the corporation or the chamber – can have a look.
“We’ve even put a little blurb out just for the businesses just to keep everyone on the same page and up to speed and encouraging feedback so we can make it a bigger and better event.”
The organizer said the city, local businesses and sponsors have been phenomenal in helping them make the event possible again.
