With cars, motorcycles and other vehicles numbering in the hundreds — and visitors in the thousands — the East Kent Hot Rods for Hospice Fall Festival didn’t disappoint on Saturday.
The event was organized by Ridge Runners East Kent, East Kent Vintage Equipment Club and the Ridgetown District Agricultural Society, with proceeds going directly to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation.
Approximately 320 vehicles, of all makes and models, rolled into the Ridgetown Fairgrounds, with the weather cooperating the entire day.
“My mind is blown. We exceeded every ambition that we had,” Kent Vollans, one of the organizers, said of the turnout. “We can’t get past what this community has done.
“Honestly, for a first year, I was hoping for about 100.”
In addition to rows of vehicles, there were also children’s activities, first responder exhibits, live music, a pie auction, food trucks, vendors and a 50/50 draw.
Car and tractor show participants were eligible to win door prizes. Kids could participate in a Hot Wheels race provided by the Lally Group, Nerf shooting gallery provided by CK-Expo, activities from Early On, as well as a corn pit, three-legged race and potato sack race.
More than 60 vendors took part in the festival.
The Chatham-Kent Hospice has cared for about 1,250 local families, offering compassionate, end-of-life care at no cost.
This also includes care coordination as well as grievance and bereavement support.
The hospice relies on donations to cover expenses not covered by government funding. About 62 percent of the operating budget is covered by donations.
Vollans said given the response to the event, he anticipates it will take place in future years.
He also the impact the hospice has had on the community as a whole, crediting everyone recognized involved with the organization.
“As long as they’ll have us, we will be here,” Vollans said. “Fantastic cause. Fantastic people.”