Glen Wilde still remembers when he was first drawn to Dodge-Plymouth-Chrysler vehicles.
“I think my personal passion started when I was a child watching The Dukes of Hazzard. The General Lee was an iconic car,” said Wilde, who is the president of the Central Alberta Mopar Association.
“In high school, one of my closest friends, who is still one of my close friends, had a little red Express and still has that same vehicle from back in high school – we’re talking about 1990 – and he still has that same vehicle today.
“They’re absolutely iconic vehicles.”
Wilde was one of the founding members of the association, which was created 28 years ago, and has served as president for 26 years. On Saturday, the association hosted its 28th annual car show in the St. Joseph High School parking lot in Red Deer.
“We’re ecstatic to be able to have a regular car show again and not have to worry about restrictions or anything like that,” said Wilde.
“Everyone can have fun, enjoy themselves and enjoy being in the company of others who also enjoy this hobby that we’re all so passionate about.”
There were about 100 vehicles at Saturday’s show, which has been a similar number to the past few years.
“The last few years have been difficult for everybody and we’ve had less participation,” Wilde admitted, noting some shows in past years have drawn as many as 200 vehicles.
“The vehicles that come have evolved over the years. It started with the Dodge Viper in the ’90s and has evolved into the new Chargers, Demons and all of the other new vehicles we had been getting … in quite large numbers pre-COVID.”
Wilde said the association is anticipating for the show to grow in size again when people feel more comfortable in a post-COVID world.
He also mentioned the association is always welcoming new members.
“Even if you just have a passion for the (Dodge-Plymouth-Chrysler) vehicles … you are welcome. When I was one of the founding members of this club, I didn’t own my Dodge yet. In under a year I did,” he said.
“If somebody out there is like, ‘I want to buy one of these, it’s happening this year,’ then come join the club and participate.”
Association members meet on the second Tuesday of every month at ABC Country Restaurant in Red Deer. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/centralalbertamopars.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter