The popular classic car show Northwest Deuce Days, which had announced earlier this year that it would be leaving the City of Victoria permanently, is set to make a comeback in 2022.
Northwest Deuce Days — a popular recurring event that draws classic car enthusiasts from the Pacific Northwest to Victoria’s Inner Harbour and has become the largest gathering of Deuce Coupes in the world — had announced earlier this year that it was officially over, however, organizers have struck up an agreement that has breathed new life into the event’s future.
Destination Greater Victoria and Northwest Deuce Days Owner/Chief Organizer Al Clark have sparked a new relationship and under this agreement, Destination Greater Victoria has purchased all assets, goodwill, and intellectual property associated with Northwest Deuce Days from Clark.
Moving forward, Destination Greater Victoria — who has previously sponsored the event and supplied volunteers — will take the lead and Clark will remain on as a consultant.
The next Northwest Deuce Days has been officially scheduled for July 14-17, 2022.
According to a joint release from Clark and Destination Greater Victoria, the last Deuce Days, which was held in 2019, welcomed over 600 Deuce Coupes and had a local economic impact of $2 million.
A deuce is defined as a hot rod produced in 1932, which enthusiasts simply call a “Deuce” after the number 2 in 1932.
“We couldn’t be more excited for this new partnership. Visitor economy businesses are hurting and as the local destination marketing and management organization we are doing what we can to provide stability, predictability and future revenue while balancing the need for environmental sustainability,” said Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria.
“We aim to strike that balance – driving business through the region but also continually working to improve how we operate. Al has built an amazing event – and not just one that brings thousands of visitors to the destination – but an event that is enjoyed by many residents as well.”
Clark says the event has been a “labour of love” after 21 years of hosting, however, acknowledges that it is a good time for him to take a step back, knowing that the event is in good hands and will live on.
As for the City of Victoria, Mayor Lisa Helps believes the continuation of the event is a good thing as it brings together both visitors and the local community.
“For the Northwest Deuce Days, it is not just about the visitors that come from all over the world to our beautiful city, but the way it engages residents. This is another major sign of confidence in our downtown and great news for our tourism build back strategy,” Helps said.
Destination Greater Victoria says it plans to hire an event organizer with classic car expertise and knowledge in the coming months. The organization also says plans are in the works to minimize the event’s environmental footprint by providing opportunities to offset emissions, engaging low-waste food and beverage vendors, and having water bottle refill and zero waste stations.
Graham Cox
