Verona Car Show: Cars & So Much More

Sandra Reed | Sep 20, 2023

It all started in 1995 when Ed Asselestine organized the first Verona Car Show. Who would have guessed this annual event would still be so popular, steadily increasing in participants and visitors?

This year's 27th Annual Verona Car Show, held at the Verona Lions Club Centre on September 16th, was organized by John Nizman and his wife Julie, of last Chance Auto Restore, in collaboration with the Verona Lions Club. 

You don't have to be a car buff (a car-nnoisseur, a car aficionado or a car geek) to enjoy this car show.

It's not just about the camaraderie of the car owners who look forward to a chance to sip a cold brew at the beer tent, (provided by Harrowsmith Brewing Co.) while sharing car stories with like-minded buddies.

This show is more than polished mag wheels and bright, shiny chassis with raised hoods, exposing whistle clean engines.

"Over the years, we have made our car show more family oriented," said John Nizman, who was also the emcee." He pointed to the Kids Zone and the Vendors Village Pavilion (in the Lions Club Hall) where local artisans offered unique handcrafted items for every shopper, under the direction of Ali Williams. 

Upbeat live music was provided by the Trevor Walsh Group. Kids lined up for the pony rides, face painting and cotton candy. "We call it the Verona Car Show Event," John explained, "because it's an exhibition of classic cars and so much more." 

With the help of volunteers and local sponsors, the Verona Car Show has become a major charity fundraiser. According to Doreen Morey, Treasurer of the Verona Lions Club, "We allocate 100% of the proceeds from this show to many different charities, including those groups and organizations who have provided volunteers to help make this show a success." 

Don't throw out your plastic milk bags, folks. Kimberly Dowling, the girl guide leader, was demonstrating how the guides weave milk bag bed mats for the homeless, which is part of their community service.

Meanwhile, firemen from the South Frontenac Fire and Rescue Units were giving a hands-on lesson to Girl Guides and Pathfinders, on how to use a fire extinguisher to put out a real fire - something we all need prepare for.

Pat's Store from Kingston had a huge display of caps and badges, all for sale at a low price. Grandparents supervised while young grandkids let off steam in the Kids Zone, which featured souvenir booths, a bouncy castle, mini golf and other games. A perfect Saturday outing!

As for the cars, whether you prefer a four-banger engine, a turbo V6 or a powerful V8, a pickup truck or a hauler, this show had it all. A walk around the huge car lot was a scenic tour in itself and it was fun to be immersed in the car culture lifestyle.

Jim Heney was happy to demonstrate the 007 brake lights on his red 2006 Aston Martin, aka, his James Bond car. The horn on the John Deere 4x4 mooed like a cow, and a plaque beside John Kruis' 57 Hudson Metropolitan displayed an old print ad, promoting it to women drivers. Did you know the 1947 Crosley Pickup was designed by a watchmaker?

Garry Mack was excited to tell the story of his '35 Mack Stake Truck. "With a name like Mack, I thought I should have a Mack truck," he laughed. "This one hauled BA fuel to and from Toronto years ago," he continued, "and the tow rope on the flatbed is older than I am. The seats in the cab are still stuffed with the original horse hair." Painted on the doors of his truck are two names: Garry and Garrison, which is the name of his grandson who will one day inherit the truck.

About 35 shiny trophies were awarded to participants that day, along with raffle prizes for visitors that included a flat screen TV and a barbecue. "This year, for the first time," said Julie Nizman, "I wanted to get the kids involved in the competition, so I came up with the idea of inviting them to cast a ballot for their favorite car or truck for the Kids' Pick Award."

The evolution of cars is well demonstrated at shows like this, making it a true history lesson - from the real oldies like the 1931 Ford 5 Window Coupe to the 2023 Corvette Stingray, parked beside the Clean Up Shop booth. Classic cars conjure up old memories for many nostalgic admirers. Where were you when that 1988 Chev Silverado came off the line?

A huge thank you goes out to all the sponsors and volunteers who made this event possible, including the South Frontenac Scout Group, First Frontenac Guiding Groups, Frontenac Fury Girls Hockey, Odd Fellows and Rebekahs, South Frontenac Historical Society and South Frontenac Community Services.

If life is a journey, these car enthusiasts are certainly enjoying the ride.

This year's top winners were: 

Best in Show - 1939 Ford Roadster

Judge's Pick - 1971 Datsun 240Z

Best Paint - 1967 Ford Mustang

Kids Pick - 2019 Chevrolet Corvette