By Sheila Phibbs
The Haldimand Press
CAYUGA—This year’s Thanksgiving weekend will wrap up in style at Ruthven Park National Historic Site with its 24th annual Classic Car Show on October 10, 2022. This is the first event at Ruthven in almost three years and, based on previous years, upwards of 300 vehicles are expected.
This car show is different from other cruise events as there is no judging for awards. Rather, car exhibitors, enthusiasts, and park visitors can gather and enjoy Ruthven, walk the trails, tour the mansion, have a picnic, and even take a cemetery tour.
According to show convenor Betsy Smith, “Everybody just has a good day. It’s a great day to be outside and a nice way to finish off the cruise season.”
Betsy and her husband, Fred, will be showing their 1932 Ford Victoria, which Fred describes as an all steel car. Fred says, “It’s built from the ground up as a street rod.”
The couple has had the Victoria on the road for 25 years and it has been modernized as necessary. They enjoy it for pleasure driving, putting on approximately 2,500 miles a year. Fred is pleased to say, “I built it myself other than paint and upholstery.”
Along with planning for the car show, other work has been taking place at Ruthven. This includes necessary maintenance work such as replacing the roof and dehumidification system.
Betsy encourages the public to visit on October 10 to enjoy what has been a popular cruise over the years featuring a good variety of cars from many different places.
Brittany Van Dalen, Site Administrator at Ruthven, shares that enthusiasm. She says, “We are excited to open our doors again! We are looking forward to having people come for the car show and upcoming events in the holiday season and 2023.”
To learn more about upcoming events visit ruthvenpark.ca.
