The Aldergrove business community is bracing for an influx of people like the community has never seen as the Langley Good Times Cruise-In approaches.
“The majority of the businesses are looking forward to it,” said Karen Long, a director of the Aldergrove Business Association (ABA). “I guess they’re a little nervous because they’re not sure what to expect.”
A small handful of businesses are expected to close on Saturday, the day of the show.
Most others, particularly restaurants, are expected to stay open, Long said.
The Salvation Army thrift store on 272nd Street was on the fence about whether to remain open until this week, said assistant store manager Jennifer Parkman.
“We are expecting it to be a large crowd,” she said.
But they weren’t sure how to accommodate customers when their stretch of 272nd Street will be closed, and part of their parking lot in use for the Cruise-In.
In the end, they decided to stay open and see how much foot traffic they get. With the crowds, Parkman is expecting their might be a lot of people coming inside.
“It’ll be kind of interesting,” said Parkman.
One business that is definitely looking forward to the event is the Aldergrove Lordco.
“We’re really excited,” said store manager Nick Bainas. “It’s definitely really good for the town.”
Lordco, an auto parts dealer, will have extra staff on for the day.
The company is also doing a garage prize pack giveaway worth about $22,000.
They know that there are plenty of people around who are excited for the show to move from Langley City to Aldergrove.
“There’s a lot of car people in town,” said Bainas.
The ABA has been communicating with local stores and restaurants, handing out posters, and answering questions for weeks, said Long.
Once the big car show is over, they’ll gather feedback.
“Follow up is definitely going to be a key to moving forward,” she said.
The local business community can work to deal with any issues for future editions of the Cruise-In, Long said.