Witness the largest gathering of 1932 Ford Deuce Coupes in the world as Northwest Deuce Days returns to town, Sunday.
The event, held locally every three years, features hot rods, street rods and rat rods in a dazzling rainbow of colours. They are converging here from across Canada, almost every state in the U.S., and even owners (but not their cars) coming from Australia and New Zealand.
This is the eighth and largest gathering so far, with more than 1,100 registered — and others on a waiting list.
“We’re seeing a lot more entries as word gets out about the event,” said Al Clark, the event’s organizer. “This year we have 11 cars coming from North Carolina, a first.”
People will have an opportunity to rub shoulders with automotive royalty, such as Vic Edelbrock or retired race car driver Danny Sullivan.
Clark has been building and modifying cars for clients worldwide from his home garage in Fairfield since 1996. Many of the 35 hot rods he has built will be in the show.
The gathering welcomes vehicles from any manufacturer built before 1952, but the star of the show is the 1932 Ford Coupe — the year from which the term deuce derives. Deuces can be based on the original chassis or brand-new cars.
The Deuce was the favourite model of the early hot-rodders and its popularity continues to this day. With more than 550 coming to this year’s event, it represents the largest gathering of the car in the world.
Hot-rod culture is as vibrant as ever, with owners spending considerable time and money to individualize their ride. While some of the cars may look similar, you won’t find two cars exactly the same.
Customizations range from mild to wild, limited only by a person’s imagination and budget.
Some will arrive in Victoria in covered trailers, while others will take to the road. It is common to see the cars in colourful convoys on the highway, as they pick up participants along the route.
People will have an opportunity to view the vehicles at:
• 2 p.m. on Thursday, between the Black Ball Ferry terminal and the Hotel Grand Pacific on Belleville Street, when 120 cars will disembark the Coho ferry.
• 10 a.m. Saturday, at Clover Point and along Dallas Road as more than 400 cars gather before embarking on a Poker Run.
• 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, parked at the Westin Bear Mountain Resort, 1999 Country Club Way, as several hundred gather for dinner.
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Deuce Days main show, with all 1,100 vehicles gathered for public viewing throughout the Inner Harbour.
Some owners set up as early as 4 a.m. Sunday. Vehicles will be parked along Government Street from Broughton to Superior streets, on Belleville Street between Douglas and Pendray Streets, on Menzies from Belleville to Superior Street, on the lawn of the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the side lawns in front and parking lot behind the B.C. Legislative Assembly.
Viewing any of the events is free. For information, go to northwestdeuceday.com
1932 Fords the stars of hot-rod model display
Not all the hot rods at Northwest Deuce Days will be on the street. Some will be on display indoors at Deuce Days in Scale, a scale model car show, on Sunday.
Like the real cars outside, there will be models of cars from 1951 or earlier, with an emphasis on 1932 Fords, the Deuces.
Favourite models will be chosen for awards by the entrants and there will be a ballot for spectators to pick their favourites. There will also be a special award for the most promising young modeller.
Deuce Days in Scale is presented by Scale Plastic Automotive Modellers of Greater Victoria.
Admission is by donation for adults and free for children ages 13 and under. The event runs 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the North and South Pender Rooms of the Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville St. For details, go to deucedaysinscale.shawwebspace.ca.
For camping novices across Canada, a chance to learn
If you’ve never camped outside before, you can get the basics down at Learn to Camp Experiences on Saturday and Sunday.
Parks Canada has partnered with Mountain Equipment Co-op to host the program, which teaches camping novices how to pitch a tent, start a fire and stay safe around wildlife.
The unique overnight program takes place at national parks and historic sites across the country, including Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site.
Events include workshops on camping-related skills, including how to cook in the outdoors and the opportunity to take part interpretive programs.
The cost is $44 for adults, $22 for children three to five years old and free for children two and under. Space is limited. The program runs 1 p.m. Saturday to 11 a.m. Sunday at 603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd.
For details, call 1-888-773-8888 or visit: pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/activ/activ2016.aspx#LearntoCamp.
Celebrate Italian culture at the picnic
Join Victoria’s Italian community as they celebrate their heritage at the annual Italian Picnic on Sunday.
This year, the picnic also celebrates the 70th anniversary of the creation of the Republic of Italy. Activities at the event include Bocce games all day, children’s games, an Italian car display and live entertainment.
Music by Maria Manna and friends, a Victoria accordion group and Armando Barbon (a cappella), from 4 to 6 p.m.
A barbeque is offered 3:30 to 4 p.m.
Free admission. The event runs noon to 8 p.m. at the park by the Leonardo Da Vinci Centre, 195 Bay St.
For information, call Maria Manna, 250-514-9927 or visit Facebook.
Fiesta for the Philippines
Experience the culture and cuisine of the Philippines as the Victoria Filipino Canadian Association presents its 14th annual Fiesta on Sunday.
Activities include folk dancing by the award-winning Sampaguita Dancers and children’s entertainment. Popular Filipino food items will be for sale.
Proceeds from the fundraising event benefit various programs delivered by the Philippine Bayanihan Centre. The association is one of the societies, along with the seniors’ and caregivers’ groups, that run the centre.
Admission is free. The fiesta runs from noon to 4 p.m. at the Philippine Bayanihan Centre, 1709 Blanshard St. (near Fisgard Street). For information, go to bayanihan.ca.
Go flying at the museum’s open house
Learn about British Columbia’s aviation history as the B.C. Aviation Museum holds its annual open house on Saturday.
This year, the museum will unveil a new display dedicated to the B.C. Aviation Hall of Fame. It will also announce three new inductees at a ceremony at noon.
The museum hosts visiting aircraft displayed on their brand-new apron. Visitors will have an opportunity to go flying with the Victoria Flying Club and Pacific Sky.
Activities for kids include the very popular face painting. Food will be available for purchase.
Admission is by donation. The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum, 1910 Norseman Rd., (on the east side of Victoria International Airport). There is plenty of free parking available. The museum is open every day over the summer.
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