Every August, the quiet town of New Hamburg, Ontario transforms into the ultimate celebration of Mopar culture. Moparfest, Canada’s largest all-Mopar car show, brings together the roar of Mopar engines, the gleam of every hue in the paint palette, and the passion of thousands of enthusiasts from across North America for two unforgettable days at the New Hamburg Fairgrounds.
Launched in 1979, from the vision of the Old Chrysler Corporation Auto Club, Moparfest began as a modest gathering of like-minded Mopar lovers and has grown, year by year, into a landmark event on the automotive calendar. Now celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2026, the show has welcomed over 1,527 registered vehicles and nearly 15,000 spectators, a testament to the enduring love for everything bearing the Mopar name.
From meticulously restored Plymouth muscle cars and classic Dodge Chargers to modern Hellcats, Jeep Wranglers, Ram trucks, and everything in between, Moparfest is a living timeline of Chrysler-linked automotive history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a first-time visitor, or simply someone who appreciates the art of the automobile, there’s something here to stir the soul.
Beyond the cars, Moparfest is a story of community. As a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization, the event has contributed over $3.48 million to local clubs and community initiatives over its history — proof that a shared passion can drive real change.
As Moparfest marked its 45th anniversary, organizers revived one of the show’s most cherished traditions, the giveaway car. This year’s prize, a beautifully restored 1968 Dodge Dart convertible. The return of the giveaway car, which was stopped nine years ago because of classic car costs, rekindled memories of earlier shows when anticipation built around who might drive home a piece of history. Entry was simple; any participant who preregistered a Mopar vehicle of any year before the July 10, 2026, cut off date, was eligible for the draw to win.
In the end, 722 vehicles were preregistered, each hoping for the chance to win the coveted giveaway car. To qualify, the show car had to be present on Sunday—when anticipation reached its peak. Ten names were drawn, and each finalist selected a key from the bucket; only one would start the car and claim the prize. The crowd gathered close, watching every turn of the ignition with excitement, making the moment unforgettable.
As a special keepsake, the winner received a framed photo of the car, crafted from the Mopar Connection Magazine photo shoot that we did, complete with a custom frame. It was an enduring reminder of their lucky day and Moparfest’s timeless tradition.
We arrived Friday morning, camera in hand, eager to capture vehicles rolling into the arena for future stories. Among those that caught our eye—and will be featured in greater detail later—were Kevin Easton’s 1966 Hemi Dodge Charger, a 1961 Plymouth Belvedere owned by Michael Van Dyke, and an A 100 Custom “I Scream” van (yes, that’s spelled correctly) owned by Dave Grimminck. Each had its own personality and story waiting to be told, setting up the tone for a weekend filled with rare finds and passionate owners.
We returned on Saturday to photograph cars as they rolled onto the show field, and it didn’t take long for the grounds to fill. The weather was hot and sunny—a perfect backdrop for gleaming paint and polished chrome—and we knew attendance would be strong. By midmorning, the field was alive with the sound of engines, laughter, and the unmistakable buzz that only a Moparfest Saturday can bring.
Among the standout vehicles that turned heads was a 1931 Plymouth Sport Roadster owned by Tim Clements, a rare gem from the early days of Mopar styling. James Eachern brought his Plymouth Cricket, while Alan Sproule showcased a beautifully preserved 1960 Plymouth Fury. Kevin and Jane Herring unveiled their freshly restored Hemi Road Runner, gleaming with pride. Returning this year was Bob Jennings, who arrived with another wing car—an all-original 1969 Dodge Daytona showing just 40,000 miles on the odometer.
The vendor area was bustling as enthusiasts searched for parts to complete restorations or upgrade their rides. Rows of tables offered everything from Mopar apparel and chrome accessories to wheel nuts, interior components, and garage or mancave memorabilia. Whether you were hunting for that elusive trim piece or simply browsing for something to show your Mopar pride, the variety and energy made it one of the busiest corners of the show.
Once again, Moparfest featured a dedicated car corral, offering vehicles for sale—whether parts cars, project builds, or complete classics ready to drive. The section added even more variety to the show, giving attendees a chance to browse potential new additions to their collections or find that perfect restoration candidate.
One of the great features of Moparfest is the wide selection of food trucks and vendors available for everyone attending. There’s truly something for every taste—from classic fair favorites to hearty meals that keep you fueled for a full day of car spotting.
Adding to the fun, kids can take part in Power Racers, driving electric cars around a mini course, and even enter a draw for a chance to take home a brand-new bicycle. These family-friendly touches make Moparfest more than a car show—they turn it into a full-weekend celebration for enthusiasts of all ages.
Before the day wrapped up, Moparfest delivered one of its most popular spectacles—the Engine Blow Competition. Participants had the chance to win cash prizes by guessing how long an engine would last under full-throttle abuse. This crowd pleaser never fails to draw cheers, laughter, and plenty of smoke, with the local fire department standing by just in case things got a little too hot during the meltdown. This year a Toyota and a Buick were the brands used.
On Saturday, Paul Price from Ingersoll, Ontario, who drove his 1966 AMC Ambassador, took home $5,000 in Mopar money, redeemable at any Chrysler dealership—a prize that added extra excitement to the day’s festivities. Each day also featured a 50/50 draw supporting the New Hamburg Firebirds Junior C Hockey Team, giving attendees another reason to cheer while contributing to a great local cause.
Sunday was the big day as awards were handed out to close the weekend. The prize for the furthest distance traveled by an American participant went to Robert Jennings, who drove 529 miles from Jeffersonville, Indiana. The Canadian long-distance award was claimed by Paul Richard of St. Marie de Kent, New Brunswick, who journeyed an impressive 973 miles to attend.
The Gary Hoffman Award was presented to Paul and Vicki Ridley of Listowel, Ontario, for their beautifully restored 1973 Plymouth ‘Cuda. from the paintwork to the finishing touches—was completed at home. Vicki handled the interior restoration and applied the stripe herself, making the project a true family affair and a testament to hands-on dedication.
The OCC Award went to Dave and Kimberley Grimminck for their eye-catching A100 Dodge Van, themed with a spooky “I Scream” motif. Dave had just completed the van in time for the show, making its maiden voyage from Glencoe, Ontario, to New Hamburg. The project was a true labor of love—fabricated in his own shop, where he handled the bodywork and drivetrain installation. As a body shop teacher, Dave even used the school’s facilities for the final paintwork, blending craftsmanship and creativity into one chillingly fun build.
To end the day was the Moparfest Giveaway car. As we mentioned, ten participants were selected as each one sat in the car and gave the key a turn that was until Dave Little from Belwood started the car. Dave brought his 1970 Plymouth Duster to the show, and that turned out to be the best door prize ever.
Our hat goes off to the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make Moparfest possible. A special thank you to Michelle Schertzer and her crew for organizing everything—from registration and souvenirs to countless other details that keep the show running smoothly. Appreciation also goes to the Thunderbirds for managing the 50/50 draw and to everyone who helped with parking throughout the weekend.
The list of contributors is long, and each deserves recognition for their part in this incredible event. We’d also like to thank MB Media Group for providing the stunning aerial photo of the show grounds—a perfect snapshot of Moparfest’s enduring spirit.
