Indoor Auto Show runs March 6-8
Chatham’s no-pressure vehicular event is back.
The Chatham Indoor Auto Show drives into the Bradley Centre March 6-8, bringing 100 new vehicles with it.
This marks the 13th year the dealers have run the popular indoor event. Greg Hetherington, one of the event organizers, said he believes it’s a go-to weekend event for people to check out the new vehicles without any pressure to buy.
“It (the show) is a good opportunity for people to ask all the questions they want. There is no pressure to buy a car, just an opportunity to meet the local dealers and see the products that are available,” he said.
For the first time in a number of years, the inventory variety from all 10 Chatham dealerships will be on display. In recent years, some of the local dealers had trouble getting inventory.
“We had the pandemic,” Hetherington said, as the global pandemic wreaked havoc on production and ability to deliver around the globe. “Now, we’ve got what’s happening with cars and the tariffs. But inventory is not an issue. We’ve got everything on display. Every car dealer is going to be there and they’re all showcasing between eight and 10 cars.”
And that “everything” includes electric, hybrid and gas-powered options.
“Gasoline is still by far the most popular,” Hetherington said of the vehicle power options. “But more and more people are asking about hybrids and electric. I think a lot of people are leaning towards hybrids. You don’t have to worry about always finding a charging station.”
Aside from 100 vehicles in the main area, Hetherington said the show will again feature the Power Lounge where ATVs and side-by-sides will be showcased from a trio of local dealers. He said it was well received last year.
Admission to the event is earmarked to help local charities. On Friday evening, the dealers opted to run a special event, with proceeds supporting the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation. It’s a preview party of sorts.
“Pay $50 to attend, get a couple of drinks, some food and be the first ones to see the Indoor Auto Show,” Hetherington said.
Those interested in being part of the event need to snag their tickets in advance off the ckhaf.ca website.
On Saturday and Sunday, admission is by the donation of a canned good or cash at the door, Hetherington said, with the gains being handed over to local food banks, something the show has done for many years.
“Usually, we receive about $10,000 in cash and food donations every year,” he said.
The Chatham Auto Show runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday with the tickets-only preview event, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Bradley Centre, located on Richmond Street in Chatham.
