Classic cars, community fundraising and summer atmosphere return to Kingston Memorial Centre
This Labour Day weekend, Kingston will once again host the Limestone City Car Classic on the grounds of the Memorial Centre, returning for its 12th year on Saturday, Sept. 5. The show — organised by the Limestone City Car Club — mixes automotive culture with community fundraising, live music and vendors, and has become a staple in the city’s late-summer calendar.
The event is scheduled to take place at 303 York Street and will run rain or shine. Organisers expect hundreds of vehicles to be on display across dozens of categories. Spectator admission is free; owners wishing to register a vehicle can do so for a fee of $15.
- Event: 12th Annual Limestone City Car Classic
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 5 (rain or shine)
- Location: Kingston Memorial Centre, 303 York Street
- Admission: Free for spectators; $15 vehicle registration
Alongside the cars, the day will include live entertainment, food and vendor stalls, prize draws and trophies presented across 25 categories. The band Sittin’ Ducks is scheduled to perform from noon to 2 p.m., providing a soundtrack for an event that aims to be family friendly while celebrating vehicular restoration and preservation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Music | Sittin’ Ducks, noon–2 p.m. |
| Prizes | Trophies in 25 categories; 50/50 draws |
| Cause | Fundraising for Kingston Melanoma Cancer Clinic |
"Raises funds and awareness for the Kingston Melanoma Cancer Clinic"
The car classic was created in memory of Melonie Beatty, who died from melanoma at the age of 35. Since its inception in 2013, the show has contributed more than $137,000 to the clinic, supporting local melanoma care and research. That combination of grassroots volunteer energy and a clear charitable mandate has helped the show grow into a recurring civic fixture.
For Kingston, events like this sit at the intersection of urban and rural culture: restored and customised vehicles often come from a wide geographic sweep, drawing hobbyists from surrounding counties and small towns as well as city residents. The Memorial Centre location — a civic hub near downtown — helps bridge those communities, bringing car enthusiasts and families together in a shared public space.
Beyond the revenue raised for the clinic, the Classic provides an occasion for small local businesses and vendors to connect with customers. Food stalls and vendor booths are a familiar feature at the show, offering everything from concessions to automotive memorabilia. The 50/50 draws and prize structure also help maintain interest throughout the afternoon, while free spectator admission keeps the event accessible.
Organisers say vehicle registration remains modestly priced at $15, a fee intended to encourage participation even from casual owners and first-time show entrants. Trophies will be handed out across the predetermined categories, recognising a range of makes, models and restoration styles.
For residents and visitors planning to attend, the show is an opportunity to support a Kingston health institution while enjoying the communal atmosphere of a long-running summer event. Those wishing to display vehicles or enquire about vendor spots should contact the Limestone City Car Club for registration details and rules.
As the city moves from midsummer programming toward autumn, events such as the Limestone City Car Classic illustrate how local traditions and charity-driven gatherings continue to knit together Kingston’s urban residents and the broader regional community.
