After two years of virtual summer events due to the pandemic, the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA is planning a couple of big live bashes in the core this summer.
The BIA will be holding a new event called "Bridgerama Day 2022" in June on top of the very popular Retrofest weekend at the end of May.
BIA Project Coordinator Connie Beneteau said "Bridgerama Day 2022" will be a celebration of the opening of the Third Street Bridge when it opens in June. Beneteau said there will be music and other performances, sales, fun for the children, booths with handmade and homegrown items, a bridge walk, a boat sail-by, a treasure hunt, and much more.
The BIA said this year’s celebration is based on Bridgerama Days in 1962, which celebrated the opening of the previous Third Street Bridge.
"It was a large and happy event that lasted three days," Beneteau said. "There were two dances with a DJ for the young and an orchestra for the adults, one on each side of the bridge, a parade, “super sales” by downtown merchants, lunch and dinner specials, and more."
The BIA is looking for Chatham-Kent performers, artisans, charities, sports groups, service clubs, and other organizations and individuals to participate in the event.
"All the attractions will come from Chatham-Kent. The BIA is working with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and the bridge contractor to finalize the date which will be announced as soon as it is settled," said Beneteau.
More information about the event and about how to take part can be found at www.bridgeramaday2022.ca.
Retrofest will be held on May 27 and 28, 2022 with a classic car cruise, a classic car show, live concerts, vendors, soap box racing, and free fun family attractions such as a 22 foot slide, a crawl park, an obstacle course, a jumping area, and possibly a pool with kiddie paddle boats and water balls for the older children and adults.
More information about Retrofest can be found here.
