The 32nd annual Georgian College Auto Show is now open for a fun-filled weekend at the Barrie Campus, today through Sunday, June 4.

Returning under the theme of "Experience Innovation," it's the largest outdoor, student-run auto show in North America. The event is organized and staffed by students in the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC).

The show opened officially this morning with the raising of a flag by Georgian President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes, Mike Stollery of the Automotive Business School of Canada Board of Directors, and members of the student organizing committee.

Daniel Montesanti, the 2017 Student Director of Marketing and Media Relations, said expectations are high for this year's show.

"This year we are welcoming over 20 manufacturers to the Barrie Campus," he said. "Last year, the team did an excellent job bringing life to a new idea of innovation. This year we want customers to experience manufacturers' newest innovations."

The 2016 show attracted close to 10,000 visitors from across Ontario. ABSC students carry out all show tasks, including marketing, sponsorship, recruitment and training, physical resources and community events.

This year's team is bringing back several popular attractions, such as the Electric Vehicle Experience, an interactive KidZone, and food truck vendors. The redesigned Pfaff Auto Track returns as a dry track, instead of last year's wet track. All proceeds from the Pfaff Auto Track will benefit Zach Makes Tracks – a local youth who is raising awareness and funds for youth mental health initiatives by running from Barrie to Ottawa this summer.

Among other attractions will be the annual live auction, held on Saturday, June 3 at 1:30 p.m. Proceeds from the auction will support scholarships for students of the Automotive Business School of Canada.

The show runs Friday, June 2 from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, June 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Daily admission is $7 for adults. Children 12 and under are free, pets are welcome, and parking on campus is free throughout the weekend. Details are available at GeorgianAutoShow.ca.

source: media release, Georgian College