Nice Cars, Nicer People - Verona Car Show Shells Out For Local Groups

Jeff Green | Sep 24, 2025

According to John Nizman, who organises the Verona Car Show with his wife Julie, in partnership with the Verona Lions Club, the show has a reputation among car show participants and fans for both the quality of the cars, and the friendliness of the volunteers who run it.
“It starts with the support from the local businesses, like Verona Foodland, Revell’s and The Clean Up Shop in Kingston, and extends to the 125 volunteers and the local community as a whole,” said Nizman, explain why after nine years he is still as enthusiastic as ever about the show.
This year, aided by another stellar weather day, the show was popular again with everyone who was involved.
Even though it featured the return of a vacation draw, and $1,800 prize that can be claimed for a vacation to a large number of locations, no admission fee, and high-end trophies in 55 different categories, the 2025 car show raised over $12,000 in net proceeds that will go back into the community.
“The Lions handle all that,” said Nizman, “and they are topping it up with other money they have raised in recent months.”
The money raised this year has already been allocated: Bellrock Hall $1500, South Frontenac Museum $2100, 5 Lakes Lane Association $ 900, Frontenac Fury $1700, Frontenac Flyers $1400, Harrowsmith S and A Club $90, Tamworth Lions $700, Kingston Lakeshore West Lions $900, New Leaf Link $2000, and Echo Lake Ministries $500
The total raised over the last nine years, since the Nizman’s came on to help with the show, has crossed the $125,000 threshold.
"Although We didn't have huge numbers of cars and the gate was less than previous years, we sold more food than any previous Car Show, and the 50/50 draw take home was an unprecedented $1687.50." said Doreen Morey from the Verona Loins Club. "All in all it was a smoother event than previous years. We have isolated some areas for improvement and next year should be even better. We always like to thank all of the groups that come out to help and make the event a success and of course none of this would happen without John and Julie Nizman."
Mark your calendars for the The 31st anniversary of the Verona Cart Show, which will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026!
(Editors note - make sure to check the date closer to the event. The Frontenac News has a checkered history providing an accurate date for the Verona Car Show) ■