Rock Around the Clock returns on the streets of Chatham this weekend, as RetroFest turns 18.
The classic car extravaganza, put on by the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA, has a busy weekend planned to entertain the thousands of folks expected to hit the downtown core Saturday and who will check out the OLG Classic Car Cruise Friday evening.
The Cruise typically kicks off the weekend, leaving from the John D. Bradley Convention Centre Friday evening, but Tecumseh Park will be alive with activities before that.
Connie Beneteau of the BIA said music in the park begins about 11 a.m., and bands start taking the stage at 4:30 p.m., while the vendors and Retro Fun events crank up about 3 p.m.
Beneteau is cautiously optimistic about this year’s event, as Mother Nature always plays a role in the level of success of RetroFest.
But she said she’s seen a lot of unfamiliar names registered to showcase their wheels this year.
Not all of them are local; not by a long shot.
“Last year, we had someone from North Carolina. This year, from the ones who have registered, one is from Washington, Penn.,” she said. “We have a number of new names we have never seen before, which is great. Actually, we’ve got quite a few we haven’t seen before. I’m happy to see that.”
The majority of participants in the Cruise and the Kent Historic Auto Club’s Classic Car Show, however, hail from Ontario, many of whom are from this part of the province.
“Registration is on par with previous years. A lot of time, all our regulars just show up the day of. But I’ve got all these new ones too,” Beneteau said.
Beneteau said she thinks families will love the games slated for Tecumseh Park this year, as they include a life-sized Pac Man game.
“You get dressed up in the costumes and you try to avoid the ghosts while you collect the balls,” she said, referring to the strategy of the classic video game.
“We also have a gaming dome that will have old gaming systems where people can come in and play,” she added.
On top of those attractions, Beneteau said there will also be an inflatable racetrack, where participants can “race” by riding bikes, competing inside inflatable Zorb balls or in Sumo costumes.
The Kids Zone will return for the younger children as well, featuring a giant ball pit and various inflatables.
A soapbox derby takes place Saturday on William Street too, and the Junior Judges return to choose their favourite vehicles Saturday morning on King Street.
As for the music in the park, it has all been organized by Summit Shows Canada.
On Friday, live bands begin at 4:30 p.m., culminating with Rock of Ages at 9 p.m.
Live performances begin Saturday at noon and feature The Fanatically Hip at 9 p.m.
Summit Shows is also operating a beer garden, Beneteau said.
“It’s so nice to have the added attractions,” she said.
While a great deal of work goes into RetroFest, Beneteau said it is all worth it.
“For me, it’s seeing the crowds downtown. Shoulder to shoulder, you don’t see that any other time,” she said. “It warms my heart to see the community come out, especially on a nice, sunny day.”
