The Atlantic Nationals Automotive Extravaganza is taking place in Moncton, and as the cars roll in, so too does the money.
More than 2,000 hot rods and classic cars and tens of thousands of spectators are expected to attend the 14th annual car show.
Bob and Donna Purdy drove their 1954 Ford station wagon from Oshawa, Ont. for the event.
“It’s another part of Canada to explore and it’s a lot more fun to explore it in something like this,” says Donna Purdy.
Participant David Currie says he has looked forward to the car show all year.
“It’s a family thing. I enjoy cars, grew up around cars,” says Currie.
The influx of tourism means big business for nearby hotels and restaurants.
“We get a lot of people who stay at the hotel, people that come to the restaurant and anyone who enjoys the casino itself has an opportunity to come in as well,” says Ted Barfett of Casino New Brunswick.
Parts of the city’s Main Street in the downtown core will be closed for the car show and with sunshine in the forecast, local business should be booming.
“There is no question the tourism hospitality industry certainly benefits from this weekend,” says participant Paul Innes. “With the nice weather, people will be out in the bars and enjoying themselves.”
Bob and Donna Purdy say, now they are here, they are on the hunt for lobster and they will be eating at many local restaurants.
“We were looking for lobster, but we didn’t see any deals today, but we’ll keep looking. We might even take a side tour to Shediac,” says Bob Purdy.
The car show runs until Sunday.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Sarah Plowman
