(Metro Creative Connection)
Elyria will host one of the first auto shows before the summer outdoor season begins.
The Wesleyan Senior Living Foundation is hosting its third annual Wesleyan Village Classic Car Show from 4 to 6 p.m. May 17 at 807 West Ave. of Elyria, according to Principal Tammy Bertrand.
The response to the first two shows has been off the charts, Bertrand said.
More than 600 people attended the first iteration of the show, a significant number for a mid-pandemic event, he said.
“(The first two) were completely different because our first one was three years ago, and it was during COVID,” Bertrand said. “We really created it as an opportunity to get residents out safely. Everyone had been locked up for so long.”
After a rainout that delayed last year’s show, expect clear skies to remain strong on May 17.
“Last year’s show was completely rained out,” Bertrand said. “We had to go with the rain date, which was the following week.
“It was still raining in the morning, so we only had about 60 cars for this show.”
Even with the rain, attendance at last year’s show was promising, Bertrand said.
This year, she and the staff at the Wesleyan Senior Living Foundation hope to keep the good times going, rain or shine.
“It’s set up as a fundraiser, but it’s really a community event to bring people together outdoors,” Bertrand said. “Since Wednesday’s weather report is in the 60s and sunny, I think we’re good for that.”
There are five award categories.
Each car will be eligible for trophies voted on by staff, the community and others, Bertrand said.
“It’s all community-based,” he said. “There is a trophy for the mayor, it’s the mayor’s choice (award).
“There’s one from our executive director here at Wesleyan, and then the other three are voted on.”
Proceeds from the show will benefit those who live at Wesleyan, Bertrand said.
Between food trucks, prizes and sponsorship opportunities ranging from $100 to $1,000, she said the show is probably one of the biggest fundraisers for the staff this year.
“We have different levels of sponsorship to participate,” he said. “The Wesleyan Senior Living Foundation is unique … it’s called the Wesleyan Promise, and that means any resident who moves into Wesleyan is guaranteed a home for the rest of their lives.
“Even if they outlive their savings, the foundation takes care of people.”
Much of the show’s proceeds will go to what Bertrand called the life care fund.
Essentially, it ensures that those who have lost a family member who provided them with funds will not be “kicked out” of the development, he said.
Those who want to support the Wesleyan Village Classic Car Show should simply attend the event, Bertrand said.
Even for those who aren’t classic car enthusiasts, their assistance is a big help to the staff, he said.
“I think it’s a great family opportunity to get out into the community,” Bertrand said. “A lot of people like to support a nonprofit.
“We have people who will come just for the raffles.”
Entrant setup for the Wesleyan Village Classic Car Show begins at 1 p.m
