With the official return of the Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing, residents and visitors were definitely making the most of the weekend.
After the event was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic and then scaled down and delayed to October last year, hundreds gathered in the Chatham-Kent town to enjoy the classic vehicles.
Matt Thomas, the event’s car manager, said there were more than 260 vehicles registered as of Saturday morning, with more continuing to arrive throughout the day.
“It feels great,” he said. “We’re up 75 per cent (in participation) right now. … Even the scaled-down one, we still had good numbers.”
Friday featured the weekend’s opening ceremonies, the arrival of boats on the Sydenham River and the Knights of Columbus barbecue. The Terry Glover Memorial Cruise also took place.
On Saturday, there were vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles on James Street, boats on the river, the fire truck show and parade, art in the park, the Downtown Wallaceburg BIA farmers market and soap box races, along with other activities and entertainment.
On Sunday, an interdenominational church service was held at the James Street municipal parking lot, followed by a mini-garden tractor pull in the afternoon.
Thomas said people were eager for the traditional return of WAMBO, citing its positive impact on community morale.
“I think it’s very important to have this show,” he said. “Everyone wants to get out and do something.”
John MacLachlan, who came from Windsor for the event, was on hand with his 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe.
He was happy to be back, noting it’s been several years since he’s taken part in the WAMBO festivities.
“I like the people. The entertainment is right here,” he said. “It’s always fun.”
Dan Foster, who lives just outside of Wallaceburg, was sitting nearby with his 1946 Ford pickup and 1970 Mercury Cougar.
He said he was impressed with the show, given the caliber of the classic vehicles lining the streets.
“They have a lot of turn out,” he said. “A lot of different varieties.”
