OVERNIGHT CLUB FEST A BIG SUCCESS
At 8 a.m. on Saturday July 27, five Model As headed north from Calgary on Highway #2 to begin a 300+ mile weekend. The 5 cars became 6 at Carstairs when Al Chase joined the other 12 members. Tour leader Jim Callander travelling mostly on secondary roads led the group into Stettler at noon and a running board lunch was held in a local park.
After lunch and check-ins at various motels, 12 other members who traveled by modern irons joined the Model A travelers at the train station. The Model As were given reserved VIP parking at the station and were greeted with much fanfare by local characters.
The trip to Big Valley was powered by ex-CNR steam locomotive 6060 that was built to handle mountain grades but now does only occasional excursion service on the prairies. Long time custodian and engineer Harry Holmes was in charge of 6060. Harry who has called Jasper home for most of his career is reported to have a Model A coupe.
The train departed Stettler on schedule with our group of 21 adults and 4 kids joining the happy gang on board. Much fun was had during the trip and a delicious buffet dinner was served in the community hall in Big Valley. The stop in Big Valley was long enough to enjoy exploring this interesting community.
The return trip to Stettler ended in the early evening to put the finishing touches on a day of great weather. Members provided their own entertainment for the balance of the evening. Some first aid was required for the Devitt chariot and it has been reported that some libations were consumed.
On Sunday morning under cloudy skies, the group headed east for about 40 miles to the farm of club members Helen and Walter Pickles.
After exploring the farm headquarters and checking out some of the old vehicles on the premises, a delightful lunch was served in the Pickles’ home.
The journey home was not without some mechanical challenges but Head mechanic Gary Callander put his skills to work and dealt with most of the difficulties. Mother Nature also kept things interesting with a tornado watch in the Three Hills area.
Story by Jim and Mil Rouse Photos by Al Friesen
