Sir: Regarding Will Shepherd’s letter about RetroFest in your June 15 issue, I would like to make a few comments.
First of all, RetroFest has been a long-standing event for the past 17 years. With the efforts of the Kent Historic Auto Club (KHAC) and the Chatham Business Improvement Area (BIA) as well as the generous support of many sponsors, this event has attracted tens of thousands of people to our city.
Speaking as a downtown merchant, I can attest to the fact that not only is business great throughout RetroFest, the new customers we meet return and see us after RetroFest. This is good marketing and promotion for us as well as Chatham as a whole.
Speaking as an owner of a “clinking, clanking relic” that I have have spent a considerable amount of time, effort and money in its restoration, I am appalled that anyone would refer to these vehicles as “metallic trash.”
These cars are enjoyed, viewed and appreciated by many with fond memories of the past. These misguided statements are only indicative of a total ignorance of what RetroFest is all about. I sincerely hope he does not refer to our seniors with the same disrespect.
John Brennan
Simply Shoes
