‘CAR-AZY’ time ahead at June 16 car show
GRAVENHURST — It’s gonna be a “CAR-AZY” time.
It’s been 25 years in the making, the big one is finally here.
On June 16 the 25th anniversary of the Gravenhurst Car Show will take place at Gull Lake Rotary Park.
“This is going to be a huge celebration for all of the car owners and for Gravenhurst,” says Sandy Lockhart, the executive director of the chamber, the event organizer.
“We want to see all our car owners bring out their best for our silver anniversary.”
It’s a big deal for big wheels.
Sponsored by Canadian Tire Gravenhurst, the show typically draws in excess of 400 cars from across Ontario. The vehicles run the gamut of makes and models, stretching back through nearly a century of automotive history.
In addition to the cars themselves, the show features food and beer vendors, a kid zone and dozens of prizes ready to be given away to car owners and guests.
For those who register their vehicles early, there’s also the chance to win $500 towards a set of tires from Wayne’s Tire Sales in Gravenhurst.
With the big anniversary in mind, organizers have also lined up a full day of special celebrations.
A free photo booth will be on hand – located inside a renovated 1960s VW bus, the first 250 vehicles through the gate will receive a free car show t-shirt.
And Silver Elvis himself will be returning to the event.
A key addition for this year is also the inclusion of a state-of-the-art wireless sound system, which will allow music and announcements to be clearly heard throughout the entire park.
“We’re also very excited to have a float plane soaring overhead to do some aerial photography,” says Tara Doyle, the Chamber’s manager of programs. “He should be overhead around 1 p.m., so we’re hoping everyone will keep an eye out and wave when they see him up there.”
The show kicks off at 9 a.m., rain or shine and it’s free for both vehicle owners and spectators but a donation is requested to help offset the cost of running the event.
Says Doyle: Thanks to the generous support of last year’s visitors and sponsors, working with the Rotary Club of Gravenhurst, the Chamber was able to create a bursary for a student taking automotive studies.
“We hope to be able to do this again in 2018,” says Lockhart. There will be hats and t-shirts for sale and guests are encouraged to cast their vote for the top 10 People’s Choice Awards.
The Car Show wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of sponsors like Canadian Tire Gravenhurst, Wayne’s Tire Sales, Sawdust City Brewing Co., Cavalcade Ford, Fabricare, Unique Muskoka, Hagerty, Home Building Centre Gravenhurst, Northland Performance, Hap’s Place RV, Harvey’s/Swiss Chalet, Sunshine 89, Muskoka 411, Hunters Bay Radio, Muskoka Springs and Muskoka Rock Company.
For more information, contact:
Tara Doyle, Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce
705-687-4432 ext. 102
marketing@gravenhurstchamber.com
About the Gravenhurst Chamber: The Chamber works to develop and grow many local events, including the Gravenhurst Santa Claus Parade, Gravenhurst Car Show and Dockside Festival of the Arts. The Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce serves as an advocate for member businesses, working to promote and enhance our community. With about members, the Chamber of Commerce is Gravenhurst’s largest business advocacy organization. The Chamber collaborates with community groups and organizations on initiatives and growth opportunities to benefit the town and businesses. As a common voice, Gravenhurst Chamber members impact and establish the business community’s priorities.
