The fabulous ’50s are making a comeback this weekend.
Marv Garriott, owner of Marv’s Classic Soda Shop in the town’s historic downtown, is inviting the public to step back in time and enjoy the memorable decade’s music, food and vehicles at Marv’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Classic July 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“It’s a pretty major part of our North American history,” said Garriott of the ’50s. “Even though we had the big Cold War it was still a happy time. Some of my fondest memories are from the ’50s.”
Garriott will celebrate his favourite decade by bringing in Elvis impersonator Will Reeb of Calgary to serenade the crowds from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Following Elvis’ performance, Calgary cover band Marty Antonini and the Bee Bops will take over with music from the ’50s on a stage behind Marv’s Classic Soda Shop from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“Marty is the only guy I know who can play ’50s music the whole day and never run out of songs,” said Garriott.
A car show featuring about 200 hot rods, custom cars and original vehicles will take place on 1st Street West from noon to 4 p.m., Garriott said.
“I’m expecting a lot of cars this year,” he said. “We’ve got a few car clubs that have gotten in touch with me.”
To cool off patrons when the temperature’s rising, Garriott is offering a wide selection of ice cream and floats in his restaurant and will also serve up his unique Marvellos carbonated ice cream from his pink 1960 International Harvester Metro.
“It’s the busiest day of the year for me,” he said. “Last year it was just crazy. I couldn’t believe the amount of people that came.”
Garriott asked the Foothills Lions Club to host the breakfast again this year, as well as the afternoon barbecue that Garriott had prepared in past years. Both take place behind Marv’s Classic Soda Shop, where Marty Antonini and the Bee Bops will perform.
Barry Crane, president of the Foothills Lions Club, said the club had great success with the breakfast last year and the group is eager to return a second year to host both meals.
“It’s an honour to be involved in something that’s putting Black Diamond on the map every year,” he said. “As volunteers we like to commit to community events that showcase the region every year.”
The club is serving blueberry pancakes and apple-infused sausages for breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at a cost of $5 which includes coffee and water.
Barbecue burgers and hot dogs will be served from noon to 4 p.m. at a cost of $7 for and $6 respectfully.
Crane said money raised from the pancake breakfast and barbecue will go back into the community through the various initiatives the club supports.
