May 24-25
Retrofest kicks off what is unofficially known as Classic Car season in Chatham-Kent. This premiere event attracts thousands of classic car enthusiasts annually to downtown Chatham. Friday night, classic cars line the streets for a cruise, hosted by the Kent Historic Auto Club. This parade of vintage beauties begins at the John D. Bradley centre, and features a new route each year. Saturday morning, the downtown is then filled with hundreds of cars on King Street West and surrounding side roads until 4:00 pm. Visitors are encouraged to head to Tecumseh Park, where vendors, rides and retro-fun filled activities take place.
June 22
Downtown Blenheim is home to more than one hundred classic and vintage cars every year in June. The Blenheim Classics Auto Show runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and allows classic car buffs to revel in the incredible sights of a variety of models from 1980 on lined up and down the streets. While the road is closed, it's a great time to visit the area merchants as well, and even take a break for a bite to eat. Don't forget, car owners love to talk about their pride and joy, so don't be shy to capture a photo with favourite and rarely seen vehicles.
June 23
It's a feast for the eyes in Erieau as vehicles of all makes and models take centre stage. More than one hundred classics and their owners are on hand for viewing. Check back for details about
Erieau Boulevard of Dreams fish fry with entertainment. Visitors can then take advantage of the many eateries and shops along with the beach, creating the perfect pre-summer day along Lake Erie and Rondeau Bay.
