This year the GLCC has been recognized by the American Driving Society.
By Jean McLean, Show Manager
The Great Lakes Carriage Classic (GLCC), being held July 28 to 30 at the Ancaster Fairgrounds, has expanded this year to a three day show. The first day is devoted to Dressage and CDE cones, (Training to Intermediate Levels). The Pleasure portion of the show remains on Saturday and Sunday with five core classes; turnout, working, reinsmanship, timed obstacle and fault and out obstacle.
Fun classes such as drive/ride, carriage dog, costume and international have been included in the schedule to offer competitors variety and delight spectators.
In the Red Light/Green Light Class - Monica Lamothe of Mt. Brydges, ON drives her Fjord, It’s A Dun Bill on the directions of competitor Connor Vanos.
The objective of the GLCC is to provide a wide range of driving enthusiasts with a Canadian experience to show their equine partners. This is reflected in the broad spectrum of divisions available to participants, whether a first time show attendee or the most experienced of competitors. Para and Junior drivers are encouraged to participate with special divisions and prizes.
This year the GLCC has been recognized by the American Driving Society. This recognition ensures competitors can expect a show standard with experienced and accredited officials. GLCC placings and scores may now be applied to a wide variety of other year end awards. The 2023 judges are Larry Brinker from British Columbia and Dana Bright from Texas; with Pennsylvania native Dana Bright serving as the TD. The show management has remained unchanged since inception with Jean McLean as the Show Manager and Valerie Williams as the Show Secretary.
Darryl Billing of Elmira, ON drives his Dutch Harness pair, King and Sonny.
The Ancaster Agricultural Event Centre is a exemplary site with extensive facilities and convenient location close to major highways. A big component of the show is education. Special demonstrations are held at noon both Saturday and Sunday. The Saturday Carriage Parade and the Sunday Equine Showcase introduce the audience to the wide variety of equines and carriages used in the sport. The show announcer and printed programs offer spectators assistance with the rules of the different GLCC classes, the awards and the turnouts presented. The Red Light/Green Light Class offers youth an opportunity to walk a cones course and then act as passenger in the carriage with an experienced driver, directing him/her over a cones course.
The GLCC is a time for comradery with like minded people. On Friday night there is a corn roast with Dressage/CDE Cones awards presented at that time. On Saturday a catered Sit Down Dinner is open to all. This meal allows participants time to visit with old and new friends in a relaxed setting. On Sunday a complementary box meal accompanies the presentation of the Pleasure Awards and the Overall Show Awards. Lovely class, divisional and champion ribbons, trophies and vendor donated prizes, (given in lieu of booth fees) all contribute to the show experience. This year the vendor marketplace has been expanded and a wide range of products will be available for purchase.
Helen Vanos of Guelph, ON drives her VSE Heirs and Graces in the Coach Assisted Division with Coach Carolyn Aarup. Photos by McGinny Photography
A new website has been created for the GLCC. All are encouraged to go to this site for the prize list, scheduling, entry forms, sponsorship, advertising and all other information about the show. It is found at www.thegreatlakescarriageclassic.com . If you have questions or would like to volunteer to help with the show please contact the show management at info@glcc.ca .
The GLCC Organization Committee expresses its appreciation to all the supporters who have helped to build a solid foundation from which to expand offerings and continue in the years to come. We look forward to seeing you at The 2023 Great Lakes Carriage Classic. There is truly something for everyone!
