Classics on Kent sees more than 10,000 visitors swell into Lindsay’s downtown

Classics on Kent and Brits in the Park saw more than 500 cars participate this year and thousands of people take to the streets to spectate the annual show. With the sun out, a kids zone to visit, and different food and goods vendors there was something to keep attendees of all ages entertained. 

The show – benefitting from both humidity and fire smoke moving on – also had a multitude of food and vendors extending to the lights at Kent and Albert this year. Capacity was reached early in the morning. 

“We don’t have final numbers yet,” said Melissa Wemyss, CEO of Wards Lawyers and lead organizer of the event, but she estimates about 10-15,000 people were in attendance throughout the day. 

Stephen Meikle brought his 1958 Dodge Crusader to the show for the second time. Despite living in Lindsay, last year was his first time participating. “I just like to see other likeminded people and see if anyone’s got a car like (mine),” he said. 

The car originally belonged to his grandfather, but Meikle has been the owner for the last 51 years. “Cars continue to have a life after one of their owners doesn’t have it anymore,” he said. 

Meikle is proud that the car hasn’t changed much from how it was in 1958. “It’s all original everything. The paint has never been repainted.” He has full intentions of coming back next year, but with a different car. 

David Inglis is no stranger to Classics on Kent, and both him and his dad brought out their Corvairs from the 60s. “It’s had a full restoration,” Inglis said, noting that he’s done all the work to his classic car by himself, following in his father’s footsteps who also redid his own Corvair by himself. 

“It’s a labour of love,” he said. However, for many car enthusiasts at Classics, it’s not uncommon to do their own restoration work.

As for why he keeps come back each year, it’s all about “the amount of people,” Inglis said. There’s nothing he enjoys more than people who care about cars, stopping to ask him questions about his own. 

The day also saw donations being raised for Kawartha Lakes Food Source. “It was a very successful day for the Food Source, in addition to receiving $5 from every car registered, the 50/50 draw blew it out of the park with a total pot of $18,230. The community also came together with lots of food donations,” Wemyss said. 

For Wemyss, and the entire Wards Lawyers team, they’re already looking forward to next year’s show. “Overall, we couldn’t be happier with how the day went and we can’t wait until next year.”