Hot Nite in the City is cruising back into downtown Kamloops for its 31st year, and it’s looking like another unforgettable weekend full of chrome, classics, and community. What started back in 1994 as a small evening car show put on by the Kamloops Chapter of the Vintage Car Club of Canada has grown into a full-blown summer tradition. This year, they are looking forward to thousands of car lovers and curious onlookers flooding downtown to admire over 400 cars, trucks, and specialty vehicles lined up for blocks down Victoria Street.
This year’s Hot Nite weekend kicks off on Friday, Aug. 8, with the always-popular Poker Run. Registration is only $10 and starts at 2 pm upstairs at the downtown Plaza Hotel. The run itself begins at 3 pm.
Get into the game and cruise through town, stopping at local businesses, collecting poker cards for a chance at prizes, while also checking out the city. It’s a fun and easygoing way to get the weekend started. And just maybe show off your ride.
Later, at 7 pm, the weekend shifts its gears for the Pedal Drag Races on 4th and Victoria. Sponsored by Dub’s Kustoms, the adults get a chance to bust out their inner child and gather together to race kids’ pedal cars for glory, giggles, and bragging rights.
Keeping the fun times rolling, around 9:30, when the sun goes down, the Truck Light Show will illuminate Victoria St, between Fifth and Sixth Ave. Come check out the big rigs, which will be lit up from bumper to bumper.
Saturday, Aug. 9, is the main event! Vendors, sponsors, and car clubs will line the downtown streets with cars, booths, and entertainment! Starting at 10 am, come and check out all that the event has to offer, and if you get hungry, Ribfest is going on at the same time, just down the road. There will also be food merchants setting up shop along Victoria St, and of course, a plethora of restaurants. There’s live entertainment on the main stage at Fourth and Victoria and plenty of activities to explore all day long, for both kids and kids at heart. Choose your favourite classic automobiles and keep watch. The trophy presentation will take place at 4 pm.
Spectators can always enjoy the event for free, but if you want to show off your vehicle, registration is $30. That includes a Hot Nite in the City T-shirt and dash plaque. Early registration is highly recommended. Space is limited, and there is no guarantee of space for last-minute registrants. Check out their website for details at www.hotniteinthecity.com.