Classic cars making pit stop in downtown Thorold

Take a cruise back in time to when steering wheels were enormous and tail fins were commonplace; an era long before GPS.

Classic car enthusiasts are invited to stroll downtown Thorold Saturday, peek under pristine hoods, and poke around some vintage vehicles.

Following last year’s successful event, the Classic Car Show will return July 22, and runs full throttle from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Front Street will be closed to regular traffic from Clairmont to Regent Streets, but stores will be open for business. Depending on the number of entries, organizers may close part of Albert Street, if necessary, says Nick Dell’omo, chair of the car show committee.

Besides the attraction of dozens of prime vintage cars, Dell’omo says the event is also designed to draw attention to Thorold’s downtown area.

“The car show returned to Front Street last year and was a big hit,” he says, “but we also want to highlight all the revitalized shops, businesses and streetscapes that downtown Thorold now features.”

According to Dell’omo, who owns Riganelli’s Bakery and recently opened the new Biscotti Café on Front Street, “There will be all kinds of historic vehicles present, not just from one category. We had 50 cars last year. We’d like to see that grow this year.”

Organizers will supply dash plaques for the first 100 vehicles registered. Registration will be open, so all vintage vehicle owners can show up on the day of the event and still take part, Dell’omo says. Admission is free and visitors will be eligible to win door prizes.