Cars rolling in for show

Engines will rev this weekend as vintage vehicles line one of Black Diamond’s streets. Hot rods, muscle cars and old classics are among the varieties lining 3rd Street SW in the Black Diamond Car Show July 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The car show was previously operated by restaurateur Marv Garriott before being taken over by Priddis resident Gerry Tofin and her family this year. “I knew that Marv was looking for someone to take it over,” said Tofin. “Even a year ago I was interested, mainly because my husband is interested in cars.” Tofin and her sons, Carson and Michael, created the Thumbs Up Association to raise money for the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada after Tofin’s husband, Perry, died from a brain tumor last year. The family thought taking over Garriott’s car show was a great way to contribute further to the foundation. “As a family we were sitting around saying we should raise funds for the Brain Tumor Association,” said Tofin. “It’s such a horrible thing to happen to anyone.” Perry was diagnosed with a brain tumor early last year. He only lived three months after the diagnosis. “Going into it you get the diagnosis and think everything will be good after the surgery,” she said. “It’s the beginning of a really difficult journey. They’re messing with your brain so the person you knew actually changes. It’s very devastating for the family and the patient.” Following Perry’s death, the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada provided emotional support to Tofin and her family. “They’ve certainly been there for us,” she said. “Unfortunately they don’t have the funds for financial support for families. They’re raising funds to find a cause and a cure, which is really important.” Tofin said 27 Canadians are diagnosed with brain tumors every day. “It’s staggering really,” she said. The Tofins will take the event up a notch with food trucks, vendors selling specialty items, face-painting, 50/50 draws, a pancake breakfast hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion Turner Valley Branch and live music by Calgary rockabilly band Peter and the Wolves. The band will perform from noon to 4 p.m. and the pancake breakfast will be offered from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. “I think it’s going to be great,” said Tofin. “The cars will be lined up, up and down 3rd Street. It’s only two-and-a-half blocks from downtown. It’s really close and just a nice little walk.” The Tofins will bring their own ’67 Camaro that Carson and Perry restored and some newer Corvettes to enjoy the camaraderie the event offers. “It’s a lot of like-minded people who have an appreciation for something that someone’s worked on or just a really beautiful classic,” she said. “A lot of people walk around saying, ‘I remember when we used to go partying in that.’ It’s nostalgia.” Tofin said she expects to see upwards of 400 cars this year. The $15 entry fee will be donated to the Brain Tumor Foundation, as well as other proceeds from the event. Trophies will be awarded in various classes.