CanJam 2026 will take place at the Knights of Columbus Brantford on Saturday, August 8.
The annual event raises money for local children with cancer and their families. Funds raised through this year’s CanJam will support the Pediatric Cancer Program at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton by helping purchase urgently needed transport monitors.
In addition, proceeds will support Help a Child Smile through three $2,500 scholarships for students whose families have been impacted by childhood cancer.
“The CanJam Committee organizes events to raise money to help kids with cancer; it’s always about the kids,” said Ezio D’Ignazio, a CanJam organizer and owner of Route 24 Auto. “We have other events throughout the year as well, like comedy and music shows, to help raise funds and around 98 per cent of the money goes to charity.”
The event will feature a classic and custom car show, live music, food trucks and refreshments, door prizes, a silent auction (ending at 3 p.m.), 50/50 draw and a variety of vendors.
Silent auction items include everything from restaurant gift cards to golf packages, Brantford Bulldogs merchandise, theatre packages and more. Raffle tickets can also be purchased for the chance to win a $1,500 56-inch roll cab toolbox, as well as $2,500 cash.
Those interested in showing their car can register starting at 9 a.m., and the show will run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All cars are welcome and registration is free.
As for the entertainment lineup, D’Ignazio said attendees can expect performances from Mike Thorpe, the Vooodooo Kingz, Loose Moralz Entertainment, Cobby’s Kitchen Party, Willie and Friends, and Route 6. The sets will run from 1 to 7 p.m., with a half an hour break at 1:30 for car show awards and presentations.
The organizer said the event wouldn’t be possible without the people who volunteer their time or make donations to the cause.
“None of us get paid to do this, all of us donate our time to put this on,” said D’Ignazio. “We get donations from businesses in the city, which is amazing, and even the bands donate their time to provide music for the day.
The organizer went on to say that he and the rest of the CanJam committee are looking forward to the event.
“There’s got so much excitement going, everybody is really looking forward to it,” he said. “It’s always nice to support a great cause and to do it with people who all want to help these kids and their families.”
For those interested in attending the event, tickets are $15 and it’s recommended to secure them ahead of time by contacting D’Ignazio at 519-732-7478, Beth Walsh at 519-757-7258, or Rick Locke at 226-802-1597.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
