-0.9 C
Niagara Falls
Friday, March 29, 2024
Huge crowds turn out for Kinsmen Car Show

More than 500 cars and thousands of car enthusiasts were on hand at the 21st annual Kinsmen Car and Shine Show on Sunday.

Angelique and Richard Sobschak, a former member of the NOTL Kinsmen Club, came from St. Catharines to check out the wide variety of classic cars showcased. Angelique, who was at the event for the first time, said she’s partial to cars from prior to the 1950s.

“Anything ‘30s, ‘20s. And foreign, I love the British cars they brought in,” said Angelique. “They had MGs and there were little Minis. Things you kind of remember from the movies, I love that.”

“It’s so laid-back,” said Richard and Angelique added the show was held in the shade, which makes “a very pleasant atmosphere.”

Sharon Seymour and Ian Bridge, visiting from England, said the NOTL car show was different from the ones back home, with many muscle and tiny cars showcased. 

“It’s really difficult to paint it into words,” Seymour said, explaining how with music in the background and people being more “enthusiastic and friendly,’” she felt “like a kid in a candy shop.”

Terry Nord, who had his 1949 Mercury at the show, said this type of car was made popular after James Dean starred in the movie “Rebel Without a Cause.”

“People like us like to bring cars to show them for people to appreciate,” Nord said. “A lot of people come by and say, ‘I can remember when I was a kid, I rode in the back seat.’ So it brings back many memories.”

NOTL resident Ottavio Tulini shared the same sentiment, noting that seeing old cars makes “you remember your youth.”

“I like old cars that you never see, that’s what makes (the show) special,” he told The Lake Report. He also added the event was bigger than he expected. 

The event raised at least $10,000, said club president Bob Forbes and the turnout was so large that the club ran out of food.

“It was a fantastic day. The weather was beautiful” said Forbes. “It was great.”

The 50/50 draw had a $1,700 payout, which is $200 more than last year, he said.

In September, the club will start giving away the money it raised to people and community-minded organizations such as Red Roof Retreat, the NOTL library, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Gillian’s Place, Women’s Place of South Niagara and others.

The new Kinsmen sign, which was damaged in a hit-run accident in June, is expected to be up in two weeks, Forbes said.

Subscribe to our mailing list