Nineteen-eighty-eight was a banner year in Canadian history. Calgary hosted the Olympics, the National Gallery of Canada opened in Ottawa, and right here in Wallaceburg, Ontario, the inaugural Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing (WAMBO) was held.
Since its inception 36 years ago, WAMBO has continued to grow over the years, becoming one of Canada’s largest transportation shows. Each year, the second weekend in August draws thousands of people to downtown Wallaceburg to marvel at the beauty and craftsmanship of antique boats, cars, and fire trucks. Some come for the food, others come for the fun, and many come to shop at the many unique, local businesses our community has to offer.
This year the festivities kick off on Friday, August 9 at 5 p.m. with the ringing of the bell at Civic Park. Also scheduled for Friday evening is the Terry Glover Memorial Dream Cruise. Many community members have fond memories of sitting on their front porches or lining the boulevards with folding chairs to watch the vintage cars cruise by before heading downtown for some live entertainment and socializing. But for Wallaceburg locals and visitors alike, the excitement doesn’t end there. Saturday at WAMBO is always packed from dawn till dusk with numerous activities for young and old alike. Not fond of antique vehicles? WAMBO hosts Art in the Park, with several artists, crafters and vendors setting up shop in a display of local and regional talent.
And keeping in stride with the arts, there’s going to be some great entertainment downtown. In addition to a number of live performers, budding stars can show off their musical talent in the karaoke tent. Interested in something more scenic?
Take in the views of the Sydenham by visiting one of our local businesses’ patios, strolling along the community’s boardwalk, or getting a closer look at the antique boats by renting a kayak at Whimsies Paddle Rental and paddling down the river.If all that physical activity makes you peckish, grab some food at one of our local service clubs’ barbeques, or a cool refreshing drink from one of the vendors. Be sure to be downtown when the Torch Ride for Special O
lympics rolls into town. Speaking of athletes, be sure to cross over to the southside of the river to cheer on our young racers competing in the soap box competition.
No trip to WAMBO would be complete without a visit to the Wallaceburg and District Museum. Family fun including face painting, rope making, and a dunk tank will be set up in the parkette outside. And for you TV game show lovers, you won’t want to miss the giant Plinko board!
Feeling lucky? You may want to purchase a 50/50 ticket to support WAMBO and the Wallaceburg and District Council for the Arts.
Awards ceremonies will be held at 4 p.m., but the fun doesn’t stop there. Entertainment continues well into the evening with a CCR tribute band.
A full schedule of events and times can be viewed on WAMBO’S official website. https://wambo.ca/index.php
Don’t miss your chance to catch up with old friends or make some new ones at the 36th annual WAMBO in beautiful downtown Wallaceburg!
See you there!
Written by Kristen Charron
