With spring finally here, driving enthusiasts are getting itchy to take their vehicles out of storage and prepare for another season of great touring in Muskoka.  

The second annual Trillium Tour is an opportunity for drivers to give their vehicles a good early season run and to reacquaint themselves with the beauty of our area.

Drivers wishing to participate in the tour need to have their vehicles ready for Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1.

“I position the tour as a lifestyle event for driving enthusiasts with the mission of raising money for Chrysalis, Huntsville," stated Rob Tanner, Trillium Tour organizer. “We welcome anyone who loves to drive. If you drive a Ford Focus or a turbo Porsche, a Harley or a Honda Goldwing, if you like to drive, you're invited.”

The event starts on May 31 at 9:30 a.m. at Delta Grandview Resort in Huntsville. Participants will be given a souvenir route book that indicates the route of the tour and points out historical facts about the area and points of interest as drivers pass by. Drivers are even encouraged to stop and have a look, as there are no time limits for the tour. By lunchtime, everyone should have arrived in Gravenhurst, and as part of the event, entry into the Grace & Speed Museum has been arranged as well as lunch in the museum. People who enjoy nice vehicles on land usually appreciate the beautiful, old wooden boats Muskoka is famous for.

After a leisurely reconnaissance of the museum, participants will resume their route. Just prior to arriving back at Delta Grandview Resort, the tour will make a stop at the New Bickley Ford for some mid-afternoon refreshments. Upon completion of the route, drivers and co-drivers will either retire to their hotel, home, cottage or spend some time enjoying the scenery and amenities around Grandview as they wait for the cocktail party to start at 6:30 p.m.

Gathering on the patio, guests will enjoy the opportunity to swap stories of the day's adventure with others and to start the bidding on the silent auction items. One hundred per cent of the silent auction receipts go to Chrysalis. The silent auction will continue during the gourmet dinner, served up by the world-renowned

culinary staff of Grandview. Following dinner, guests will be entertained by a guest speaker. Last year, Jim Kenzie of the Toronto Star kept the audience's attention by recounting his exploits around the world testing cars and competing in the Targa Newfoundland. This year's speaker will be announced soon.

People who do not have all day to spend touring Muskoka and would like to be able to support Chrysalis through the silent auction, enjoy gourmet food and are interested in hearing the guest speaker will be able to purchase tickets for the Saturday evening gala. At the conclusion of the silent auction and the formalities of the evening, guests will undoubtedly continue to enjoy trading tales with their

peers in attendance.

The following morning, participants will congregate at The Cottage

Waterfront Grill for the Show N' Shine for Chrysalis. The general public is invited to view the vehicles, an exhibition of current, custom and classic cars and bikes, starting at noon and continuing to 3 p.m. on June 1. Spectators will be asked for admission by donation to Chrysalis. They can even enjoy a great Sunday brunch offered by The Cottage Waterfront Grill while they are there. At 3 p.m., awards for various classes will be given out to the worthy recipients and the Trillium Tour will be over for another year.

In 2007, the event raised $1,500 for Chrysalis.

There are three different ways people can participate in the tour. A true enthusiast who wants to enjoy the benefits of the entire weekend, can purchase a package that includes all the activities, including the lunch at Grace & Speed and the gourmet dinner at Grandview. Those wanting to be really close to the action can book a room at the Delta Grandview or any other accommodations in Huntsville.

The Holiday Inn Express, the Best Western Muskoka Inn and Motel 6 all offer special rates for participants in the Trillium Tour. Anyone living close to Huntsville is free to choose their own accommodations. There is an entertainment package that includes all the activities at the Delta Grandview Resort on Saturday evening, including the cocktail party, silent auction for Chrysalis, gourmet dinner and guest speaker. And finally, many owners of current, custom and classic cars and bikes just like to show them off to other people. Those owners can participate in the Show N' Shine event.

For more information about the Trillium Tour visit www.thetrilliumtour.com.