Dear Exhibitors and Friends:

We are pleased to welcome you to the fifth Great Lakes Carriage Classic (GLCC). This year of 2024, we have expanded to a three-day show with the first day being Dressage and CDE Cones and the following two days Pleasure.  Larry Brinker, from British Columbia will serve as CDE Judge and Ruth Graves, from Texas serve as Pleasure Judge. Dana Bright, from Pennsylvania will serve as TD.

In addition, The Great Lakes Carriage Classic enters this  year as a stand-a-lone entity with Not-for-Profit status, championed by Jean McLean, Show Manager with Valerie Williams, Show Secretary.  With the contributions from supporters, the GLCC has a solid foundation from which to grow.

The GLCC becomes an ADS Recognized Show. GLCC competitors will not have to have any driving club membership but must be ADS members or pay an ADS Non-Member Show Fee ($30US). This fee may be applied towards a 2024 ADS membership.  A small ADS administration fee will be charged to all competitors. 

The Ancaster Fairgrounds remains the event venue. The Agricultural Event Centre with a 120 by 300-foot indoor show ring, one hundred indoor stalls and ample indoor spectator seating offers a wonderful show setting and space for a wide range of vendors. The adjacent indoor show arena  will serve for warmup . Extensive parking, camping sites, RV hookups and washrooms with indoor showers are all on site.

The objective for this show is to provide a diverse range of driving enthusiasts with a Canadian experience to show their equine partners and advance their driving skills. Welcoming to new through to experienced competitors this show offers something for everyone. Junior and para drivers are encouraged to participate in this show and special awards are offered for these competitors.

Public education will be one of the show focuses with commentary explaining the rules and features of the different classes and equine breeds. A carriage parade will highlight the various vehicles used in the sport.

Food will be available on site throughout the show. On Friday evening there will be a Corn Roast with the Dressage and CDE cones prizes awarded at that time. On Saturday evening Alice’s Restaurant will cater to a ticketed sit-down dinner. On Sunday, once competition has ended the Awards Ceremony will occur accompanied by a complimentary box meal.

All are welcome to attend as spectators at no charge. Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to participate in and enjoy the show’s activities while gaining a better understanding of the historical sport of carriage driving.

The GLCC Organization Committee expresses its appreciation to supporters for making  the 2024 GLCC possible.

Sincerely.

Jean McLean, GLCC Show Manager