Retrofest – Great Family Entertainment

Lynn Nagle

Special/Chatham This Week

There is something fascinating about antique cars. Crowds came with lawn chairs, strollers, blankets and cameras to watch and wave as the Antique Car Parade past them by on Friday night. Both sides of the street were lined the entire route and throughout the downtown core as people tried to catch a glimpse of history driving past.

An old ambulance was on hand for the parade. Glad to see that their services weren't needed.

Whether it was your first or your eighth Retrofest, thousands turned out to stroll down memory lane, shop, mingle and learn a little bit about these cars at Saturday's Car Show. Drivers proudly talked shop about their car which only added to the intrigue of these vehicles. All the cars had a story in the history or in the restoration.

For many visitors it was an opportunity to dream. One driver standing beside a Shelby Cobra replica said; "This is my dream car…a seat for me and one for my dog." His golden retriever would not only look good in the passenger seat, but she wouldn't complain about the wind messing up her hair.

Mark Dimario came with his uncle Mark. "Trucks, did you say? He loves them all." His uncle explained. "But we really came to see everything."

For the Mailloux family this really is a family event. Ken and Shirley rode the parade in their 1956 Thunderbird. Their daughter Jacqueline Dick and her husband and two children were right behind them in another Thunderbird. Mr. Dick's father, Peter also entered an 1954 Ford pickup in the parade.

Zachery Dick was 8 on Friday looks forward to the day he too can drive in the parade. His Uncle Gord from Gord's Towing in Tilbury also had his car "High Roller" an 1959 Edsel in the parade. He is Shirley's sister and he brought two of his grandchildren with him too.

Three generations, Birthday boy Zachery Dick with Grandpa Ken Mailloux,and Grandma Shirley, sister Andrea and mom Jacqueline getting ready to ride in the parade.

Landon Copeland who was one day short of his third birthday sat inside a racing car. He felt an immediate connection and would gladly have driven it home.

A late arrival, but a fan favourite is this antique fire truck which took up the rear of the parade. It was off loaded just as the parade began.

The food is always an attraction in itself. Do you start with Kettle Popcorn, funnel cakes, Frito Pies or stick with the standard fresh hot dog or hamburger right from the grill? Top that with a little ice cream for dessert and everyone walked away with smiles.

At Tecumseh Park the Disney movie "Cars" was shown Friday night on a 20'x30' screen. Many families found that this was a great movie and a great way to wrap up Friday night.

On Saturday, families came back to the park to see the replica of Bella's truck from the first Twilight movie, or walk by the Duke's of Hazard car which nicknamed "General Lee". The Police car from Mayberry RFD and the Mad Max car seemed liked they were ready to step back unto the live screen.

Here, in Tecumseh Park families tried to find the best free seats in the house for the movie Cars.

At RM Classic Cars and Duke's Harley Davidson's people got to see an exciting cross section of old cars and motorcycles. Many families took pictures beside Fred Flintstone's car from the dinosaur age.

Overall many felt that Retrofest gets better every year. People will be carrying the memories, the photos and the antique car stories with them and will be dreaming about owning one too.

Article ID# 2603382

Costly Driving Distractions

Most of us tend to feel that we are pretty safe drivers, when in fact we are just one distraction away from a car accident. An accident which would in fact be our own fault.

At the Insurance Bureau of Canada Exhibit at Retrofest people got a chance to drive the (Distractions Undermining Motorist Behaviour) D.U.M.B. car which uses a simulator to test motor vehicle drivers reactions to everyday distractions. Things that we don’t even think about but DO while driving.

The test has drivers merge onto a major highway then the Student Ambassadors with the Insurance Bureau ask questions and provide the various distractions such as opening a water bottle, counting change, reading road maps and glancing at other literature while driving and talking. A cell phone was also in the car so that an ambassador could call the driver.

At highway speeds the simulator is unforgiving as it catches one after another of your driving mistakes and in most cases the accident you just created.

Dave Palmer and Cheryl Johnstone, the morning team from 92.9 Country Music were willing to take on the challenge. Dave’s test ended after he rear ended another driver. Cheryl spun out and clipped the guard rail after she hit someone and then was hit by someone else.

Both are on well deserved holidays this week so it may have been the preparation thoughts that were the first distractions they had. Pets, packing, and reservations – “Are they all in place and taken care of?”

Cheryl wouldn’t think of talking on her cell phone while driving in her own car, but did answer the call in the DUMB car cell phone.

Since most of us will be hitting the road as we go on holidays here are a few tips to make your driving a little safer this summer.

1. Read and understand the directions before getting in your car.

2. Pull over to the side of the road if you need to make a call or check a message, deal with another passenger eat or drink.

3. Make sure that everyone knows that for safety reasons you will no longer answer calls and will not respond to text messages while you are driving. In fact, it is best turn these devices off when you get into a car. For other safe driving tips visit www.ibc.ca

Shhhhh! – They’re Trying to Make A Point

Lynn Nagle

Special/Chatham This Week

Sometimes silence can be more powerful than anything that can be put into words.

Hopefully this 1^st annual Ride of Silence in Chatham gets the awareness that the organizers want. These bicycle riders want motorists to “Share the Road.”

The Ride of Silence was originally organized in Dallas in 2003 in memory of Larry Schwartz who was killed by a bus. Cyclists all over the world use this same night to ride in honour those killed or have been injured in an accident. Final results aren’t in but International figures expect more than 300 communities in 18 different countries were expected to participate.

Jennifer Laevens, organizer of the Chatham-Kent event got choked up as she discussed the six training for a Triathlon near Montreal just last weekend. Three of these died and the other three were injured in an accident involving one truck. Less than two days later another motorist took the life of another cyclist near Montreal. Many CK riders wore armbands to honour these cyclists.

Two of Roger's Angels - Walle Schaffner pins a key message on the back of Josie Evers.

Some riders came on unique bicycles. There were two different bicycles made for two. Some riders came out as a family. Most of the cyclists came from the Chatham-Kent Cycle Club. Some of these members have been riding together for years, while others were relatively new members. Whether they ride for speed, training or just for leisure they have one thing in common - they all love to ride.

Roger Carron, an avid cyclist says he has been riding for MS for 12 years. Roger’s Angels (a group that often ride with Roger) were also there.

When asked, Rob Peck who has been riding for three years explained that gear is important. The bike cleats help those in training keep their feet on the special racing pedals. Gloves help to soften the vibrations. On long rides this can be extremely helpful. Everyone wore the mandatory bike helmets.

Seven year old Mathew Dubeau and his five and half year old brother Ryan were two of the youngest riders who came out. They were there under dad’s watchful eye.

Matthew and Ryan Dubeau wait patiently for the ride to begin.

Dan Brousseau, from Chatham-Kent Cycle lead the procession from the Union Gas parking lot as they silently worked their way through most of the downtown core with a police escort.

Pinned onto their backs many had the words they wanted those watching them pass to hear if they could have spoken. SAME ROADS SAME RIGHTS SAME RULES. They aren’t asking for special privileges….just space and the same respect you’d give any other motorist on the road.

Cyclists gather in the Union Gas parking lot prior to the Ride of Silence