On May 26, 2024, I attempted to attend the annual Calgary Firebird Club Show and Shine. However, with the unpredictable Calgary weather looming overhead, the event was inevitably cancelled and postponed to a later date. Instead, let's take a look back at the 2023 Show and Shine and discuss some of the highlights from that event.

Many of the Firebirds in attendance at the Calgary Firebird Club show

In May 2023, the Calgary Firebird Club held their annual Show and Shine at the former location of the Blind Beggar Pub on MacLeod Trail. The Firebird Club, in its 19th year of organising this charity event, showcased a remarkable array of special rides, despite the smaller venue for the show.

The show was host to more than just F-Bodies as a plethora of other enthusiasts attended and displayed their automobiles

The show featured all generations of Firebirds and Trans Ams, ranging from the classic 60s models to the legendary Smokey and the Bandit Special Editions, and everything in between. There was an impressive array of both original and radically modified Firebirds on display this year.

One of the displayed Trans Am's was this Special Edition that has also attended the iconic Bandit Run for well over a decade!

Despite being a “Firebird” show, all makes and models were welcome to join the club’s Show and Shine. Alongside the Firebirds, a few standout classics made an appearance, including a 1955 Chevrolet adorned with intricate pinstripes throughout the car.

1955 Chevrolet that was canvased with an incredible amount of pinstriping details

Although the 2024 Calgary Firebird Club Show and Shine was rained out and postponed, it gave me a chance to reminisce about the club's previous show in 2023. Despite being a smaller venue, the event enjoyed a wonderful turnout, featuring not only Pontiac’s beloved F-Body platform but also other classic automobiles. Enthusiasts and friends gathered to enjoy the day together. Hopefully, the show will return later this year, but for now, it’ll be a trip down memory lane!

A Pontiac Grand Prix as it entered the show and shine is a tribute to its original owner and meticulously maintained by his family

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

- Kyle Hanger of Searching for Classics