Chatham's 13th Annual Retrofest
May 22-23/2015
This year the 13th Annual Retrofest 2015 began with the OLG Classic Car Cruise on Friday evening May 22. Over 600 Classic Cars assembled at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre on Richmond St. where they proceeded to make their way down Richmond St. to the Bloomfield Rd and then to Riverview Line where they cruised along the Thames River to the Prairie Siding Bridge, over the river and back along Grand River Line on the Dover side of the Thames, ending in Downtown Chatham. My wife and I,our daughter, son-in law and their 2 small children watched from our front yard. Our 2 small grandsons particularly enjoyed waving at all the occupants of the cars, many of whom tooted their horns at them and made a big hit with the little boys. It is such a fun evening and we would not miss it!. I am told the entire parade route was lined with spectators. The cars proceeded to Historic Downtown Chatham's King St.
where some cruised the drag and then parked to enjoy the many pubs and restaurants, the live entertainment at the Kings Commons in front of the Downtown Chatham Centre and a Free Family Movie, Strange Magic, in Tecumseh Park at dusk, thanks to the Chatham-Kent Health Unit. Families brought their lawn chairs and jackets and enjoyed a great family evening. The popcorn vendor was there with his famous Kettle Cooked Popcorn
The cars started to line up on Chatham's Historic King St. Saturday morning as early as 5 A.M. to get the prime parking places.Festivities on the street and in Tecumseh Park were scheduled from 9 A.M. until 5 P.M. We were there of course and the whole downtown was a real hub-bub of activity. It was so nice to see people turn out in such great numbers for this special Annual Classic Car Event and the first of many in Chatham-Kent. Visitors were able to get a close up look at these special cars
dating back to 1990 and earlier and talk to the proud owners who were morethan willing to tell you the history of their prize possessions..There was entertainment and food on the street and even a couple of wading pools in front of the Downtown Mall. Tecumseh park was crowded with lineups for the bumper cars, bouncy castle and the zip line.
The many merchandise and food vendors were busy and many were there to enjoy the band shell entertainment,thanks to Boardwalk Condo's sponsorship. Yesterday's Child performed in the morning and Superfly in the afternoon. If for some reason, you missed this year, make sure you watch for dates for next year’s event. You won’t be disappointed.
Remember, Chatham-Kent is host to many Classic Car Events this summer. There have been two new Events added this year.This coming weekend, Saturday May 30th from noon to 2 P.M., there will be a display of the Gray- Dort Automobiles. These Classic Cars were manufactured here in Chatham from 1915-1925. During that time 26,000 vehicles came off the line and the 1919 Gray-Dort Touring Car has been named a National Treasure of Canada.
The Company was the brain child of William Gray of Chatham and his partner J. Dallas Dort of Flint Michigan. Come see this and other Classic Models celebrating the company’s history. There will be Birthday Cake and activities for the children. The second new event is a Classic Car
Auction being held at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre in Chatham on July 18/2015 Check out their website for further details.This is an exciting new event for Chatham and the same weekend as the Mitchell’s Bay Car Show so plan to visit both events.
These events are always a feather in Chatham-Kent's hat! We are the Classic Car Capital of Canada. Chatham-Kent is theAffordable Lifestyle location with something for everyone. The perfect location to live, work raise a family, retire to or purchase a vacation property at one our Chatham-Kent area Resorts. Call me, Wayne Liddy 519-436-4810 Royal LePage Peifer Realty for all your Real Estate needs and visit my website for upcoming events and other Classic Car events in this popular area.
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