The History Channel’s Rust Valley Restorers are attending this year’s Cactus Jalopies car show and filming an episode in Osoyoos. (History Channel)

By Vanessa Broadbent

Osoyoos Times

The annual Cactus Jalopies car show is returning to Osoyoos for its 15th year and organizers are expecting it to be the biggest show to date.

Taking over Osoyoos’ downtown from May 30 to June 2, the event is planned to draw 500 vehicle entries and at least 10,000 attendees.

Headlining this year’s event is Dave Kindig, owner and chief designer at Kindig-It Design in Salt Lake City, Utah, featured on the TV show Bitchin’ Rides. He’s bringing Maybelline, a 1958 Lincoln Continental.

“He’s the best builder in the industry,” said JF Launier, Osoyoos car builder and Cactus Jalopies organizer. “Dave’s stuff is always just nice, high-end car builds.”

The History Channel’s Rust Valley Restorers is also coming, and they’ll be filming an episode of the TV show at Cactus Jalopies.

• Read more: Osoyoos-built car gets global recognition

One of Launier’s latest projects will also be on display. “Anvil,” a 1964 Pontiac Acadian with over $1 million invested into its rebuild, has been collecting show awards across North America and is making its Western Canadian debut at Cactus Jalopies.

Festivities kick off with a show and shine at the Sage Pub on May 30, followed by a welcome reception, garage tours and a Wine Tour Poker Run on May 31.

Saturday, June 1 is packed with events including the Show n’ Shine at Gyro Beach, appreances by Kindig and the Rust Bros Crew, live entertainment, beer gardens, a poker walk and an open house and tour of JF Kustoms. On June 2 the show winds down with drag racing at the Richter Pass Motorplex at the Osoyoos Airport.

Classic car enthusiast or not, Launier said there will be something for everyone at Cactus Jalopies.

“These cars are not your typical cars – they’re art work,” he said. “It’s not an old greasy bucket of bolts at the drag strip. It is absolutely world class art, end of story.”

For more information visit cactusjalopies.ca.