A popular classic car show hosted in Victoria is returning next year after nearly being cancelled for good.
Previously taking place on the third weekend in July every three years, the Northwest Deuce Days was on the verge of not returning.
Back in March, founder Al Clark announced he was cancelling the event citing multiple reasons including the scope of work required to put on the show had grown too large and too expensive for him to host.
Today, Destination Greater Victoria announced it has formally purchased the event from Clark and will take the lead of the event with Clark providing consultation.
The organization said Clark’s knowledge and expertise will be invaluable in organizing, as well as raising the profile of the event.
The event, which began in 1998, would see nearly 1,400 pre-1952 collector vehicles lined the Inner Harbour on display for this year’s Northwest Deuce Days.
Started in 1998, Northwest Deuce Days took place every three years, saw nearly ten times as many spectators, as thousands of classic car fans from all over the world came to check out the much-anticipated event.
It would also see nearly all of Victoria’s hotel rooms rented out.
According to Destination Greater Victoria, Northwest Deuce Days has a local economic impact of roughly $2 million as travellers make use of local hotels and restaurants, and visit attractions beyond the downtown core.
“Northwest Deuce Days has been a labour of love. It is amazing to see the faces of people as the classic cars roll off the ferry to open the event,” said Clark in a statement Thursday.
Destination Greater Victoria said it will be hiring an event planner with a knowledge of classic cars in the next several months.
“For the Northwest Deuce Days, it is not just about the visitors that come from all over the world to our beautiful city, but the way it engages residents,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.
“This is another major sign of confidence in our downtown and great news for our tourism build back strategy,” she said.
The next Northwest Deuce Days will once again be a free, fun, event for residents of Greater Victoria and is scheduled for July 14th to 17th, 2022.
