by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative
The staff and volunteers at the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village (CTMHV) are always trying to evolve events to ensure they continue to succeed and raise funds for the Children's Education Program.
Sunday’s 31st annual Spring Fun on Wheels Car Show was a perfect example of that, as it introduced the first, of what is hoped to be an annual addition, Ms. Wheels & Heels Pinup Pageant, which attracted 20 participants from the region and as far as Michigan and Chatham.
The Pinup Pageant went very well, CTMHV Events Coordinator, Donna Shilson, said. She was excited to see many take the time to head over to the pavilion and cheer on the contestants.
Pageant contestants were judged on their pinup girl look, including hair and makeup, in addition to their presence, confidence, and poise on stage.
Danielle Hudson of Port Huron, Michigan, ended up winning the Pageant. She goes by the pinup girl name, Lindy LaMoure. She has been participating in events like this since 2017, and enjoys meeting other girls with similar interests.
Because of the connections she has made, she said she has sisters everywhere.
“I love the vintage style,” she said, adding it was incredible to win. “I've competed in Canada three times, and to win was an amazing feeling."
Trish Martin of Chatham, who goes by the pinup girl name of Patty DeVille, was pleased to win the People's Choice Award. She has been participating in events like this for around five-years.
She noted she loves getting involved in these types of events, because of the vintage cars onsite, coupled with the opportunity to dress up. She was thrilled to win the People's Choice award, noting that visitors to the show were able to cast a ballot on who they wanted to win that award.
Despite the early morning rain, the annual Spring Fun on Wheels Car Show went off without a hitch, attracting around 100 car contestants. That was a pretty good turnout, considering many classic and vintage car owners sometimes prefer to keep their pristine vehicles out of the rain.
The event also attracted heavy foot traffic, as many individuals took advantage of the opportunity to look over some of Essex County's most eye-catching cars and trucks from a variety of makes and models.
Another unique feature to this year's spring car show was having the Kingsville Essex Associated Band march through the grounds, playing a few tunes for visitors to enjoy.
Shilson noted there were individuals onsite from as far as Sudbury showing their vehicles and photographers from as far as Toronto during the show capturing moments.
She thanked the long-list of generous sponsors who continuously support the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village and its events.
Looking ahead, the CTMHV is looking forward to hosting the annual Kingsville Highland Games on June 22. Though this is an annual event, this will be the first time it is hosted at the local Museum.
To learn more, log onto www.ctmhv.com