The Graffiti Days classic car weekend is returning to Cache Creek over the weekend of Sept. 13–15, after organizers made the decision last year to permanently move the event from June to September.
Last year’s event had to be postponed until September due to the unprecedented flooding in Cache Creek in May 2023, which caused massive damage to the town. Because of the damage to venues, uncertainty about accommodation, and volunteer resources that were already stretched thin, the committee made the decision to postpone the weekend until September, then re-assess after that.
Bill Elliott, chair of the Graffiti Days committee, said last year that after seeing how the new dates worked out, everyone was pretty much in agreement about moving the date permanently. Even before last year’s weekend, the committee had acknowledged the need to consider new dates, as increased spring flooding in Cache Creek was causing more and more issues with venues and putting pressure on the organizers, who often had to scramble at the last minute to accommodate events.
The permanent move to the second weekend in September was made after making sure that Graffiti Day wouldn’t clash with other events that traditionally take place in early September. This year’s event will come a week after the Desert Days music festival in Spences Bridge (Sept. 6–7) and the Ashcroft and District Fall Fair on Sept. 8.
The weekend kicks off with a free family dance at the Cache Creek community hall on Friday, Sept. 13. The all-ages event runs from 6 to 9 p.m., and 1950s-style dress is preferred, with prizes being awarded.
The Cache Creek Market and Swap Meet will be taking place beside the library on Saturday, Sept. 14 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and on Sunday, Sept. 15 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Vendor tables are available for $5 each, and attendees will be able to browse a wide selection of items, from baking and produce to secondhand treasures.
Owners of any and all vehicles from 1979 or earlier are invited to take part in the Classic Car Cruise, which departs at noon from the Cache Creek info centre. The vehicles will make their way to Ashcroft and cruise the downtown before returning to Cache Creek for the Show & Shine, which runs from 1 to 5 p.m.
There’s no charge to display your 1979 or earlier vehicle at the Show & Shine, and pre-registration is not necessary. Participants get a free dash plaque, and attendees can admire the vehicles and chat with owners. There’s also a chance to vote on your favourite for the People’s Choice Award, enjoy the beer garden and barbecue concession, buy tickets for the raffle car, and pick up a Graffiti Days T-shirt (although you had better arrive early; last year’s shirts sold out before the end of the Show & Shine).
The ever-popular Smoke Show, sponsored by BT Tire, takes place at the Cache Creek community hall from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The event is open to all and there is no admission or registration fee; just bring your vehicle and get ready to put on a show. A beer garden will be available on-site for the event, which is followed by a dance (adults only) starting at 9 p.m. at the community hall.
Tickets for the Saturday evening dance are $10 each and must be purchased in advance (no sales at the door), and 1950s-style dress is preferred. You can purchase tickets at the Cache Creek village office on Quartz Road before the event, during the Show & Shine on Sept. 14, or online at www.GraffitiDays.ca.
In addition to the market on Sunday, you can also take part in the Poker Run, which is making a return to Graffiti Days. The run — which is open to all vehicles — takes place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sept. 15 and starts at the Cache Creek community hall.
In conjunction with the Graffiti Days weekend there will be drag races running at the Campbell Hill drag strip off Highway 1 south of Cache Creek. The races start at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and admission is $10 (children under 13 are free). For more information about the drag races, go to DragIt.ca or email BCDragIt@gmail.com.
