Car and truck lovers can surround themselves in a beautiful historic village along the shores of Upper Rideau Lake and enjoy a unique showcase of vehicles in Westport, Ont.

The inaugural Westport Car Show Cruise and Shop happens Saturday, July 20 at Lockwood Memorial Park, in the heart of the village. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event was created following discussions by locals who thought the village would make a fine location to host a car show.

“We all thought Westport’s location on the shores of Upper Rideau Lake would be ideal for a car show,” said lead organizer Joe Aragona via email.

There had been a car show in the village previously, about a decade ago, but nothing since.

Organizers are hoping to have between 200 and 300 vehicles displayed at the event. The non-judging car show is open to all makes and models of cars and trucks.

“Whether your pride and joy is an antique, vintage, classic, collectible, custom, or exotic — from North America, Europe, or Japan — we have a spot for you,” the event’s website says.

And while you’re in Westport, organizers hope you’ll take a stroll through the village, visit its unique shops and boutiques, enjoy food and relax at the harbour.

Upper Rideau Lake is part of the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site and the village has been a tourist destination for more than a century.

Some special attractions at the event will include:

• Exhibitors and vendors
• Antique carriages
• Fire trucks
• Antique tractors
• Big rigs
• Electric cars, including test drives
• RC car races
• Race driving simulators
• A racing video game station for kids of all ages.

There will also be a Porsche display put on by the Porsche Club of America, Upper Canada Region, which is expected to feature some 20 cars, as well as a chance for visitors to meet Ron Gibbs, a renowned custom-paint artist who will show samples of his work, live music and more.

Visitors will also be able to check out a vehicle called the Firefox (pictured up top). This customized truck started out as a 1959 Seagraves fire truck and now features custom paint, chrome accents and pipes and is fully functioning.

General admission to the event is free. There is a $20 registration fee for anyone wishing to display their vehicles.

More information is available at westportcarshow.com.