The conclusion of the 15th annual RetroFest last weekend was a triumph of organization, hard work and dedication by a number of groups.
The sponsoring organization is the Historic Downtown Chatham Business Improvement Association but as chairman Paul Shettel acknowledged, it takes far more than just BIA members to make the event a success.
The Kent Historic Auto Club does an amazing amount of work each year to ensure that Chatham’s cruise and display is among the biggest in this part of the province.
Volunteers from Chatham-Kent Community Living, the scouting movement, the security and organization by those helping from Maple City on Patrol, BIA members, the Chatham-Kent Havoc Rugby team and scores of secondary school students made it possible for thousands of Chatham and area residents to see some amazing cars and take part in the first major event of the summer.
Not to be forgotten is the contribution by the municipality in making sure things ran smoothly on a number of logistical fronts.
As with any event, RetroFest has changed and moved with the times and organizers are busy right now developing ideas and directions for the coming year.
Whatever plans they come up with, it’s important to remember that the success of the event continues to hinge on partnerships with those in the community who have the time, resources and energy to give back in a way that can’t be defined by dollars alone.
Whatever the future holds for the event, we owe a debt of gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers who make RetroFest something of which all of Chatham-Kent can be proud of year after year.
Thanks Jim,
Retrofest Chatham is a huge event for us, Countless Volunteers & the needed Sponsors, are only the beginning to organizing this. Plans are beginning for 2016,but change is inevitable and necessary. Retrofest continues to be the one of the biggest tourist draws in the municipality,the sheer # of people and the $$ injected into the local economy speak volumes about the success of this event.Continued & enhanced support will be required in the future.
Again Thanks to all the Sponsors
Thanks also to The Chatham Voice for allowing comments with our names!
Paul Shettell
Chair ~~ H.D.T,Chatham B.I.A.