Datsun Matsuri 2012 – Be There!
May 19 – 20
Kelowna, BC
Join fellow Datsun enthusiasts for the inaugural Datsun “Matsuri” in the beautiful BC Okanagan Valley. Datsun fans from Western Canada and the NW United States will gather on the Victoria Day long weekend to meet old friends, make new ones and celebrate our beloved Datsuns.
Event Summary
Saturday’s festivities will concentrate around the Knox Mountain Hill C
limb which is entering its 55th year in 2012. The Datsun 510 and Z car are staples at this event every year.
In conjuction with the Hill Climb is a car show. Entry to the car show is free for car and driver and is managed by the Hill Climb organization – we’re just joining in. The Hill Climb organizes a People’s Choice Award for the car show (participation in optional).
Sunday, we’ll hit the road for a fun run through the twisties and enjoy some of the wonderful mountain sights, a lunch stop and probably some great photo ops.
2012 Datsun Matsuri Sponsors (click on the logo for more on our sponsors’ involvement)
Accommodations
Option 1: Recreation Inn and Suites
This is a budget friendly motel in central Kelowna. We like the configuration of the property as it is perfect for “vehicle gatherings”. The property includes a pool and BBQ area and allows owners of precious Datsuns to rest easy as parking is right outside their door.
Rates are $99, $109, $129 depending on configuration. Some rooms include kitchenettes (be sure to ask before booking).
To book your room, contact Recreation Inn directly at 1-800-663-8603 and tell them you’re with the “Datsun” group.
Rooms are available on a first come first serve basis. These rates are only guaranteed until April 21st.
Option 2: EconoLodge
Rooms with queen are $134/nt plus tax
Rooms with two beds are $149/nt plus tax
Rooms with kitchen suite are $164/nt plus tax.
Call 1-800-665-2610 to book and tell them you are with the Datsun group.
Rooms are available on a first come first serve basis.
Option 3: Hiawatha RV Park
For those of you choosing to camp, the Hiawatha Campground is close to the beach and is well known among holiday campers. There are RV spots of course as well as tent sites. Tent sites are $50 a night for the weekend of our event.
We do not have an agreement with this property. Contact them for more information or to reserve a spot. 1-888-784-7275
Datsun Matsuri 2012
| Friday, May 18, 2012 – Welcome / Meet and Greet | ||
| 7:00 PM | Recreation Inn and Suites, 1891 Parkinson Way, Kelowna, BC | |
| Saturday, May 19, 2012 | ||
| Knox Mountain Hill Climb & Car Show (infield Knox Mountain Park) | ||
| 8:00 AM | Car show gate opens for entry of car show vehicles (driver and car are no charge, additional passengers $10 each for one day event pass) | |
| 9:10 AM | Racing Start | |
| 9:00 to 5:00 | Datsun Matsuri Registration & 55th Annual People’s Choice Show & Shine | |
| 4:50 | Results of car show announced and prizes awarded. | |
| 5:00 to 7:00 | Live music and Bavarian Garden | |
| 7:00 | Supper (together) | |
| Sunday, May 20, 2012 | ||
| Option 1 – Knox Mountain Hill Climb – Day 2 Racing / VW Car Show | ||
| 9:10 | Racing Starts | |
| Option 2 – Twisties Tour & Picnic |
||
| 7:00 – 9:00 | Breakfast (on your own) | |
| 9:15 | Muster | |
| 9:30 | Departure | |
| 12:00 | Picnic (estimated time) | |
| 4:00 | Return (estimated) | |
| 7:00 | Supper (on your own) | |
| Monday, May 21, 2012 | ||
| Departures | ||
For those unfamiliar with the Hill Climb, here is a compilation from 2007 (not our video). 0:13 to 0:20 gives a quick view of the car show grounds at the base of the mountain. Let’s bring some old school Nissan to the show!
And for those history buffs in the crowd, here is a story that goes back almost to the beginning of the Hill Climb at Knox Mountain. The Datsun 510 makes a brief, albeit inauspicious appearance at 8:42 “one of the hottest sedans”. Grainy, jumpy video taken from old film but nevertheless kind of cool to see.
Great weekend!!
Some pictures from the show are here:
http://www.zcar.com/car_talk_forum/datsun_matsuri_2012_pictures_-_kelowna_bc_canada_may_19_20_904565.0.html
I will be there with my 510 t-shirt. My car is just about all disassembled. Front struts are still in but have the 280zx front struts for upgrade. I can go on and on but will see all the datsuns. My car is a 73 510.
Can’t wait for the show. Bringing one Roadster and lots of memories of watching past Hill Climbs!
this is great ! I’m pretty excited….just have to finish my project first.
Jon,
Tell us about your project
its a 72 1200 coupe. working on the body work at the moment.
The 1200 coupe is one of my faves after the 510 and 520/521.
Yay my home town, I grew up watching the hill climb, even working on the saftey crew on the corners.
Hi Eugene
I grew up in kelowna and attended the hill climb from 1969 until 1983 then moved to edm.Have not seen one since,did the get married had children thing and now i’m ready to get back to it,i could not make this years meet cause of work but told wife we will be there next year with our 240z.Drop me an e-mail and maybe we can get together and swap old stories over a beer.I try to get back to kelowna at least once a year.
Thanks for your time
Stan
ps. phone # if you prefer is 780-473-8267
cool stan, well you got a few years on me. I spent even more time at gyro beach
did you notice the 68 goon in edmonton for sale??
Ya, I am hearing all about the T-Shirts. I’m working on it.
GREAT work Dave!.
This will be the first of fine new annual Datsun Gathering.
I plan to be there in my Fairlady.
(How about a T-shirt)?
Ted
SPL31101054 1966 KA24DE
DROPS. Datsun Roadster Owners of Puget Sound.
And Super cool name by the way…
For those who don’t know – Matsuri means “Festival” in Japanese!
dw
We are in. Not sure how many total yet, but one Roadster for sure!
dw
looks good Dave.