The thunderous roar of high-performance engines echoed through Exhibition Park this weekend as Lethbridge’s annual Street Machine Weekend kicked into high gear for its 45th year, drawing automotive enthusiasts from across western Canada and beyond.
The signature event of the weekend—the adrenaline-pumping 100-foot dash—saw drivers pushing their meticulously crafted machines to the limit in a showcase of raw power and precision engineering. This year’s competition featured over 120 vehicles, ranging from classic muscle cars to modern street racers, all vying for bragging rights on the exhibition grounds.
“There’s nothing quite like the rush of launching these beasts down the strip,” said Mark Stevenson, this year’s 100-foot dash champion in the modified classic category with his 1969 Chevrolet Camaro. “I’ve been coming to Street Machine Weekend for nearly two decades, and the community keeps getting stronger.”
According to event organizers, attendance surged approximately 15% compared to last year, with an estimated 15,000 visitors exploring the grounds throughout the three-day festival. The economic impact on Lethbridge has been substantial, with hotels reporting near-capacity bookings and restaurants experiencing significant upticks in business.
“This isn’t just about cars—it’s about community and our shared passion,” explained Jennifer Martinez, president of the Lethbridge Street Machine Association. “We’re seeing multiple generations of families participating together, with knowledge and appreciation for automotive culture being passed down.”
Beyond the competitive racing, the weekend featured a comprehensive show and shine with over 400 vehicles on display, ranging from meticulously restored classics to cutting-edge custom builds. The exhibition hall housed vendors offering everything from specialized automotive parts to memorabilia, creating a comprehensive experience for attendees.
The event has evolved significantly since its humble beginnings in 1979, when a small group of local car enthusiasts organized an informal gathering at Henderson Lake. Now, Street Machine Weekend stands as one of western Canada’s premier automotive events, drawing participants from as far as California and Ontario.
“The economic boost to our city is substantial,” noted Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen, who attended Sunday’s final competitions. “But beyond that, events like this strengthen our community identity and put Lethbridge on the map for something uniquely positive.”
A noteworthy addition to this year’s event was the expanded Youth Engagement Zone, where younger attendees could participate in hands-on automotive workshops, including basic engine mechanics and pinstriping demonstrations. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of automotive enthusiasts and skilled trades workers.
As the weekend concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing exceptional vehicles across 22 categories, participants were already discussing modifications and improvements for next year’s event. The continuous evolution of Street Machine Weekend reflects broader trends in automotive culture—balancing appreciation for classic designs with innovations in performance and sustainability.
As we witness this blend of nostalgia and forward-thinking technology on display in Lethbridge, one can’t help but wonder: In an era increasingly focused on electric vehicles and autonomous driving, how will events like Street Machine Weekend adapt to celebrate automotive passion while embracing the industry’s inevitable transformation?
