After two “corona” years, during which the Old-timer Vehicles Association Kamnik (DSVK), like many other associations, was forced to limit its activities to a minimum—organizing only an exhibition of old-timer vehicles owned by DSVK members in August 2021 at the Volčji Potok Arboretum—this year marked a return to its regular rhythm. Although still somewhat limited in scope due to lingering effects of the pandemic, the event once again featured international participation.
The festivities kicked off on May 18, when member Marko Kveder hosted an open day at his private museum, showcasing the results of his development work. The highlight was undoubtedly the wooden Ford T old-timer vehicle, which he built in this very space. Talking with Marko about the car’s construction is always fascinating—we learn something new every time.
The main event began on Friday, May 20, with the arrival of some participants from more distant places and a welcome evening gathering. This year, the Mekinje Monastery offered its hospitality, providing a secure courtyard with ample space for participants’ old-timer vehicles. The atmosphere was lifted further by an uplifting performance from Majči.
Saturday, May 21, was dedicated to showcasing the old-timer vehicles to the residents of Kamnik and Moravče.
We began in the morning with the arrival of old-timer vehicles in Kamnik and their formal presentation. Afterward, the cars were displayed throughout the old town center. The sunny and warm weather brought out large crowds of locals, who had much to admire. The old-timer vehicles were arranged into three columns: the first featured attractive “younger” old-timer vehicles, the second consisted of old-timer vehicles owned by DSVK members, and the third included the oldest old-timer vehicles, dating from 1889 to 1945. A total of 43 old-timer vehicles were presented, accompanied, of course, by the necessary support vehicles.
As is tradition, the participants and attendees of the show were greeted by the Mayor of Kamnik, Mr. Matej Slapar, FIVE representative Mr. Janko Uratnik, SVS representative Mr. Edi Glavič, the acting director of the Kamnik Institute for Tourism and Sports, Mr. Luka Svetec, and the president of DSVK, Mr. Miroslav Vrhovnik.
Around midday, the old-timer vehicle columns departed separately for a drive to Moravče, where they were welcomed by the Moravče Wind Orchestra and the Mayor of Moravče, Dr. Milan Balažic. After a short break, the old-timer vehicles returned to the courtyard of the Mekinje Monastery, where the day concluded with dinner, the awarding of certificates to participants, and enjoyable socializing.
The second day of the show followed the same format as in previous years. The old-timer vehicles drove to the Volčji Potok Arboretum, where the park management once again allowed us to use the lawn directly behind the entrance. On this beautiful lawn, we arranged the old-timer vehicles, giving park visitors the opportunity to admire a display of technical cultural heritage.
At midday, the second day of the event was officially opened with speeches by FIVE representative Mr. Janko Uratnik, the Director of the Volčji Potok Arboretum Mr. Aleš Ocepek, and DSVK President Mr. Miroslav Vrhovnik. We were especially pleased by Mr. Ocepek’s invitation to return to the park for another gathering next year.
Before the conclusion of the old-timer vehicles show, we held a fashion show featuring the event participants. Seven groups and individuals showcased their outfits, and the strict jury primarily evaluated the coordination of clothing with the historical period of each participant’s old-timer vehicle, as well as how the attire was worn. Visitors were impressed by the originality of all the outfits, and the Volčji Potok Arboretum rewarded the fashion show participants with flowers.
This year’s old-timer vehicles show once again demonstrated the deep love and care owners have for their old-timer vehicles, as well as the public’s interest in seeing these old-timer vehicles and engaging in conversations about them. After all, these old-timer vehicles still have a “soul.”
Of course, we must also mention the support of our sponsors, without whom it would not be possible to successfully carry out a project of this scale.
See you next year in Kamnik!
Kamnik – The Eve and Start of the Show (Photo: Janez Kukec Mezek)
Stop in Moravče (Photo: Janez Kukec Mezek)
Kamnik – End of the First Day (Photo: Janez Kukec Mezek)
Volčji Potok Arboretum (Photo: Janez Kukec Mezek)
