On August 24, 2024, I set out for the town of Taber to attend their annual Cornfest and Show and Shine. Along the way, I made a quick detour to Lethbridge to catch the start of another automotive event, The Great Beater Challenge. Though I could only stay for the initial gathering, this event is a must for anyone in or around Alberta eager to live out their Roadkill dreams.

A trio of themed vehicles part of The Great Beater Challenge, including the Mystery Machine and a Jurassic Park Explorer

The Great Beater Challenge is a unique two-day journey spanning hundreds of kilometers across parts of western Canada, with over a dozen dilapidated vehicles tackling challenges across Alberta and beyond. This year’s route was a round trip from Lethbridge to Hanna, Alberta, passing through several smaller towns en route to each day’s destination.

A pair of dentside Ford truck cabs and front clips were crudely grafted together to create the "Bass Ackwards" team

As the name suggests, The Great Beater Challenge is all about “beaters.” Cheap cars, purchased in various conditions for a few hundred dollars, decked out in comical themes. The event captures the spirit of the Roadkill show and the Gambler 500 events that have gained popularity across North America.

a 1966 Pontiac and 1954 Meteor were part of the adventure

The vehicles at the start were an eclectic mix of beaters. One standout was an extremely rare 1954 Meteor, a Canadian classic that combines Mercury’s luxury styling with Ford’s more common models of the time. Other notable entries included a Jurassic Park-themed Ford Explorer, a shortened Ford Festiva towing a camper trailer, and a Chevy van sporting an Evel Knievel paint job. These were just a few of the nearly two dozen teams participating this year.

A shortened Ford Festiva with a camper trailer in tow

While I couldn’t join the full journey, attending the initial meeting allowed me to experience the event’s vibrant energy. Combining the thrill of the Gambler 500 with the antics of the Roadkill show, The Great Beater Challenge promises an unforgettable adventure. It’s no wonder past participants highly recommend joining, and I hope to take part in the full event soon.

A small Vauxhall compact that was wrapped in tin foil was also part of the festivities.

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

- Kyle Hanger of Searching for Classics