This Saturday marks the return of the annual Downtown Orillia Classic Car Show. The 22nd edition of the event comes after a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is safe to say that this event has been missed by many people in the past two years,” says Samantha Yandt, events and marketing coordinator for the Downtown Orillia Management Board (DOMB).
“We would receive calls or emails asking when it was to return, and they would pass along stories from past car shows highlighting how important the show was to them, and how it was a great way to connect with fellow car enthusiasts," she explained.
The DOMB is hoping for a "fantastic" turnout for the event, with more than 25,000 visitors expected to be roaming around Mississaga Street from Albert Street to Front Street and Peter Street South, where there will be more than 400 “dazzling” classic show cars that date back to the early 1900s.
“This car show will once again feature the Tudhope collection from the Orillia Heritage Centre, and visitors can expect to see many vehicles with custom modifications and fantastic paint jobs,” Yandt said, noting that classic car owners come from all over Ontario to be at the event.
“We have our local Orillia and Barrie area car owners, visitors from the Niagara region, the GTA, London, and all the way north to the Kirkland Lake area.”
Yandt says the car show showcases what Orillia is “really about,” bringing the local community and tourists together to connect in the downtown.
“During the Classic Car Show, family and friends can enjoy live music throughout the day where we showcase lots of local talent, fantastic food, and lots of shopping,” she said.
The car show would not be possible without its generous sponsors: Parry Automotive, Subaru of Orillia, Muscle Mouse Auto Spa, Specialized Upholstery & Glass, Sunshine Super Wash Orillia, Midas Orillia, Orillia District Chamber of Commerce, Georgian Bay Printers/Print & Signs, Red Truck Auto, Joe Watt Trophy, Special Occasion Tent Rentals, and Reiner’s.
Yandt also gives a big thanks to the event volunteers who help ensure the car show runs as smoothly as the well-cared-for cars.
Pre-registration remains open here for classic car owners until noon on Friday, Aug. 12.
Should classic car owners wish to register after the deadline, the registration tent will open on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. at the intersection of Mississaga Street East and Front Street.
