A staple event is back in Chatham and firing on all cylinders.
After two years of cancellations and digital events, RetroFest returns to downtown Chatham on Friday and Saturday.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff said he’s excited to have RetroFest finally return as an in-person event.
“I am absolutely stoked to get out there. There’s going to be a lot of cars out there, a lot of people. And that’s normalcy and that’s what I love to see with these events happening in Chatham-Kent,” he said. “I really encourage people to get out this weekend to Retrofest. I want to see the streets full, I want to see the parks full. What a fantastic feeling it will be.”
The festivities kick off on Friday in Tecumseh Park with family fun activities, vendors and rides which will be open from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Classic cars will begin lining up at Bradley Centre starting at 4:30 p.m. for the Maple Mutual Insurance Classic Car Cruise. The cruise will begin at 6 p.m., with the cars making their way through downtown Chatham. Spectators are encouraged to set up their lawn chairs along King Street to watch the beautiful cars as they drive by.
As well, between 5:30 p.m. and 11 p.m., several bands will take to the stage in Tecumseh Park, including Big Shiny Toons, Jeremy’s Rejects, and 80’s Gone Wild.
RetroFest will kick into high gear on Saturday as downtown roads are closed to allow classic cars to line the streets for the Kent Historic Auto Club Classic Car Show. All vehicles must be 25 years or older to participate.
A Soapbox Derby will be held on William Street at 9 a.m., and the vendors and family activities will reopen to the public in Tecumseh Park at 10 a.m.
The Ms. RetroFest Pageant will begin on stage in Tecumseh Park at 1 p.m., with the Southwind Buoys performing while the judges are deliberating.
Jacklyn Wills, the All Nighters, Dust N Bones, and the CRUED: Motley Crue Tribute will also entertain the crowds on stage between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m.
All rides and most vendors will close at 6 p.m.
For more information about RetroFest 2022, click here.
