A cornucopia of flamboyant, vividly-coloured vehicles graced Rapides des Joachims for the town’s car show this past Saturday. An annual event, this year’s show marked the sixth anniversary of the town’s very own car loving celebration.

Parked confidently along the streets adjacent to the town’s municipal office, car fanatics drove up in droves to brandish their collections of painstakingly refurbished and meticulously cared-for classic vehicles. An opportunity to showcase their own vehicular pride and joy whilst admiring the work of others, Rapides des Joachims’ car show drew in motorsports connoisseurs from as far away as Espanola, Ontario.

As car owners and their entourages relaxed in fold-out camp chairs – sometimes enjoying an adult beverage or two – event goers walked amongst the vehicles, occasionally stopping to better appreciate a particularly impressive specimen. With the hoods of many vehicles propped open, you could take your time to admire, and even study, their inner workings.

According to event organizer Paul André Paquette, this year’s car show saw almost 100 vehicles in attendance.

“A lot of people don’t know where Rapides des Joachims is and now, after coming, they all know. People come from all over because they know it’s going to be a great show,” Paquette said.

While primarily made up of classic-style vehicles, Paquette explained that some exceptions are made depending on the vehicle type.

“The only new style I’ll accept is muscle cars, all the rest have to be old cars and old pickup trucks,” Paquette said.

Kathy Frasso from Deep River was at the event, proudly showcasing her 1936 Dodge Businessman’s Coupe.

“This is what businessmen in the 30’s drove around to sell their wares out of the trunk,” explained Frasso about her vehicle, the pride discernable in her voice.

“It’s just such a friendly community,” Frasso said about the Rapides des Joachims car show. “They bring in a really nice clientele of cars here.

“You can only keep your car in the garage for so long before you need to take it out. And to see little kids waving at you while you’re driving down the road is adorable,” she said.

In addition to the wealth of vehicles on display, there was also a Euchre tournament, a cash barbecue and live music performed by the Night Ryders out of North Bay and Pontiac’s very own Michaela Cahill. Bouncy castles and Echo the Clown kept the kids thoroughly occupied throughout the day.

Kathy Frasso, of Deep River, Ontario proudly showcasing her 1936 Dodge Businessman’s Coupe.

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