The Georgian College Auto Show isn't your average first week back at class. Rather than text-books and calculators, students spend time getting up close and personal with the latest and greatest products from the automotive industry. For those pursuing a career in this sector, it’s almost like Christmas time.
This weekend marks the opening of the 24th year of the large outdoor show—which exists as a joint effort between Canadian Automotive Institute (CAI) students and numerous sponsors and carmakers.
Those involved spend countless hours toiling away in the mid-September heat to place signs, build displays, and erect tents. Noise from delivery trucks and short-wave radio chatter add to the chaotic atmosphere during setup-- but it’s all smiles once the industry's hottest new vehicles begin to arrive. One by one, they're rolled out of trucks and into position to be readied for public inspection.
Prior to the show, automakers work with student teams to create product ambassadors who present the vehicles to visitors. The students gain important knowledge and presentation skills along the way, and are responsible for delivering information and answering questions about their assigned product. Given a chance, most the excited students will gladly talk your ear off about the machines they’re working with.
Of course, the CAI Autoshow isn’t just a giant outdoor classroom. In addition to a fantastic hands-on learning experience for students, visitors and potential shoppers benefit from access to numerous brands in a single venue.
Various other attractions promise to appeal to visitors of all ages, too. An all-day show-and-shine is planned, as is a vintage Corvette display. Rumor has it that the 2010 Mazda2 will also be making an appearance-- even though it doesn’t go on sale until next summer. Several performance, aftermarket and motorsport displays can be checked out as well.
The 2009 Georgian College Auto Show takes place on the Georgian College grounds on Georgian Drive in Barrie Ontario. Admission is $5, and kids under 12 get in free. The event wraps up Sunday evening.
photo:Justin Pritchard
This weekend marks the opening of the 24th year of the large outdoor show—which exists as a joint effort between Canadian Automotive Institute (CAI) students and numerous sponsors and carmakers.
Those involved spend countless hours toiling away in the mid-September heat to place signs, build displays, and erect tents. Noise from delivery trucks and short-wave radio chatter add to the chaotic atmosphere during setup-- but it’s all smiles once the industry's hottest new vehicles begin to arrive. One by one, they're rolled out of trucks and into position to be readied for public inspection.
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Prior to the show, automakers work with student teams to create product ambassadors who present the vehicles to visitors. The students gain important knowledge and presentation skills along the way, and are responsible for delivering information and answering questions about their assigned product. Given a chance, most the excited students will gladly talk your ear off about the machines they’re working with.
Of course, the CAI Autoshow isn’t just a giant outdoor classroom. In addition to a fantastic hands-on learning experience for students, visitors and potential shoppers benefit from access to numerous brands in a single venue.
Various other attractions promise to appeal to visitors of all ages, too. An all-day show-and-shine is planned, as is a vintage Corvette display. Rumor has it that the 2010 Mazda2 will also be making an appearance-- even though it doesn’t go on sale until next summer. Several performance, aftermarket and motorsport displays can be checked out as well.
The 2009 Georgian College Auto Show takes place on the Georgian College grounds on Georgian Drive in Barrie Ontario. Admission is $5, and kids under 12 get in free. The event wraps up Sunday evening.
photo:Justin Pritchard