Fifth Annual Steer Friends Auto Show to Drive Inclusion, Rally Community Support

The fifth annual Steering for Steer Friends Automotive Festival takes place June 21 at the Markham Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Proceeds support Steer Friends, a local charity offering day programs for adults with developmental disabilities and complex needs.
The event includes an indoor car showcase, outdoor displays, live music, raffles, and kid-friendly activities.
Food trucks and vendors will provide a variety of local eats throughout the day.
Vehicle owners can pre-register for free outdoor parking or apply to show their vehicles indoors for a $100 fee.
Funds raised will contribute to a Steer Friends capital campaign for the expansion of their fully inclusive and accessible facility.

Preparation is underway for the fifth annual Steering for Steer Friends Automotive Festival, which rolls into the Markham Fairgrounds on June 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The celebration of cars and community supports Steer Friends, a local charity that provides day programming for adults with developmental disabilities.

Founded in 2018 in a Markham church, Steer Friends has grown from a handful of participants to serving 20 individuals daily. The organization now operates from an Innovator Avenue suite in Stouffville, offering specialized care to those living with autism, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, genetic conditions, and other complex needs.

Last year’s event raised $130,000, welcomed over 1,500 spectators, and featured over 500 show vehicles. Proceeds from the 2025 festival will go toward Steer Friends’ Capital Building Fund, which is aimed at developing an inclusive, fully accessible facility to accommodate the organization’s growing waitlist of individuals seeking support.

Steer Friends also aids member families and guardians by providing much-needed respite and resources. Community backing is vital to the organization’s plans to expand and better serve those waiting for care, and their annual car show plays a key role in those efforts.

“We have a waitlist of over 40 people who require our services. Our current location on Innovator Ave. has been a great space, however, it is imperative for Steer Friends to grow into a bigger space so we can support more people and their families,” Lisa-Marie Ciccia, Steer Friends’ Program Manager, said in comments to Bullet Point News. “Gathering funds to build our own accessible facility in these current economic times is certainly a challenge, and it will take time to achieve.”

In addition to supporting the Building Fund, revenue also helps cover the cost of extracurricular activities and field trips for Steer Friends members—at no cost to them. One of the organization’s ongoing challenges is transportation, as many members require specialized vehicles. Private transportation services for a single local outing can cost as much as $3,000.

This year, a portion of the Festival’s proceeds will go toward the purchase of an accessible vehicle to reduce those costs and improve access to local programs. Regular outings include visits to the Stouffville Leisure Centre pool, local skating rinks, and the library.

The Festival’s indoor car showcase will feature a curated selection of premium vehicles, offering attendees a closer look at custom builds, rare classics, and contemporary supercars. The many outdoor show car spaces will ensure a vibrant and diverse display of vehicles throughout the fairgrounds.

Attendees will also have the chance to participate in raffles and prize draws, with all proceeds directly supporting Steer Friends. Prizes include exclusive automotive items and gift packages donated by sponsors and community partners.

“The success of past car shows has not only been from a monetary standpoint, but has really been reflected in the support from the community,” Ciccia added. “We have built relationships with several Stouffville and GTA businesses who support us and attend as vendors or sponsors.”

Live entertainment will run all day, with performances by local bands and entertainers. Music will serve as the backdrop to a full schedule of activities, and food trucks and vendors will offer a wide range of crowd-pleasing meals and snacks.

Designed to be family friendly, the event includes a kids zone, games, and attractions suited for all ages. Organizers aim to ensure that every attendee, regardless of age or interest, finds something to enjoy.

“Steering for Steer Friends is more than an automotive festival; it’s a testament to the power of community,” said Jacqueline Hall-Fusco, Executive Director at Steer Friends, in a recent press release. “By coming together through a shared love for cars, we are driving real change and helping to build a future where individuals with disabilities have the support and resources they need.”

Car owners looking to participate are encouraged to pre-register. Outdoor spots are free with registration, while entries in the indoor vehicle showcase require a $100 fee and must be booked in advance.

For more information on registering your vehicle and purchasing tickets, visit the Festival’s Eventbrite page. Tickets are $10 and kids can attend at no charge. Community members interested in volunteering at the event can email [email protected] for more information.

Cover image provided by and used with permission from Steer Friends

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