Georgian College Auto Show Puts Students Through Paces

Automotive buffs young and old have an extraordinary event to look forward to in September, with the presentation of the 18th annual Georgian College Auto Show.
Staged on the grounds of Georgian College in Barrie, Sept. 19-21, Auto Show 2003 is the largest outdoor auto show in North America. The student-run event offers the opportunity for a first sneak-peak at next year’s models from major vehicle manufacturers. About 250 cars and trucks valued at more than $15-million will be on display at the show.
First year students from the Canadian Automotive Institute (CAI), located at Georgian College, will act as product ambassadors for the many manufacturers.
The students have been trained by the manufacturers and are extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the vehicles in their tents. Second year students will serve as captains and co-captains. A five-person student committee plans and executes the show.
Exotic cars will be an exciting highlight of the show. Several one-of-a-kind vehicles will be on display. Hot cars from Ferrari and Porsche, a Shelby Cobra replica valued at $80,000, and new products from Kia and Mazda will all be show-stoppers. Admission to the show is $5 per person.
Three professional drivers will also be on hand to spin brave participants around a wet Pfaff Porsche Test Track in Porsche 911s, for a small donation to charity. The young and young-at-heart will also enjoy KidZone, an interactive entertainment area for children and families. Clarabella the Clown will offer face painting and crafts, while Discovery Toys and Toys R Us will provide interesting activities. Other features will include live reptiles and an inflatable jumping castle.
Visitors can clear the track for a special guest on Sept. 20. Hockey great Eddie Shack will be signing autographs from noon to 3 p.m., in an event sponsored by Centennial Chrysler. An auction, featuring items donated by car manufacturers and local businesses, will also be held on Sept. 21.
The show features something for every automotive fan, with representation from the following manufacturers: Acura, Audi, Barrie Harley Davidson/Buell, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, MINI, Nissan, Pfaff Porsche, Saturn Saab Isuzu, St. Onge Recreation, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volvo, and Volkswagen.