A large collection of vintage cars will be on display at Blast from the Past. (Dan Dertien)

By Ian Holmes

vintage cars

‘Some of these vehicles are really quite unique:’ vintage car show takes over Coombs Fairgrounds

Jul 24, 2025 | 12:23 PM

PARKSVILLE — Over 100 vintage and classic cars will be shined up and on display, all for a good cause.

Ocean Idlers Car Club hosts its annual Blast from the Past car show at Coombs Fairgrounds and Event Centre at 1014 Ford Rd on Saturday, July 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Event coordinator Greg Beaveridge told NanaimoNewsNOW Ocean Idlers features primarily Parksville-Qualicum Beach area vehicles, including hot rods and many highly modified vehicles.

“The car club represents people with older vehicles, some very early vintage vehicles from the 1920s all the way up to the 2020s. We even have members that don’t have a car.”

Coombs Fairgrounds has been the longtime host of the Blast from the Past car show. (Dan Dertien)

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Many of the classic cars on display Saturday are “built from the ground up,” Beaveridge said, noting their car and truck owners have an impeccable level of pride in vehicle ownership.

“Some of these vehicles are really quite unique and very nice to look at. I marvel at how they actually put them together.”

Entrance to the event, entering its 27th year, is by donation.

A concession courtesy of Arrowsmith Community Recreation Association will be serving pancakes and hamburgers.

A 50/50 draw, vintage music, and community vendors will also be on hand, while the event opens with the Mount Arrowsmith Pipe Band, Beaveridge said.

Awards in eleven categories will be handed out at 2 p.m.

Beaveridge said Blast from the Past generates between $10,000 and $15,000 for local valued non-profit organizations.

“We raise money for charities, as well for carrying on for the club and just providing a fun atmosphere for our members and those people who come to the car show.”

More information on Blast from the Past can be found here.

Vintage vehicles like this one will be on display Saturday, July 26 at Coombs Fairgrounds and Event Centre. (Dan Dertien)

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