‘Tangible pieces of artwork’: Doyle begins tenure as Hot Nite in the City president

Doyle takes over from longtime organizer Ron Popove, who stepped aside last year.

“It’s going to be a learning curve this year,” Doyle said. “A few of the events that were in previous aren’t happening this year, probably because of a transition year. Just trying to get things going for the show itself has been a challenge and it’s become a part-time job.”

Doyle said neither the poker run nor drag races will take place this year.

“We’re going to need some more help and people to step up in the future,” he said. “We’re hoping to get that for next year. This year is all about making sure the show happens and that it’s a success.”

Cars of all sorts – about 300 were registered as of Wednesday (Aug. 5) – will be on display.

“You’ll see anything from vintage car collections, to Euro, to 4×4, to supercars, to bikes,” Doyle said. “We’ve got a bike section with lots of cool motorcycles. Some of them are worth a fortune and you’d never know.”

Admission is free for spectators. Register cars for the show for $30 online at hotniteinthecity.com.

“Go to Ribfest, grab your ribs, come walk through and take a look at all the different cars,” Doyle said. “There’s a 100-year-old car coming to the show.”

Doyle said it is an honour to carry on the Hot Nite tradition and serve the community it brings together.

“If you’re a car lover, if you’re in the car world, we all kind of understand the sacrifices we made for our automobiles and a lot of times it’s an extension of yourself,” he said. “It’s an extension of who you are. Your friends, your network, your connections are all through the car world. For me, personally, that’s where a lot of my friends are.”

Awards will be handed out in several categories at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday on the stage at Fourth Avenue and Victoria Street.

“A lot of people have pride in their vehicles and it’s their way to show them off and to show them to the world,” Doyle said. “To me, they’re tangible pieces of artwork. You don’t just store them and keep them in a garage. Why don’t you put them out in the world so people see them. There’s nothing wrong with that, right?”

by Marty Hastings

‘Tangible pieces of artwork’: Doyle begins tenure as Hot Nite in the City president

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