Expo Rock N Rods 2018 in Ormstown

Emily Southwood - Rain or shine, Expo Rock N Rods takes place on Friday July 6th and Saturday July 7th as motor enthusiasts near and far fill the Ormstown fairgrounds with chrome and good cheer. Antique and modified cars, trucks, motorcycles and vintage tractors will populate what, in its fifth edition, has become one of the most anticipated car shows and music festivals in Quebec. For the last two years motor fans have gathered to showcase and ogle cars, as well as groove along to good tunes despite drizzly skies. Two damp years followed 2015’s Expo with sunshine and a record attendance of 500 exhibitors and 2000 spectators. “Our only real setback since then has been the weather,” organizer Dan Gruer explains. Otherwise, the event’s reputation to provide a good time and a whole lot of shiny metal hasn’t failed to deliver. Again this year, kiosks, raffle giveaways, food and beverages will be found on site and camping over night remains an option. New to the 2018 edition, the first couple of hundred cars will receive a commemorative, etched wood license plate. Once again, a big draw to the event will be performances from seven bands rocking out with Blues, Rockabilly, Classic Rock and Surf music. Gruer explains the spirit behind the music festival when he says: “We want to create an upbeat vibe that keeps people hanging around in a joyful mood.” Dwayne Dixon (featuring Dr. Groove) will make their return along with the Kic Country Band, which has become an Expo staple. The popular Quebec surf band Men in Gray Suits will close out the day on Saturday with their rocking, beachy grooves and some wailing saxophone. When explaining this year’s line up, Gruer reminisced about 2017’s surprise performance from Valley native Eric Sandmark who wowed the audience in a last minute replacement. He says, “Sometimes an unexpected twist can make things even better.” Whatever surprises are in store for this year, Expo Rock N Rods 2018 is primed and pumped to welcome the crowds. For more information search @Expo Rock N Rods on Facebook.