For Kim Thomas, the $20,000 plus raised from the 2019 edition of Show Your Ride for Brandon Thomas is fantastic. But what remains most important to her is how the record crowd at the Aug. 25 event will continue to spread the message of don't drive impaired.

"Those in the 896 vehicles and thousands of other in attendants will take with them the message of don't drive impaired and they'll share it with their friends and their friends and their friends. To me, the biggest win of all is that we are making a difference. The message is being spread and lives are being saved."

For the record, it was the largest number of vehicles ever that squeezed into lots 25A and B at the Calgary Stampede grounds. With the walk-up crowd, some who took advantage of the Calgary Stampede trolley, well over 5,000 people attended and many of them were there when Thomas spoke at the mid-afternoon ceremony.

"We want to let you know that although we started this event in memory of Brandon and still carry that with us, we also are here with you to remember your loved one or friend that was taken too soon," she wrote later in a thank you. "This event is for all of our Angels."

The event also netted an estimated $20,997.26 in support of charitable causes. Those include the Brandon Thomas Trust Fund that supports a SAIT scholarship as well as a Cochrane High scholarship and the Brandon Thomas Victims Fund.

A number of events, including the children's parade, games, RC competition, bubble mower races, a digital photo booth and the availability of food make it easy to bring the family and fill the day. Zeeb's Battle of the Technicians and a portable dyno by Dyno Devon, that tests the power of the engine at the wheels, also remain popular and attract large crowds.

Added this year was a scavenger hunt that saw participants attempt to locate a list of 24 items and document them with a photo. Never one to stand still for too long, Thomas was one of the toughest items on the list to locate.

"I had a lot of people asking for my photo with them for the scavenger hunt. I did get some great feedback saying it was so much fun so that's something that we'll incorporate again next time.*

The deejays for Zomondo, who also supplied the sound system, played music and conducted a number of interviews with representatives of participating auto clubs. They also made the occasional draws.

With wireless mike in hand, the deejay also helped to fire up the crowd for the awaited startup of Brandon Thomas's 1986 Toyota 4Runner. It is being revitalized with a modified dodge frame and Hemi motor thanks to a Build for Brandon campaign totally separate from the show's fundraising.

The vehicle worked its way through the crowd and was followed by many to the Dyno where it was tested to the delight of the roaring spectators.

Even a short but intense rainfall didn't dampen the determined spirit of the crowd. Most pulled out their squeegees and soft clothes to dry their incredible machines and carried on with the day.

A harder and longer rain occurred at the end of the event when organizers were packing up. Still, that didn't take away from the glow.

"We couldn't have asked for anything better, anything different. Every year is a year I will never forget," she says.

"The highlights for me are the partners who help us fund this event because without them we couldn't have it; our team because again we couldn't do it without them; and the people who attended, because we couldn't do it without them either. Those are my highlights every year; everything that is important to continue this event and to continue to spread the message."

"Somebody asked me about three weeks ago if I was in any support group after the death of Brandon. I thought about it for a minute and said I guess I am. This show and all the people who support this show right from the sponsors to the volunteers to everybody in between--that's my support group."

It's been called by some as the best show and shine in Calgary and it has the unique honour of being the only car show allowed to utilize the parking lots at the Calgary Stampede. Thomas is thrilled with the working relationship they have established with the Stampede over the last two years and the assistance they have provided in facilitating the event.

She has already entered into a debriefing with Stampede officials and making initial inquiries to secure a location there for next year's event on Aug. 30, 2020.

"I have to laugh. In a group message the day after, our team said 'let's do another one next weekend.' Excitement is infectious and the support is amazing. I'm happy."