ELBOW, SASK. — Classic car buffs and vintage tractor fans alike might want to pencil in a Sunday drive to the village of Elbow, Sask., next to Lake Diefenbaker, as a new event promises to showcase plenty of horsepower with a side of small-town hospitality.
The “Elbow Grease” Vintage Car and Tractor Show is set for Sunday, June 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Harbour Golf Community Centre, located at 1 Lakeside Road in Elbow. The event will feature a full lineup of vehicles across multiple categories — from pre-1995 classics to modern showpieces — with awards ranging from Best Classic Car to People’s Choice of Show.
“It has been a couple years since there’s been any kind of car show in Elbow,” said organizer Harvey Joel. “I’m into restoring antique tractors myself, and I also have an antique car. There hasn’t been much for antique tractor venue shows … so we figured, well, let’s start our own here in Elbow.”
Joel said the idea took shape after the long-running Hawarden tractor show — a roughly 23-minute drive from the village — was discontinued, leaving a gap for local collectors and restorers.
“There are a number of tractor restorers in the area, as well as antique car collectors, and more modern car collectors,” he said. “So we figured, well, it’s a good tourism community, and it would be a nice event to have the tourist population attend.”
The date — the Sunday before Canada Day — was deliberately chosen to coincide with peak summer travel in the popular lakeside destination.
The show will take place as a static display this year, but Joel said organizers have bigger dreams for the future.
“Maybe next year we’ll have a parade. Eventually … the hope is to have a tractor pull, but there is one at Glenside on the long weekend of August,” he noted.
Organizers are planning to bring in a food truck, with the east patio providing a shaded, grassy area for visitors to sit and unwind. Joel is also encouraging all local car clubs to attend and help support like-minded car enthusiasts in the area.
“Everybody should mark their calendar to be here either attending or showing their vehicles,” Joel suggested. “We really look forward to it.”
Admission is free for spectators. Vehicle registration is $25 for up to three entries, with additional entries welcome at $5 apiece. Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-up entries are welcome on show day. Interested participants can email [email protected].
