It'll be all hands on deck -- and then some -- for Chatham-Kent police and other first responders this weekend with several major events taking place across the municipality.
RetroFest is revving up in downtown Chatham while Threshing Festival takes over Thamesville, Pain Court will be packed for the annual Truck And Tractor Pull Friday night, and Erieau will fill up for its annual Classic Car Show on Sunday.
Chatham-Kent police are expected to help with on-site supervision and traffic control, but the municipality is also expected to pay for some additional security costs.
Sergeant Jim Lynds with the Chatham-Kent Police Service's Community Mobilization Unit said officers have been preparing for this weekend since mid-to-late January.
"We've had to pull in and switch shifts for a number of officers, but the main thing is we're not affecting our frontline service," said Lynds. "We'll still respond to calls for service that are made to us during all of the events taking place."
Lynds is urging drivers to be courteous and patient on the road, adding that you should plan your parking ahead of time or take a shuttle if you're heading into one of the busy areas.
You can find the RetroFest shuttle route below and you can find a map of the road closures in downtown Chatham by clicking here.
RetroFest Shuttle for Friday, June 21: Beginning at 3:00 p.m.
Parking Lots: Former Target Parking Lot at the Thames Lea Plaza, 653 Grand Avenue West (with overflow at Union Gas)
Drop off before concert: Fifth Street at Thames Street
Pick up after concert: Fifth Street east side, south of King Street
RetroFest Shuttle for Saturday, June 22: Beginning at 8:00 a.m.
On Saturday this is continuous loop: former Target parking lot, Wellington Street and Fifth Street, Park Avenue Business Centre and the RM Grounds
Parking Lots: Former Target Parking Lot (with overflow at Union Gas); Park Avenue Business Centre, RM Grounds
Drop off locations: RM Grounds, Wellington Street & Fifth Street
Accessible buses will be available, but limited from the Target parking lot on June 21 and 22
