Grads from G.P. Vanier and Mark R. Isfeld are flashing back to the past at the end of the month as they are harkening back to a time when it was common to see ’64 Beaumonts and ’55 DeSotos cruising down 5th Street.
Through the efforts of numerous volunteers and the continued support of the Valley Vintage Wheels Car Club, the graduates of 2016 will have the opportunity to arrive at their graduation ceremonies riding in style in a variety of unique and classic vehicles.
Part of local graduations for more than 20 years due to the efforts of retired Vanier teacher Phil McLaren, the car parade will once again take over 5th Street for a cruise before heading off to their graduation ceremonies. Students at both schools have been waiting in anticipation to make their selection from the vehicles that have been offered up by a variety of local collectors, and they are very thankful for the efforts that those car owners have made to make their graduation experience that much more special.
Over 50 cars, escorted by a fire truck from the Courtenay Fire Hall, will be a part of the parade for G.P. Vanier and organizer Paul Rebitt is anticipating it to be another wonderful event for the Vanier grads. He greatly appreciates the support Vanier has received from the Downtown Courtenay Business Association, the City of Courtenay, the RCMP, Watson and Ash, and C-Nic Traffic Services. G.P. Vanier’s car parade will take place on June 28 and start at 4 p.m., while Mark R. Isfeld’s will be on June 29 and start at 3 p.m. Both car parades will start at Driftwood Mall for a showing of the vehicles participating before heading off up 27th Street, down Willemar Avenue and then around and down 5th Street before travelling to their specific schools. The graduates and car owners would love to have spectators come out and cheer them on along 5th Street at 4:15 on June 28 and 3:15 on June 29, and they are grateful for the public’s understanding when it comes to traffic delays during the parade.
The Grads of 2016 from both schools would like to thank Phil McLaren, Brenda Hunt, Paul Rebitt, Tyson Doucette of Georgia Straight Towing, and the many collector car owners who are willing to donate their time and cars to making this event happen.