Rockin’ in the Rockies Car Club (RRCC) began 35 years ago after the founding members were returning from the Columbia Valley Classics Car Show in Radium Hot Springs.

The collective thought was, ‘we can do this too’… There were eight initial members, Rick and Linda Orza, Ron and Darlene Demaniuk, Gerry Citra and Audrey Prazinak and Tony and Lila Daprocida, and the club was formed in 1991.

Linda Orza came up with the name of the club and Audrey Prazinak was instrumental in the original club logo that still holds today. Plans began for the first car show to be held. This was in 1992. Over the years the club grew and held many successful Car Shows.

Roll the clock forward to 2026 and the now expansive membership (currently 163) are celebrating 35 years of celebrating classic cars and more.

Rockin’ in the Rockies developed a mission and the same mission holds today. We, as members, not only love, respect and enjoy the classics but are much more.

Mission: To promote the construction, preservation and enjoyment of vehicles, provide fellowship and share information. Preserving the past and enhancing the future.

The club cruises to many shows in and around the East Kootenay, Alberta and other parts of B.C. In 2025 several club members took to the road and cruised to 100 Mile House for their annual car show, Hot July Nights.

But the camaraderie does not end at the end of the short cruise season. Members gather bi-weekly to attend dinners together. A Christmas celebration in the form of Christmas dinner at a local establishment boasts 100 + members in attendance.

We as a club are very proud of the community participation and donation that are made. In 2025 club members took part in Spirit of the Rockies parade and show and shine, Hometown for Hunger, A&W MS Day, McPherson’s Funeral Home BBQ for the East Kootenay Foundation for health just to name a few.

Local donations were made to Cranbrook Food Bank, East Kootenay Foundation for Health, Angel Flight again to name a few.

This year, 2026, is shaping up to be a successful 35 year of activity.

Kicking off this cruising season and activity is our first Swap Meet. Members are excited about this new event. The first annual takes place on Saturday, May 30 at the Cranbrook Curling Rink.

Details are available on the club social media page, Rockin’ in the Rockies Car Club Cranbrook BC.

The summer show and shines that have been happening on 10th Avenue South downtown Cranbrook start two weeks earlier and will run two weeks later.

Starting Wednesday, June 17 running each Wednesday from to 8 p.m. through to Wednesday, September 9, you can come down and enjoy a walk down memory lane perusing the amazing display of classic vehicles. This has quickly become a favourite summer evening activity and has gained momentum over the past few years.

Last year we had local club members come by as well as folks from other areas of B.C. and the US.

e-KNOW file photo

Rockin’ in the Rockies Car Club

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