As he walked around a deep burgundy 1935 Ford Coupe in the parking lot of his retirement home, Wayne Norsworthy couldn’t help but admire how similar it was to one he owned for 40 years. “Same colour, totally restored. I took it to car shows, enjoyed meeting people and people enjoyed seeing the car,” he said. “Just something I’ve always enjoyed in my life. I remember driving around with my dad in a car similar to this. That’s what it is to me, anyway.” He hasn’t driven in a while, but a car show at Touchmark at Wedgewood on Thursday rolled him into the highlights of his youth. “It’s more than just cars for our residents,” registered nurse Karen Kempango said. “It’s an enjoyable experience that builds memories. We get to foster all these connections and make it a very fun-filled day.” Mainstreet Cruisers, a not-for-profit Edmonton-area club, welcomes members and cars from all walks and rides of life. Its members take a particular interest in serving charities and seniors’ residences throughout the area. The club’s newsletter editor Randy Jethon says the experience is equally as special for his group as many of the classic vehicles showcased at each event belonged to the same generation. “A lot of our members have moved on. Some are in seniors’ residences like these. When we visit them on a personal level, we find out that they really miss the automotive scene,” he said on Thursday. “More often than not, we’re listening and talking.” Resident Donna Babiy, whose father was a dealer at General Motors growing up, used the cars to connect with her lost loved ones. “They’re cars I can remember my dad selling,” she said. Her son was showing a car on Thursday as well – but she’s now “leery” of letting him drive, he says. She was just there for the drive down memory lane. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Amanda Anderson
