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Street party and car show come together at Invade the Close

Troy Shantz Nearly a decade ago, Sarnia resident and car buff Dan Moore had a vision for his Rutherglen Close neighbourhood.
CarShow
More than 100 classic and antique cars will be on display at this year’s Rutherglen Close car show. Troy Shantz

Troy Shantz

Nearly a decade ago, Sarnia resident and car buff Dan Moore had a vision for his Rutherglen Close neighbourhood.

“(Dan) looked over on the lot there and he said, ‘geeze, we could have a neat car show here, couldn’t we?’” recalled friend Garry Work.

“And me, like a dummy, said, ‘sure!’”

That ambitious exchange gave rise to the Rutherglen Close car show, a free and open annual event put on by the neighbours of the tight-knit, north-end street.

Rutherglen Close is a residential street between Lakeshore and Cathcart Boulevard in the shape of a long oval, with a grassy island in the middle - perfect for a car show.

With the support of each and every one of the street’s neighbours, the show is still going strong as it heads into its ninth year.

“Everybody on ‘the Close’ is on board,” said Moore with a smile. “We’ve got seven new neighbours this year and they’ve been fantastic.”

Anyone can enter a car, which can be done on the day of the event for $10. Hot rods, European models and sport compacts will all be on hand for the next edition on Sept. 16.

Motorcycles and trucks are also welcome, Moore said.

“Anything’s welcome! Like I said, we’ll take a tractor. We give out trophies here but the trophies are picked by the neighbours,” he explained

“Every one of the trophies. They pick them all.”

A stage is set up for a live band and a DJ playing music from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s, along with tents and a charity barbecue. All proceeds go to the Salvation Army.

Moore estimates more than $20,000 has been raised for the charity since it began.

A 50/50 draw and door prizes are available, including a $1,500 exhaust from the Sarnia car shop J’s Performance and Customizing, which has been sponsoring the the event from its inception, Moore said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: J’s Performance Invade The Close Car Show

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE: Rutherglen Close, which runs south of Lakeshore Road, between Murphy and Modeland.

TICKETS: Admission is free. $10 to register a vehicle.


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