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25 years ago this week: Powell River Vintage Car Club carry VIPs

The photo and article below were published in the Peak in May 1997
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Two members of the Vintage Car Club, Brian Dingwell and Don Carto, stand in front of their restored beauties. The 1955 Packard on the left and 1950 Chev on the right were used as VIP chauffer vehicles for the BC Festival of Arts in 1997.

BC Festival of the Arts VIPS had chauffer service opening night when Powell River Vintage Car Club members provided 13 of their restored vehicles.

Some of the antique cars being used included a 1956 Packard, a 1956 Chevrolet and a 1932 Buick.

"They just phoned up and asked if we would like to volunteer our cars, and we were happy to oblige," said club member Brian Dingwell.

Dingwell was one of the volunteers chaufferring with his 1950 Chevrolet sedan.

Cesare Castagnoli, festival of the arts volunteer in charge of VIP transportation, gives credit for the vintage car idea to Dianne Rooyakkers and Cori-Lynn Carlson.

"We had a meeting on how we wanted the VIPS to be treated," said Rooyakkers, "and we thought that bringing in the vintage car club for opening night would be a good idea. Making them feel the Powell River hospitality is very important so they feel comfortable.