Annual Retrofest in Historic Downtown Chatham
The 9th Annual Retrofest took place the weekend of May 27-29/2011 and was another huge success. Friday night ,the weather was a little rainy but it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the participants or the fans who lined the streets for the annual OLG Classic Car Cruise.Even the motorcycle fans were not dissappointed as many joined in on the fun. Some of the convertible owners even braved the slightly wet weather to show off their prized cars.
Saturday, King St. was lined from one end to the other with Classic and Antique Automobiles and throngs of car lovers enjoyed the show. Food, fun and comraderie abounded. Rob Myers of RM Classic Car drove his 1949 Delahaye 175 S Roadster and parked it in front of the Retro Suites. The Delahaye is one of only 51 built with that particular chassis.
Sunday the fun moved to Classic Car Rd. just outside of Chatham for a barbeque, entertainent and more fun at the Harley Davidson Store. Some visitors enjoyed a tour of RM Classic Car.
Fun was had by all. Come join us next year. You don't want to miss it. Visitors come from all over Canada and our favorite neighbors from the south the U.S. for this nostalgic trip to the past.
Annual Chatham Rotary Ribfest
The 3nd Annual Chatham Sunrise Rotary Ribfest was held this year in Tecumseh Park on the shores of the Thames River, the weekend of July 8-10/2011. This year the event brought more than 25,000 to Tecumseh Park to enjoy the good food and entertainment. The event attracts Ribbers from across North America. Top Honors were awarded to Jack On The Bone in all four categories and our own Chatham-Kent Blazin' Barbecue placed second.Last year's event included the first annual Amateur Cook-off. This year 15 amateur entries were judged and Grillin' Gunner and Meat Freaks both from Brantford took first and second place. The Chatham Sunrise Rotary donate their proceeds from the event to local Charities and organizations supported by the Rotary Club.The Rotary has committed $50,000 to the New YMCA and has a $10,000 committment to provide clean water to Equator. Final proceed figures are not in yet but said to be better than last year. Another example of how the people of Chatham-Kent come out to support local events and charities.
This Year 2011, the Provincial Government provided $35,500 to the Sunrise Rotary Club to support the Ribfest. The funds went towards enhancing the Entertainment which was sponsored by Caesars Windsor. There were headliner acts for all three days. 'Great Hits Live' on Friday night, 'April Wine' on Saturday night and finishing with 'Abbamania' on Sunday afternnoon. The Saturday night headliner, April Wine who put on a wonderful show brought people to Chatham-Kent from all over the country.
This year's " Parade of Chefs" took place April 7/2011 and was another huge success. Lynn Crawford of Food Network Canada's Pitchin' In and Restaurant Makeover was the guest chef and emcee for the evening.The seven course meal was prepared by local chefs and accompanied by wines from Local Wineries. This year's event had a new participant, beer from The Railway City Brewing Company. This is an Annual Fundraising Event for the local hospital " the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance" This evening is a real must for those with a Gourmet Palate or for anyone who just likes to eat for that matter.This is just one of them many Fundraisers for the Hospital. Check out the schedule of events on the CKHA website.They are always lots of fun and the proceeds are for a great cause.
Annual Jimmy Buffet Tribute was held in early June at the Cove Marina. It was a Great way to kick off the summer fun.Everyone enjoyed the Live Entertainment, BBQ, Fun and Games on the Waterfront Patio.For details and directions check out Cove Marina next summer and watch my blogs for details of upcoming events. Check out the Cove Marina website
Country Western Boot Hill Jamboree
Thursday July 28- Sunday July 31/2011
The third annual Boot Hill Jamboree this year was held near Clacken a few short miles from Chatham. This year for the first time the Provincial Government donated $65,000 for the event which helped the organizers plan an even more spectacular jamboree.It was a fantastic weedkend of top notch shows right here in our own Kent County. On Friday night July 29, the Kentucky Head Hunters took the stage along with Dean Brody. Those of us who attended the Josh Turner Concert at the Capital Theatre in Downtown Chatham last September were lucky enough to hear Dean Brody perform as the opening act.He was just as good if not better at the Jamboree.. And of course, if you are a Country fan you loved the Kentucky Head Hunters. On Saturday, we heard the awesome Oakridge Boys and on Sunday, Sammy Kershaw. As if that was not enough, Marshall Dane was there and Mustang Sally closed out Sunday night.Be sure to watch for next years show details and check online in May or June 2012 for Early Bird tickets and camping spots at http://www.boothilljamboree.com/or by calling 519-678-3434 This weekend Event has established itself as a Major Tourist Attraction in the Summer in just a few short years and attracts visitors from across Canada as well as the U.S.
Annual Lion's Club Seafood Dinner was held this year June 4/2011 in Tilbury. Tickets were $55.00 per person and that included all you could eat Lobster, Crab, Shrimp,Clam Chowder, Seafood Salads, Oysters and Clams. Entertainment and Dancing followed dinner. This is always a must for the Seafood Lover and an Annual Event for the Lion's Club.Check my Blogs for further details.
These Local Festivals and Events not only provide fun and entertainment for individuals and families in the community but attract visitors from all over the country to Chatham-Kent.
Don't miss this little paradise. Discover all the great things to do in Chatham-Kent and why so many people are chosing this area to retire, downsize. relocate to or maybe just visit. Affordable Lifestyle is here for you!
Check my weekly Blog on this site for upcoming events.
