Wheelfest combines great cars with a good case
The passion for cars, whether they are classic, new or antique, flows through the Hills of Headwaters and the surrounding areas. With numerous car shows annually, regular cruise nights and events, it’s clear that the local communities love the opportunity to come out and admire these dazzling beauties.
Three years ago, a group of car, bike and truck enthusiasts decided to get together and use their passion for more than just show and tell. Together, Gary and Katherine Brown, Mel and Julie Kerfoot, and Jim and Doris Thew created Wheelsfest, a car, truck and bike show to raise money for the Headwaters Healthcare Centre. “It started from just a group of us getting together,” said Doris Thew, a Team Wheelsfest member.
“We wanted to more with what we were doing, so we made it into an event for people to have a chance to show off the vehicles they are proud of, or to have just an outing with friends and family.”
The team, along with their volunteers, put in countless hours each year to organize and run the event.
It takes place at the Orangeville Fairgrounds each summer, and provides opportunities for donors and vendors to help out. The money brought in during the event goes to pay for the event, with 100 percent of the remaining amounts donated to the hospital.
“Last year I we raised $6000 towards the hospital, and the first year we raised $2500,” said Ms. Thew. “We’re hoping this year with the turnout we’ve had to get close to that.”
The day was a beautiful day for a car show, with the sun shining bright, warm temperatures and hardly a cloud in the sky. Cars filled the
fairgrounds, with country and rock and roll music blasting through the speakers, and many people were enjoying the sites, food and vendors.
“When Mother Nature cooperates, like she has been this year, we typically get between 500-600 cars, bikes and trucks out for the show,” said Ms. Thew.
Indoors, attendees had the opportunity to view the vehicles of the group of people that started the event, as well as ones loaned for the event from different dealerships in Orangeville.
The group will know soon how much money they will have raised to present to Headwaters as a donation.
For more information on the show or information on how to get involved visit www.wheelsfest.ca.
Written by Tabitha Wells
