The gates are now open and vehicles are flowing into two parking lots of the Calgary Stampede for the 5th annual Show Your Ride for Brandon, Aug. 26.

Lots 3 and 6 of the Stampede Grounds, 1410 Olympic Way S.E. offer more room than ever for the event that continues to grow each year. Kim Thomas and her committee anticipate there will be over 1,000 vehicles registered by the end of the day.

It’s not your typical show and shine. You’ll find vehicles of all shapes, sizes and conditions plus numerous activities throughout the day for the whole family, all to promote the important message that people should not drink and drive.

It costs $20 per vehicle to participate and the standard Stampede parking fee of $15 is waived. Those not registering for the event will be required to pay that $15 fee to park on the Stampede grounds.

“We're excited about the new bigger location," says Thomas. "We're excited about bringing back some of the existing attractions and adding new ones."

The tried and true crane lifts, provided by McIntyre Crane and Rigging, give people a bird's eye view from 167 ft. up. The Zeebs Battle of the Technicians and the CCMR Dyno are other long-standing features. There's also music, lots of great raffle prizes, a 50-50 draw and food trucks on site.

At 11 a.m. this morning is the popular kids' parade. Participants receive their own special registration package of fun kid stuff plus a coupon from Cochrane Dairy Cream for a free ice cream cone and a free happy meal from Cochrane McDonalds. Each receives a trophy and there are prizes for first, second and third.

New this year is an RC competition with Cochrane's John Thompson setting up the track. Registered show and shine participants are welcome to bring their own RCs.

Canada Blood Services will also be onsite to provide information for potential donors.

At around 4 p.m. there will be a moment of silence, rev-off and balloon launch in memory of Brandon Thomas.

"It just keeps growing. It's amazing. As heartbreaking as the situation is, this event is what keeps us going. We know we're doing something positive, we know we have the support of the people that attend and the sponsors and we know we're making a difference and Brandon is making a difference in the way impaired driving is viewed. We're just grateful to everybody involved."

Proceeds will continue to support annual SAIT and Cochrane High School scholarships, the Show Your Ride for Brandon Victims Funds and other charitable causes.