Large crowd on hand for WAMBO

Large crowd on hand for WAMBO

A popular summer tradition thousands didn’t disappoint, as of visitors made their way downtown this weekend for the Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing.

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The weather was perfect for the 36th annual celebration, with sunny skies and warm temperatures, a welcome change from last week’s wet conditions.

Matt Thomas, cars manager, said approximately 160 vehicles were on display Saturday, noting it’s about average for the event.

“It’s great. Everything is falling into place,” he said. “It’s a good turnout.”

Motorcycles are shown in downtown Wallaceburg. (Trevor Terfloth/The Daily News)

He expected between 6,000 to 10,000 people would come through the area over the course of the weekend.

In addition to classic cars from various eras, boats were docked downtown along the Sydenham River.

With Friday’s reopening of the LO Stonehouse pedestrian bridge over the river, Thomas said it had made a huge difference logistically.

“I don’t know how we lived without it. It definitely helps getting people across much quicker,” he said. “They don’t have to go all the way to the very end. It’s shooting doing that all day.

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“It allows us to plan a little better. We can expand a little bit more too.”

The LO Stonehouse pedestrian bridge, which had a lengthy closure for rehabilitation work, was reopened in time for WAMBO. (Trevor Terfloth/The Daily News)
The LO Stonehouse pedestrian bridge, which had a lengthy closure for rehabilitation work, was reopened in time for WAMBO. (Trevor Terfloth/The Daily News)

The structure was initially closed in November of 2021 as a result of an inspection that identified severely damaged structural members.

Although the rehabilitation work is finished, the bridge will be closed again briefly from Monday at 7 am until Aug. 16 at 4 pm, weather permitting, to complete paint touches to the bridge’s coating.

In addition to classic cars, WAMBO featured a variety of vendors, refreshments, prizes and live entertainment.

Musical acts this year included Spirit of the ’60s, Leave Those Kids Alone and Bayou Country (Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute).

Visitors had a chance to check out classic vehicles from many different eras. (Trevor Terfloth/The Daily News)
Visitors had a chance to check out classic vehicles from many different eras. (Trevor Terfloth/The Daily News)
WAMBO boats
Boats were docked along the Sydenham River during WAMBO on Saturday. (Trevor Terfloth/The Daily News)

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