On June 15, 2024, I travelled across southern Alberta to attend various shows and photograph a multitude of classic cars in smaller towns. I began the day at the Chinook County Cruisers show in Nanton, Alberta, but partway through the event, I headed to Fort MacLeod's annual Show & Shine.

Within the Fort MacLeod Show & Shine

The town of Fort MacLeod holds its annual Show & Shine event every year, usually coinciding with the Chinook County Cruisers show in Nanton. Being only a forty-five-minute drive apart, these two shows are conveniently accessible within the same day, allowing attendees to see a wide variety of automobiles not typically encountered.

Within the Fort MacLeod Show & Shine

The Fort MacLeod Show & Shine was held in the heart of the town's shopping district, with classic cars stretching across three town blocks. From the vintage "Dirty Thirties" models to modern Hellcats, the town was bustling with over three hundred vehicles on display this year.

The large section of cars of Fort MacLeod's Show & Shine

The location of the show also served as a filming site for Fargo Season 2, representing Luverne, Minnesota in its 1979 setting. Having been on set myself and using one of my cars in the series, the Fort MacLeod show felt like déjà vu, reminiscent of the fake American city created by the amazing Alberta production teams a decade prior.

The large section of cars of Fort MacLeod's Show & Shine

The Show & Shine itself was filled with remarkably kind car owners and spectators alike. Featuring great characters and unique vehicles such as a Fairlane with a custom-made glass moonroof, a fully drag-spec Austin pickup truck, and a small group of thirties cars that arrived together, this event was truly incredible to attend.

After the Show & Shine, some cars stuck around, giving me the opportunity to recreate a scene from Fargo Season 2, with my Ford Gran Torino parked in front of the same fire hydrant on screen

Until the next time I see you guys, get wrenching, get driving, and keep these classics alive!

- Kyle Hanger of Searching for Classics