Hundreds of cars gathered at WestGate Public Market on Aug. 29 for the Lakeview Cruise in, in collaboration with Shuswap Coffee and Cars to honour Quinton Watson, a long-time member of the automotive community who lost his life.
The cruise in started in Sorrento and ended in Salmon Arm with a car meet, where Quinton’s Supra was on display, while his family, friends, and people who knew him came together to talk about him and reflect on his life.
Spencer Moores from Cahoots Catering and Braby Motors from Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram joined forces to provide food for the event. Their was also live music, performed by the Barn Catz.
Preston Johnston, organizer of the event, said he was was at a loss for words when he saw how many people dedicated their time to pay tribute to Quinton.
“I knew it was going to be big, but I had no idea how big it was actually going to turn out … it’s so hard to put it into words.”
He added that the nerves kicked in for the event after realizing the number of event-goers.
“By the time the cruise was set to leave Sorrento, we were already full in Salmon Arm. We were running out of places to put people … and then when I got a call saying that there was another 200 plus cars on the way via the cruise.”
Quinton’s family was in attendance, where they shared hugs, tears and some laughs with friends and people who knew Quinton.
A long-time friend of Quinton, Jenn Arvay, designed and sold stickers that showcased Quinton’s car that said “Supra Fast”. She said that he was an incredible human being.
“If he could, he would be friends with the whole world,” Arvay said.
From hundreds of cars, to an entire community sharing memories, Johnston said he couldn’t be more grateful for how the event went.
“I think the family being able to see that on its own was just such a special thing to see a turnout like that for their boy,” he said. “I want to extend a hug thank you to everyone … it was a very emotional evening.”
Johnston said he hopes the event added some positivity to a terribly negative situation.
