After a two-year COVID hiatus, Niagara-on-the-Lake car enthusiasts are ready for the Kinsmen Show and Shine car show to roar back into town.

The show returns this Sunday, Aug. 14, and NOTL Kinsmen Club past-president Ken Slingerland is thrilled to have it back.

For the first time ever, this year’s 22nd official car show is partnering with Parks Canada, after a long-time relationship between the two groups.

Parks Canada owns the property the cars are displayed on and the car show regularly promotes parks events, so it only made sense to work together, Slingerland said.

With this partnership, both groups will continue to support one another as they have previously.

“This is the first year we’re officially partnering with them (Parks Canada), though we’ve been helping each other out for years,” he said.

Thousands of fans come out to see the cars, enjoy the food, drinks and raffles. Even moreso, the show has been known to attract up to 500 cars in one day, in previous years.

“There’s just something about seeing all these unique cars in one place on the same day,” said Slingerland.

“If you’re a car enthusiast, it’s the sort of thing you look forward to.”

With a $10 admission fee for cars and a $3 admission fee for spectators – free for  children under 12 – all proceeds directly support Cystic Fibrosis Canada and Kinsmen community projects, such as the Girl Guides and community sports.

The car show is at the Kinsmen Scout Hall at King and Mary streets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gates are open for car registration from 8 a.m. to noon.

The first 300 cars each get a plaque and a chance for six cash prizes of $50.