By Kerry J Newstead
The Haldimand Press
CAYUGA—A fall tradition at Ruthven Park National Historic Site is the annual car show – this year celebrating its 27th anniversary. It’s a true celebration of both car lovers and Thanksgiving.
This year’s show was one of the largest ever, with over 400 vehicles on the grounds before lunch and more arriving throughout the day. Cars from nearly every era could be found across the park – from vintage Chevs and Fords to classic street rods, and everything from a custom ‘lead sled’ to a California-style lowrider.
For true car enthusiasts, there were even a few rare Canadian-built models, such as the Pontiac Beaumont, built in Oshawa, and a Mercury pickup truck built in Oakville.
There were muscle cars galore alongside modern-day sports cars, with some of the most famous track rivals parked side by side – like a Corvette next to a Shelby Cobra. There were Studebaker owners, including one woman who brought her Avanti, as well as American Motors Corporation (AMC) owners, the company that once took over Studebaker.
CAYUGA—Ruthven Park National Historic Site hosted a bounty of classic cars on Thanksgiving Monday, October 13, 2025. This beautiful “sleeper” street rod – a 1953 Chevrolet – has been owned by Gary Brydges of St. George for eight years. 
CAYUGA—Rick Moresh from Welland brought his custom ‘52 Ford Sunliner convertible, which he has owned for three years. He says it drives like a dream. 
CAYUGA—Camilla and Mike Wheeler of Dunnville, a husband-and-wife team of car collectors, enjoyed the Ruthven Park car show. Camilla, a British car enthusiast, showcased her 1972 MGB, while Mike, a dedicated AMC owner, displayed one of his two AMC AMX cars. 
CAYUGA—John McKay of Dunnville, representing the No. 6 RCAF Dunnville Museum, with his 1933 Plymouth PC. The car, which has a straight-six engine, has been in the McKay family for 67 years, previously owned by John’s father, and is still seen cruising around town.
Owners came from all over southern Ontario, including Haldimand and Norfolk counties, the Niagara and Hamilton regions, as well as Brant, Oxford, Waterloo, and beyond.
One common comment heard throughout the day was that while there were no trophies or awards for the vehicles shown, everyone who attended was eligible to win a door prize.
Ruthven would like to thank all the owners who brought their vehicles, the generous event sponsors, the visitors who came out on Thanksgiving, and all the hardworking volunteers who helped make the day a success.
