Skip to content

Get 'Ignited by Passion' at Georgian's student-run auto show

The event will include a KidZone, manufacturer tents, motorcycles, food trucks and more

NEWS RELEASE
GEORGIAN COLLEGE
*************************
The 34th annual Georgian College Auto Show returns under the theme of 'Ignited By Passion' at the Barrie Campus from May 31 to June 2.

It’s the largest outdoor, student-run new car auto show in Canada. The event is organized and staffed by students enrolled in automotive programs at the Automotive Business School of Canada.

The five student directors are thrilled by the amount of enthusiasm demonstrated by both students and manufacturers during the planning of this event.

Camille Berubé, the 2019 Student Director of Marketing and Media Relations, said both excitement and expectations are high for this year’s show.

“We’re welcoming 21 automotive manufacturer brands to the show,” said Berube. “Last year, the team did an excellent job bringing the idea of innovation to life. This year, we aim to express the passion that built and continues to build the automotive industry. As future leaders of the industry, we want to share our sincere appreciation for the automobile and our goal is to ignite that same passion in our visitors to the show.”

Berubé added that passion is an inherent quality in the industry and drives the evolution and innovation of automobiles.

The 2018 show attracted just over 11,000 visitors from across Ontario. From the planning of the show to the wrap-up, only automotive students are involved.The student directors carry out all show tasks, including marketing, sponsorship, recruitment and training, event logistics and community events. Brand ambassadors and team leaders are also all automotive students.

This year’s team of directors is bringing back several popular attractions, such as the Electric Vehicle Driving Experience, a variety of food truck vendors and the ever-popular Pfaff Autocross Track. The annual live auction – an activity that show visitors look forward to every year – is also making a comeback and will take place on Saturday, June 1 at 1 p.m. As usual, proceeds from the auction go toward supporting scholarships for the Automotive Business School of Canada’s students.

Motorcycles will be an additional feature to this year’s show.

An expanded KidZone features new activities on Saturday and Sunday, including Smart Adventures Yamaha mini bikes for children aged six to 12, inflatable activities, face painting, as well as a LEGO car display and a new Let’s Go Camping activity. The Red Barn Event Centre will be onsite with their canine performance team hosting shows at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. on both days. All proceeds from the Pfaff Autocross Track and the Yamaha mini bikes will benefit Youth Haven – a Barrie charity that helps local youth in need.

On Friday, May 31, all the manufacturer tents will be open to anyone keen on getting a jump on viewing the new vehicles before the weekend crowds. There will be a limited number of activities taking place, so visitors are encouraged to 'pay what you can' for entry, with all proceeds going to Youth Haven.

“Speaking on behalf of the other student directors, we’re extremely grateful for the work that everyone has put into the show and very excited,” said Berubé. “Students, faculty, our advisory committee, sponsors and the vehicle manufacturers are the ones who make it all happen, and we can’t thank them enough for their ongoing contributions to the event. It’s always amazing to see the continuous support from the industry.”

The show runs Friday, May 31 from noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily admission is $7 for adults. Children 12 and under are free, and parking on campus is free throughout the weekend. A full schedule of events and $5 discount tickets are available online.

*************************