In spite of cold and high winds, a recent Big Brothers and Big Sisters Show and Shine event held at Wal Mart in Yorkton went ahead as planned, bringing together 35 entries.
The event raised over $3,400 for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Yorkton, with Wal Mart matching the money raised during the event.
One of the vehicles at the show was a 1967 Cadillac Eldorado owned by Brenda Blommaert. The car itself is a landmark, as it was the first front-wheel drive Cadillac, which was a technical achievement at the time. It is also a design classic, and the influence of its razor-edged shape can still be seen in modern Cadillacs.
Blommaert would agree that her Eldorado is a model of great significance, but this particular car is set apart from the rest. Formerly owned by Blommaert's late father John Wladichuk, after 21 years the car came back home this past March.
"My dad sold it in 1988. He wanted us to have it, but we couldn't afford to have a Cadillac in those days because we were farming and had two little kids. We needed a truck, not a Cadillac," Blommaert says.
While owning the car was not possible in those days, the Blommaerts kept track of the car and the new owners, who they knew well. They always hoped it would be possible one day to buy the car back.
"My dad just loved this car, so he would be so proud that we have it back and it's back in the family," Blommaert says.
In the decades since, the car had only been driven about 500 miles, and needed some restoration work before it was safe to drive. Blommaert says that the money spent restoring the car is worth every cent, since it was there at many important events in her life. The Cadillac was their wedding car, Blommaert notes, and reminds her of her late father whenever she drives it.
Since buying the car back, Blommaert says it has had some high profile admirers.
"We were so very fortunate to have the Prime Minister visit our farm, and we were so overwhelmed. Brad Wall was there as well, and he saw the vehicle, and looked at the front and said 'you don't have a license plate,'" Blommaert says.
Wall gave Blommaert a 1967 Centennial plate for the front of the car, along with a personal letter. Blommaert says it makes it extra special to have that addition.
Blommaert hopes that now the car is back in the family it is here to stay. She says her kids are proud of it as well, and hopes that when the time comes that one of them can own it and keep the car preserved and part of the family.
The show was judged by Ray Jamieson of Key Chevrolet, Jake Daneluk of Dream Rides, and Justin Grunert of Dream Rides. They are as follows:
People's Choice: Alvin McFadyen - 1964 Land Rover.
Competitor's Choice: Lance Gorski - 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger.
Kid's Choice: Greg Hollyoake -1993 Ford Probe GT.
Best Car: Robert Kanten- 1954 Kaiser Manhatton.
Best Truck: Chuck Filby - 1949 Mercury Pick-up
Best Dodge: Lance Gorski - 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger.
Best Bike: Mark Hansen -- 1991 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic.
Best Ford: Ron Blommaert - 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible. Best GM: Ray McKay - 1954 GM 9300 half ton. Best Chevrolet: Ed Boyechko - 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne.
