It’s not every day the average Calgarian gets to see a Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Lotus in one room, but the upcoming Calgary International Auto & Truck Show will bring just that and more.
Vehicle lovers can partake is the 30th annual show to witness the latest in car technology and design from multiple dealers: Mitsubishi, Ford, Bentley, Ferrari, Spyker, Mercedes — just to name a few.
“Folks love to come down to the show to obviously see the new models because a lot are in the market for a car,” says Jim Gillespie executive manager for the Calgary Motor Dealers Association (CMDA), which organizes the annual auto show.
“If you’re in the market for a car at all, this is the best place to go,” he says since 300 to 400 cars and trucks will be on site for everyone to experience. Gillespie says besides the new models, people can also learn more about fuel efficiency and exotic cars because knowledgeable dealer representatives will be at every exhibit to answer questions.
Seasoned auto show attendees may be wondering, “What’s in store for this year?”
The Man Van is the answer to that question. In the Stampede Corral, the Man Van will be parked and full of qualified staff from the Prostate Cancer Centre to take men’s blood for a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test.
“At certain hours of the day they will do 50 to 60 free PSA tests for any man who hasn’t had it done in the last three years,” explains Gillespie, adding he’s aware people do not go to the auto show for the sole purpose of getting this test, but he sees it as an added bonus. “We’re the only city in Canada to have a Man Van.”
This year, the CMDA has also partnered with the Alzheimer Society of Calgary to have professional photographs taken of people inside a lamborghini, Lotus, Aston Martin or Bentley as a souvenir at set hours throughout the day with all proceeds going towards the Alzheimer Society.
For some fun away from traditional auto show events, attendees can test their speed at a timed tire change event. Or, they can try out a Segway vehicle to navigate around cones on a set track.
If purchasing a vehicle is a little too pricey, then how about wax, wheels or lemonade and a sandwich at one of the rest areas in the Corral or Main Hall. The cherry on top includes the search for entry forms for people to win one of two vehicles, a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI and 2010 Venza V-6 premium package.
2010 Calgary Auto Show
• The 2010 Calgary International Auto & Truck Show runs today to Sunday, March 14 at the BMO Roundup Centre on the Stampede Grounds.
• Tickets are $10 on weekdays, $14 on weekends for adults; $7 for seniors and youths (ages 11 – 17); children under 10 are free; family of four pass is $29 (two youths, two adults).
• For more information, visit www.autoshowcalgary.com
