By Isaac Bellwood, Grandson of a Show Founder
KAWARTHA LAKES-The 44th annual Fenelon Falls Car, Truck and Bike Show is taking place on the Civic Holiday Weekend, hosted by the Fenelon Falls and District Lions Club at the Fenelon Fairgrounds 27 Veterans Way, Fenelon Falls. This event brings an impressive assembly of custom builds, classic restorations, and heavy-duty vehicles. Over the course of the weekend, the fairgrounds will feature more than 500 show vehicles alongside over 120 vendors. Vendors carry everything from rare OEM parts to a wide variety of different food options.
The event kicks off on Friday, July 31st, with the excitement and adrenaline rush of the burnout competition at 6:30 pm. Drivers put their vehicles to the test as they spin their wheels to create as much smoke as possible. It’s smoky, it’s loud and it’s fun with the smell of burnt rubber in the air. A live AC/DC tribute band then performs classic rock on the main stage. The action continues into Saturday with the gates opening at 10 am. On Saturday the fairgrounds are filled with cars and enthusiasts appreciating all of the models on display. In the evening the Black Fly Band performs from 6 to 8 pm, then the crowd will be dancing and singing along with the Harry Peterson Band until 11 pm.
A Blast in the Past – The Founding of the Show
The show dates back to 1983, as the village celebrated the Lock Centennial. 100 years earlier, work was underway on an ambitious project to link Cameron and Sturgeon Lakes. As part of the festivities, a car display was organized near the old municipal office (which was then in Heritage House, now RWH Construction). The show took place where the Sobeys parking lot is today. Local volunteer Roger Bellwood, who would later serve as the village’s reeve, stepped up alongside Lance Hackett to coordinate the event. Four decades later, although it is held in a different location, the tradition continues as Roger’s sons Shawn, Andy and Jim continue to volunteer their time to help coordinate the show alongside the Fenelon Falls and District Lions Club.
Although the show keeps expanding year after year drawing larger crowds, more show vehicles and a growing vendor lineup, it still stays true to its original purpose of raising funds to support the Lions Club. This event is the club’s major fundraiser for the year, and allows the Lions to support countless community organizations. The Fenelon Falls Car, Truck and Bike Show has become like an extended family. One of the vendors is now in its fourth generation, and has people year after year still getting together with their gear head friends. For anyone looking to see classic cars or source parts you can’t find anywhere else, the fairgrounds is the place to be this holiday weekend!
July 31 to August 2nd at the Fenelon Fairgrounds.
This story is part of our partnership with Maryboro Lodge, The Fenelon Falls Museum.
If you want to make a donation to the museum, you can e-transfer to:Â [email protected] or mail a cheque to :
Maryboro Lodge Museum
Box 179
50 Oak Street
Fenelon Falls, ON
K0M 1N0
