This last weekend of May is packed with events worth checking out to wrap up the month. 

On Saturday, May 27, we will be at M.A. Querel Community Park in Woodridge for the second annual Car Show on the Ridge. 

Auto enthusiasts from across Manitoba and northwestern Ontario gather to showcase their cars, trucks, race cars, Rat Rods, motorcycles, snowmobiles, semi-trucks, tractors and projects they have been working on.  

Cory Jackson of the Woodridge Community Club says they were “absolutely in awe” of last year’s turnout and had to bring it back again. 

“We are hoping to build on the success of last year's event where we had over 400 people in attendance and we had 147 cars attend our car show,” Jackson explains. 

The car show registration starts at 9:30 AM, costs $5 and comes with a souvenir dash plaque. The free admission event is open to the public from 11 AM to 4 PM. In addition to checking out cars, they will have a barbecue lunch, beer gardens, silent auctions and 50/50 draws. 

One of the 50/50 draws is Blow the Engine. 

“We take a vehicle on its last leg, and we stage it in our hockey rink, and there's a little bit of fuel in it. We basically run it until it dies, and the winner of that 50/50 draw would be the one who comes closest in terms of timing of when that car expires,” she says.

Proceeds from the event will go towards the fire department to help them purchase a thermal imaging camera. 

“It's again just another important firefighting piece of equipment and it can be used to detect something sinister behind the wall. They say where there's smoke, there's fire. A thermal imaging camera can be used to help detect that or something that may be going awry with electrical, and it can also be used to search for victims outdoors on a cool night,” she explains. 

Jackson says there will be swap meets for parts and accessories, and a trophy presentation for the car show collectors in three categories. They are the best car, best truck and people’s choice award. Both are brand new to the event. 

Here are other events you can add to your weekend plans: 

Dinner and Dance with the Wild Ridge Band – Friday, May 26 

Spend Friday evening at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre (PPALC) with dinner and dancing. Doors open at 5 PM and dinner is served at 5:30 PM. The meal includes Salisbury steak, potatoes, vegetables, a bun and dessert. Then, dancing to music from the Wild Ridge Band kicks off at 7 PM and runs until 11 PM. To purchase tickets, visit PPLAC or contact them at (204) 326-4000. Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members and $20 for those only looking to take the dance floor. 

Maurice Chaput Arena Fundraising Concert and Social – Saturday, May 27 

The fundraising concert and social will feature country recording artist Jason Kirkness with guests Daniel Desorcy and Jaryn Friesen opening the show. For the kids, DJ Brenton will be in attendance to put on a party. There will also be a four-on-four ball hockey tournament and all proceeds will go towards the Maurice Chaput Arena in Ste. Anne. The fundraising concert and social is happening from 8 PM to 1 AM and will be at the Ste. Anne Curling Club. 

Salem Heinrichs on “Gender in an Unsafe Environment” – Saturday, May 27  

From 1 PM to 2 PM, Band of Colours+ will be hosting a workshop with artist and community activist Salem Heinrichs at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre.  The conversation, titled "Gender in an Unsafe Environment", will be about being trans in health care and tips for expressing masculinity/femininity in unsafe environments. For more information, email bandofcolours.plus@gmail.com or call (204) 905-4949. 

Richer Community Picnic in the Park – Saturday, May 27 

The Red River Metis Ride of Hope will be arriving at the Dawson Trail Park in Richer. To celebrate, there will be events planned all day long starting at noon. From 7 PM to 11 PM, there will be a free concert and dance. Hotdogs and chilli will also be available. The event is in support of Ukrainian orphans.  

Boot Scootin' Boogie Gymkhana – Saturday, May 27 

From barrel racing, and obstacle courses to egg races, plenty of events are happening at the Richer Rodeo Grounds starting at 10 AM. All profits will be donated to Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue. 

La Bikequerie Grand Opening – Saturday, May 27 

Community bike repair shop La Bikequerie is having their grand opening on Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Check out their new location in Steinbach at the former Southeast Veterinary Clinic, and have some hotdogs and bike tune-ups.

With files from Corny Rempel.