The first East Kent Hot Rods for Hospice Fall Festival was a huge success, raising more than $30,000 for Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. The single-day event, held Saturday, September 23 at the Ridgetown Fairgrounds, is estimated to have welcomed more than 2,000 people from across Chatham-Kent and as far away as Alberta!

Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a car, motorcycle and tractor show with more than 360 vehicles registered. Vehicles at the show spanned nearly 100 years of automotive history with the oldest car being a 1926 Hudson Brougham and the newest car being a 2023 Mustang.

The day also featured a number of interactive children’s activities, live music from Barker and Wicks and Black River Remedy, an engine blow competition, a demonstration by CK Fires Station 11, as well as the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Ridgetown District Agricultural Society’s brand new pavilion located at the fairgrounds.

“We’re overwhelmed by the support of the community,” says Emily Vollans, head of the planning committee and a member of Ridge Runners East Kent. “We’ve been planning for months and people really showed up to support not only the event, but Hospice as well. Everyone on the planning committee knows how fortunate we are to have Hospice in our community and the turnout today shows that everyone is Chatham-Kent feels the same way.”

“Everyone at Hospice is so appreciative of the work the planning committee put into organizing this wonderful event in support of Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation,” says Jodi Maroney, Executive Director of Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. “The funds raised through Hot Rods for Hospice will go directly to supporting families in our community who reach out to the Hospice for care.”

Organized by volunteers of the Ridge Runners East Kent, East Kent Vintage Equipment Club, and Ridgetown District Agricultural Society, all proceeds of the event will go directly to Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation.

For more information on the East Kent Hot Rods for Hospice Fall Festival, please visit facebook.com/events/1446308332577664/?active_tab=discussion.