On any given day, except for Thursdays, Ainslie’s Market located on Route 201 in Gardiner is typically busy with the usual, steady flow of gas and diesel customers and patrons lining up to purchase sandwiches, pizzas, salads, sides, beverages and groceries.
Jay Ainslie has owned the the business for 14 years. Many of their regular customers hail from the local area. The vehicles of carpenters, electricians, plumbers, drilling and blasting workers, bus drivers, and city and state employees are scattered about. Ainslie’s is also a popular spot for long distance drivers as evidenced by the trailer trucks, car haulers, and flat beds that line the sides of the property.
On Thursday, however, their entire parking lot is dramatically transformed. This usually traditional convenience store turns into one of the largest car and truck meets in Maine. With a combined value totaling in the millions of dollars, blue ribbon vehicles form into neat rows that are intended to impress their roving a
udience of car lovers. From noon to sunset on every Thursday through September well over 100, mostly American made cars and trucks, are on display. You can see examples that run the full gambit of antique, classic, hot rods, and high performance vehicles.
Complete with a DJ playing 60’s music,this car show should come as no surprise to people since Jay has a long standing relationship with classic and antique vehicles. In his personal inventory is a 1936 Ford convertible and a 1936 Ford hot rod, pick-up truck.
According to Jay some participants come in every week, others less frequently, Many of the owners know each other and they can be seen mulling about sharing information and stories about their passion for show cars and trucks. In many cases the owners were the people that restored or built their vehicles which can run into many thousands of dollars and countless man-hours of work.
If you love cars and trucks and want to see some that are rare and unique, drop by and take a look. You’ll be amazed by all that you will see.
Also, keep in mind that Ainslie’s menu of take-out or eat-in selections and friendly service make Ainslie’s a go to market for most food and other items you might need. For take out orders call 582.4463.
They are open Monday through Friday from 5am – 9pm. Their Saturday and Sunday hours are from 7am – 9pm. (G.T.)
