Spruce Lodge car show draws record crowd and 177 vehicles

A look from inside the parking lot at Spruce Lodge during the recent car and truck show

One of the biggest car and truck shows Stratford and Perth County has ever seen was held recently at the Spruce Lodge Home for Seniors in Stratford.

A total of 177 vehicles were on display, including classic cars, trucks and even an antique tractor. The crowd was estimated in the thousands.

Vehicles came from across the region, including Kitchener, St. Catharines, New Hamburg, Wellesley, Mitchell, St. Marys, Woodstock and many places in between.

“The Spruce Lodge Car Show began as a Father’s Day event in 2015, and it has grown into an annual event with an amazing turnout from the community of car enthusiasts,” said activity co-ordinator and organizer Kim Luckhardt.

In the early days of the show, Luckhardt connected with Laverne Gould and Percy Davidson, Hamlet Estates residents, to get their input on how to run a successful car show.

Each year, she said, the event has been supported by generous local businesses that donate sponsorships for the car show cruiser raffle.

“It’s amazing to see how many donations we receive each year, and it is so greatly appreciated,” Luckhardt said.

She added the event now involves many volunteers and staff, who serve food, help with registration and parking, and assist residents with transportation to and from the show.

“All donations received are put towards enhancing residents’ activity experiences,” she said. “It’s an incredible night filled with great tunes, delicious food, and beautiful cars and trucks.”