On June 3, 2023, the town of Three Hills, Alberta, came alive with excitement as it hosted its annual automotive extravaganza. Car enthusiasts from across Alberta flocked to this small town for a weekend filled with activities. The event featured not only the much-anticipated yearly car show but also 1/8th mile drag racing, a drive-in movie, and a smaller meet-and-greet gathering. This diverse array of events created a playground for enthusiasts to enjoy a wide variety of vehicles on display and in action.

The lineup of vehicles waiting to begin entering the show and shine

Last year, I was able to attend only two events on Saturday, June 3rd: the Three Hills Street Freaks Show and Shine and the 1/8th mile drag racing. I spent most of my time at the Show and Shine, capturing as many cars as possible for my growing archive of antique cars.

The final line of cars cruising up Main Street to fill the centre of the street up

The Show and Shine has always been the main attraction of the Three Hills Cruise Weekend, drawing in more than double the town's population as visitors from far and wide come to view the extravagant display of unique automobiles. The show spanned nearly a kilometre, filling almost all of Main Street and 1st Avenue with classic cars. This year's event featured over four hundred classic and special interest automobiles, not including the few dozen at the nearby Three Hills Airport competing in the 1/8th mile drag racing event.

Another view of the cars along Main Street of Three Hills

The small-town airport of Three Hills was taken over by high-octane automobiles, boasting massive power and thunderous exhaust notes that could be heard across the nearby prairies. A plethora of unique cars, from purpose-built trucks to hobbyist muscle cars, set out to conquer the strip and see what kind of numbers their beloved vehicles could pull in the 1/8th mile.

The cars extended past Main Street, filling alongside 1st Avenue for close to half a kilometre

The Three Hills Cruise Weekend is one of the larger and more extravagant events on the Alberta car show circuit. Featuring a large Show and Shine, 1/8th mile drag racing, and various other events throughout the weekend, Three Hills always promises a fantastic visit and a great time. Fortunately, their next event will take place on the weekend of June 1st, 2024. So, if you're looking to enjoy some automotive racing and witness beautiful vehicles, you still have time to attend!

Quick shot of the burnout pit of Three Hills 1/8th mile drag racing

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

- Kyle Hanger of Searching for Classics