Photo submitted by Grant Smith
From vintage hot rods and restored pickups to rare classics and custom builds, automotive enthusiasts will have plenty to see when the Classic Car Show returns as part of the 2026 Cold Lake Air Show on July 18 and 19.
Held in partnership with the Cold Lake Cruisers Car Club, this year’s show will celebrate 130 years of trucks, marking the anniversary of the world’s first powered truck, the Daimler Motor-Lastwagen, which first appeared in 1896. The theme was selected by organizer Captain Grant Smith, who has made a tradition of highlighting notable automotive milestones at each air show.
“As we are in Western Canada, Albertans and Saskatchewanians love their pickup trucks,” said Smith. “Due to our location in Alberta near the Saskatchewan border, I felt this would be a great fit.”
While trucks may be the featured attraction, visitors can expect a wide variety of vehicles on display. Smith said approximately 55 vehicles have already registered for the event, including 14 trucks, and he expects that number to grow significantly before the July 15 registration deadline.
“I am anticipating we will get at least 100 vehicles registered by the cut-off date,” he said.
Among the vehicles Smith is particularly excited to see are the 1923 and 1924 Ford T-Buckets that drew attention during the 2024 Cold Lake Air Show. The pair will return this summer alongside several new additions, including a 1931 Plymouth Rat Rod from Edmonton, a 1955 GMC Stepside and 1957 Chevrolet Nomad from Calgary, a 1938 International Cab-Over-Engine from Hay Lakes, and a 1963 Chevrolet C-10 Short Box Fleetside from Leduc.
“For the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100th anniversary in 2024, I was looking for a 1924 vehicle, which is very hard to find these days,” said Smith. “We were fortunate to find not only a T-Bucket from 1924, but an almost-identical one from 1923 as well. I reached out to the owner again this year and, with some very minor arm twisting, he agreed to bring his T-Buckets back to our show.”
The event also highlights the strength of the automotive community in northeastern Alberta. According to Smith, the Cold Lake Cruisers Car Club remains one of the most active automotive clubs in the province, supporting local charities, community events and businesses throughout the year. From the weekly Autos and Appetizers cruise nights to participation in winter events such as Fill-A-Hearse, Sparkle in the Park and the Santa Claus Parade, club members remain active long after the summer driving season ends.
The club’s reputation extends well beyond the Cold Lake region. Smith said feedback from automotive organizations across Alberta consistently points to the number of events and community initiatives supported by the Cold Lake Cruisers throughout the year, showcasing the enthusiasm and dedication of local automotive enthusiasts.
That community support has also extended to the Cold Lake Air Show itself. Members of the Cold Lake Cruisers were among several local organizations that provided letters of support that helped the Air Show earn the prestigious Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award from the International Council of Air Shows in 2024.
The Classic Car Show is included with admission to the 2026 Cold Lake Air Show.
The Cold Lake Air Show is pleased to be in partnership with our Volunteer Appreciation Sponsor, Strathcona Resources!
The preceding text was a paid endorsement for the 2026 Cold Lake Air Show.