A longtime Father’s Day tradition in St. Thomas is set to continue this year, thanks to a group of local service clubs stepping up to keep the show on the road.
After hosting the Father’s Day Car Show for 26 years, the St. Thomas Lions Club has handed the reins over to the Optimist Club of St. Thomas, along with the Talbot Trail Optimist Club, the Optimist Club of Talbotville, and the Sunshine Optimist Club.
The expanded collaboration between four groups is expected to help distribute the workload and bring fresh energy to the event at Pinafore Park, explains Jim Wakefield, Vice President of the Optimist Club of St. Thomas.
Proceeds from the car show will support youth-focused initiatives across the community, aligning with the Optimist Clubs’ “Friend of Youth” mandate.
Despite the change in leadership, Wakefield says the Lions Club will still play a role, including continuing to run the 50/50 draw.
At this time, the Optimist Clubs are currently accepting applications for vendors and are encouraging local businesses and food operators to get involved early. Sponsorship opportunities are also opening up in the coming weeks.
As always, spectators can attend the Father’s Day Car Show free of charge, with donations welcomed upon entry. Wakefield notes it’s a chance for families to celebrate Father’s Day, enjoy classic cars, and support youth programs — all in one place.
Full details, including vendor and sponsorship applications, are available through the Optimist Club’s website.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
