Fifth annual Woodridge event continues to fuel community projects
What began as a grassroots fundraiser has grown into a signature spring event for southeastern Manitoba, with the fifth annual Car Show on the Ridge set to return May 23.
Classic cars, trucks and specialty vehicles line up during the annual Car Show on the Ridge in Woodridge, drawing enthusiasts and families for a day of community fundraising and automotive appreciation
Hosted by the Woodridge Community Club in partnership with the Woodridge Firefighters Association, the event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Woodridge Community Centre and M.A. Queral Community Park.
Now in its fifth year, the show has raised more than $28,000 since its inception in 2022, supporting a range of community projects and emergency services.
Funds raised in previous years have gone toward the purchase of a community-accessible automated external defibrillator, renovations to the Golden Star Games Room, construction of a heated ice rink shelter and the acquisition of firefighting equipment, including a thermal imaging camera and wildland gear.
Organizers say the event continues to grow thanks to strong volunteer support and participation from car enthusiasts across Manitoba.
“We’ve had an incredible response over the years,” organizers noted. “It’s an opportunity to bring people together to share their passion for vehicles while raising funds that directly benefit the community.”
This year’s fundraising goal will support additional firefighting equipment for the Woodridge Fire Department, along with continued upgrades to the community centre.
Among those planning to take part is local car enthusiast Richard Schellenberg, who will be showcasing his 1950 Chevy pickup — a project more than a decade in the making.
“I’ve owned this particular truck for the last 12 years and have been working on it for 12 years and counting — they’re never done,” Schellenberg said.
The truck carries deep personal meaning. His late grandfather once owned the same model, purchased new in the 1950s in a similar shade of blue.
“I do still have his original tailgate that we found in his old barn on the farm,” he said. “We made a custom tailgate bench out of it, which he got to enjoy.”
Rather than a traditional restoration, Schellenberg describes the build as a “rustoration,” blending modern mechanical upgrades with the truck’s original exterior.
“In my opinion you only get factory paint once, and mother nature just fine tunes it to perfection as the years go by,” he said.
The process of updating a vehicle more than 75 years old comes with challenges, from sourcing parts to retrofitting modern components.
“It takes out-of-the-box thinking, patience and mechanically inclined friends to pull off something like this,” he said.
For Schellenberg, the reward comes not only from the finished product but from the reaction it draws.
“Showing my vehicles gives me a feeling of pride,” he said. “All the hard work, parts hunting, late nights, head scratching and bruised knuckles is all worth it when you see people gawking and taking pictures.”
He added that the experience often sparks connections with others.
“This usually leads to hearing a story about ‘the truck’ their grandpa or father had on the farm,” he said.
The event will feature a wide range of vehicles, including classic and vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles, hot rods and specialty builds. Car show registration is by donation and includes a souvenir dash plaque and entry into a prize draw, while public admission is free.
In addition to the vehicle showcase, attendees can enjoy a full day of activities, including a BBQ lunch, beer garden, tailgate swap meet, silent auction, 50/50 draw and a “Chase the Ace” fundraiser.
Music will be provided throughout the day, and the Woodridge Fire Department will host a display highlighting its equipment and operations.
Awards will be presented in several categories, including best car and truck, best bike, best import, best rat rod, best other and a people’s choice award.
Organizers say the show is as much about community connection as it is about cars.
“This event is a win-win,” they said. “Vehicle owners get to showcase their pride and joy, and the community comes together to support meaningful local initiatives.”
The event will take place rain or shine, with a rain date scheduled for May 24.
