A Black Diamond merchant with a love for everything ’50s is inviting residents and visitors into his shop to celebrate his favourite decade.
Marv’s Classic Soda Shop owner Marv Garriott has planned a full day of ’50s music, food and vintage vehicles for his annual Marv’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Classic July 30 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“There isn’t another place like it anywhere in Canada, probably, and not very many in the United States either,” he said of his ’50s-inspired restaurant. “It’s still the best-loved era of all time. It was just always a happy time. It keeps me from getting old.”
This is the tenth Marv’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Classic, which Garriott is celebrating with more entertainment.
Elvis impersonator Will Reeb will serenade crowds in the morning and Marty Antonini and the Bee Bops perform a wide range of ’50s music in the afternoon. Garriott is also bringing The North 40 Band to play classic country music in the late morning. He will also have a Zumba entertainer in the afternoon.
Performances will take place on a stage behind Marv’s Classic Soda Shop.
“I think we will probably have well over 3,000 people here,” he said. “It’s just a small town atmosphere.”
Another big draw to the event is the classic car show, which will feature more than 250 hot rods, custom cars and original vehicles along 1st St SW and 1st and 2nd Avenue SW throughout the day.
“It started off with about 30 to 35 cars, which I thought was pretty good,” said Garriott. “It started building up every year. When the flood hit, it dropped off for a couple of years, but it’s built back up again.”
Food will be in abundance throughout the day with Marv’s Classic Soda Shop’s ’50s selection from burgers to floats, as well as a pancake breakfast provided by the Foothills Lions Club and a barbecue lunch in the afternoon with beer and coolers available for purchase.
Attendees can also enjoy various flavours of lemonade and Marvello popsicles in a portable lemonade stand organized by local children.
Foothills Lions Club secretary Caryl Ricks said they will serve blueberry pancakes, apple-infused sausages and beverages for breakfast at a cost of $5.
She expects they will serve around 300 people. Money raised will support events and projects in the community.
Ricks said she is a big fan of the ’50s-themed event.
“I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “I love the old cars and I love to see the people so enthusiastic and enjoying it. It’s very successful and so many people enjoy it. I’m a senior so it takes me back.”
Garriott said he’s glad to have help from the Foothills Lions Club.
“It started off being just a lot of fun, but it’s getting a little too big for me by myself,” he said. “I’m hoping that next year the Foothills Lions Club will take on the car show.”
Garriott said he received financial support from both the Towns of Black Diamond and Turner Valley, as well as some businesses to help cover the estimated $6,000 cost to run the event.
“I would like to make a donation to the Boys and Girls Club but I haven’t been able to do so because I’m in the hole every year,” he said.
