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August 31, 2023

The Legion Hoods On Horton

On August 13, 2023, the renowned Hoods On Horton show and shine was back in full swing. Since its inception, this large car show has garnered praise and adoration, by bringing the community together and fundraising for the Veterans Association Food Bank. Hoods On Horton stands as one of Calgary’s most anticipated events, drawing attention for numerous reasons.

An impressive display from overhead of the large parking lot, filled with all assortments of specialty vehicles
An impressive display from overhead of the large parking lot, filled with all assortments of specialty vehicles
The Alberta Mustangs Club came in numbers to showcase their prized pony cars
The Alberta Mustangs Club came in numbers to showcase their prized pony cars

Beginning in 2021, the Hoods On Horton event was the first official automotive show and shine in Calgary since 2019. The Royal Canadian Legion #285 jumped at the opportunity to create a new car show, and being the first one after a year and a half wait, it was an absolute success with enthusiasts from the beginning.

Hoods on Horton was full of cars, and lots of owners were showcasing their powerplants with their hoods up
Hoods on Horton was full of cars, and lots of owners were showcasing their powerplants with their hoods up
Every participant of the show got their photographs taken in front of the Hoods on Horton banner
Every participant of the show got their photographs taken in front of the Hoods on Horton banner

The event featured an interesting twist: the Donation Challenge that pitted car brands against each other. General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Mopar, and ‘other’ were the 4 teams, competing to gather the highest volume of food donations for the Veterans Association Food Bank. This challenge not only supported the charity but also added a friendly competitive element, fueling the everlasting rivalry between The Big Three and ‘other’ auto manufacturers from around the world.

Lots of variety amongst the Hoods on Horton show!
Lots of variety amongst the Hoods on Horton show!
A sea of red classic cars shone brightly in front of the Legion in honour of Canada's national flag
A sea of red classic cars shone brightly in front of the Legion in honour of Canada's national flag

The Royal Canadian Legion Hoods On Horton venue provided ample space for attendees to display their vehicles. The location occupies every parking stall, and with the assistance of volunteers, carves out additional spots for cars in the lot. This year’s event showcased an excess of around 200 specialty vehicles, spanning from a Morgan 3-Wheeler to high-powered Chevelle’s.

GM A-Body's were plentiful amongst the sea of classics
GM A-Body's were plentiful amongst the sea of classics
Another row of red along the front of the Legion during Hoods on Horton
Another row of red along the front of the Legion during

The front of the Royal Canadian Legion was adorned by a sea of red automobiles, a sweeping display of cars of varying makes and models, all draped in a cherry-red hue. The exclusivity of the front row is to pay homage to Canadian veterans through the national colour, aligning with the show’s mission to honour our military history and support veterans, symbolised by the motto R.E.D. (Remember Everyone Deployed).

Across Horton road were some terrific military example Jeeps being presented
Across Horton road were some terrific military example Jeeps being presented
Among the vast variety of American classics, a R32 Nissan Skyline was present as well adding a bit of "spice" to the venue.
Among the vast variety of American classics, a R32 Nissan Skyline was present as well adding a bit of "spice" to the venue.

The Hoods On Horton show garnered enthusiastic praise, drawing in a crowd of hundreds who gathered to appreciate the cherished historic automobiles on display. Complementing the show and shine was a fundraising initiative, aimed at supporting our nation’s veterans through donations to the Veterans Association Food Bank. Undoubtedly, the Hoods On Horton Show and Shine is a must for Calgary enthusiasts to attend.

A pool was brought out to keep cool during the sweltering heat of this hot August event
A pool was brought out to keep cool during the sweltering heat of this hot August event
A stunning 1968 Dodge Charger was parked up at the main entrance of the Legion
A stunning 1968 Dodge Charger was parked up at the main entrance of the Legion

Until next time, grab some friends and hit the open road to explore the freedoms we enjoy, and take a moment to appreciate the sacrifices from our veterans that make that journey possible.

- Kyle Hanger of @Searchingforclassics