July 25th - 27th - Ancaster Fairgrounds, Jerseyville, ON.
Welcoming Participants to the Great Sport of Carriage Driving
~Competitors ~ and ~ Spectators~
By Jean McLean, GLCC Show Manager
On July 25th to 27th The Great Lakes Carriage Classic (GLCC) takes place at The Ancaster Fairgrounds, Jerseyville, ON. With American Driving Society Judges Shelly Temple from Pennsylvania and Kacy Tipton Fashik from Grand Oaks Resort, Florida participants will be tested over three days of competition.
Utility Horse Division from Left: Klaas Steenbeek with Doutzen, Chantal Lafleche with NYC Moonlight and Ken Armstrong with Griffin. Photo By Connie Smith
Friday’s offerings include Training, Preliminary, Intermediate and FEI 1* to 3* Dressage Tests, with CDE Style Cones rounding out the day. Saturday and Sunday are focused on Pleasure classes.
This is a point show for the Ontario Carriage Driving Association (OCDA) and Tri County Carriage Association (TCCA).
Jennifer Robertson McKeen with Starry Night. Photo by Connie Smith
Spectators are always welcome to attend the GLCC at no cost for entry and parking, with ample indoor seating and indoor washrooms. Food will be available at the Ringside Café throughout the event. Announcer Debra McCarthy will give commentary on classes and introduce spectators to the drivers and their equine partners. Saturday and Sunday parades showcase a variety of carriages and equine breeds. The Vendor Marketplace offers a wide range of wares that appeal to the general public - something for everyone. All may try their luck at the silent auction or the 50/50 draw. Directions, schedules and other show information can be found on the GLCC website.
Selection of Vendors including Kismit Art Studio, Aborigen Hats and Sassy’s Boutique. Photo by Connie Smith
Social events take place over the weekend featuring Friday night’s Corn Roast ($35) and Saturday night’s Carriage Classic Dinner ($45) located in the Ringside Lounge, in the Agricultural Event Centre. Vegetarian options are available and tickets may be purchased through the show website.
Saturday evening is designed for fun with a variety of non driven classes including costume, harnessing and long lining at $15 per class plus complementary hobby horse classes. These classes are open to ALL disciplines and memberships are not required. Show information is available on the GLCC website – Competitor Section, Prize List.
6-year-old Hudson Lupkoski guides driver Debbie Wilson-Kirby and Kai Lee’s Calico Kid over the Red Light/ Green Light course. Photo by Connie Smith
If you enjoy watching the carriage classes at The Royal Winter Fair or wonder about what this sport is all about, attend The Great Lakes Carriage Classic. If you have a youth that would like to join in the costume class with their equine or the hobby horse classes, we provide the hobby horses, they would be most welcome. If you long line your equine and would like a challenge to perform an individual test, then this is the place for you. All are welcome to attend and/or participate at The Great Lakes Carriage Classic. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Information available by visiting our website: GLCC Prize List, Competitor Section
Need additional assistance? Contact info@glcc.ca.
All photos are taken by Connie Smith Photography
Source: Great Lakes Carriage Classic
