57 Chevy Bel Air takes ‘Best of Show’

Joe and Donna Montgomery proudly display their pride and joy and the trophy for Best-in-Show 2011.

A "convertible" station wagon is created courtesy of a Jaws of Life demonstration by the Prince Edward County Fire Department with a vehicle donated by Prinzen Ford, Bloomfield..

Photos and Story by Bill Samuel

Cars from as far away as Oshawa and Wolfe Island parked at Picton’s Heritage Hall for a day of friendly competition to become the 2011 Best-in-Show at the 5th Annual Brian O’Neil Car Show.

Beautiful cars was the theme of the day but destruction of a car was one of the highlights. Members of Prince Edward County Fire Department demonstrated, to the appreciative audience, techniques used with various tools, including “the Jaws-of-Life”, crowbars and a saws-all. The two-man firefighting team of Jason Young and Jerry Ferguson made short work of a Ford Escort station wagon donated by Prinzen Ford in Bloomfield.

Deputy District Chief, Rob Manlow explained to onlookers about the various steps taken to ensure safety of the victims, firefighters and paramedics. Manlow pointed out that the Fire Department has two rescue units, one based in Picton the other stationed in Ameliasburgh.

Meanwhile, 49 vehicles on display were judged by fellow participants and the public.

“We decided to open the judging to everybody this year,” said event co-ordinator Laverne Bailey. “It helpes to ensure everyone’s car was viewed by as many people as possible.”

Awards were given out for best import, best manufacturer as well as the entrant that came the farthest.
Joe and Donna Montgomery from Wolfe Island won, for the second year in a row, Best-in-Show with their ’57 Chevrolet Bel Air. Bob and Betty-Anne Verge came from Oshawa to take the Long Distance award.

Muscle power was also on display during the day. The motor-heads equivalent of the caber toss, the Drive-Shaft Toss was won by Ralph Allarie, of Bloomfield, who threw it 107 feet, six inches ‘over three toss’. Ralph received $25 from the Prince Edward Auto Club for his win.

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Ralph Allarie, Bloomfield demonstrates his winning form during the drive shaft toss.