After a year off because of the pandemic, and a year of scaled-back festivities, The Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing (WAMBO) is set to return to Chatham-Kent this summer.
In 2020, the event, which is normally held in August, was cancelled for the first time in its 31-year history due to public health restrictions. The following year, organizers held a dialled back version of the event over the Thanksgiving weekend.
However, on Wednesday, the WAMBO Board of Directors announced that it was coming back to the second weekend in August.
WAMBO is one of the country's largest transportation shows and features antique, classic and specialty boats, cars, fire trucks and motorcycles as well as different live entertainment.
Event Chair Bill Wolsing said it feels amazing to be bringing the event back.
"I'm sure like any other event organization, having an annual event like that. Because of COVID, we were at a standstill and we're really excited to come back and do it," he said.
The free event will run on August 12, 13 and 14.
Each day will feature different live musical entertainment. Other activities that will be taking place include The Terry Glover Memorial Cruise on Friday evening, Saturday’s classic car show, a lawn tractor pull on Saturday as well as motorcycle displays, boats in the Sydenham River, fire truck display, karaoke, vendors throughout the downtown core, soapbox races and a refreshment tent.
Wolsing said it will be the full-scale WAMBO that residents came to know and love before the pandemic hit.
"We are planning on going full steam ahead with all our events," he said. "Except, the southside will be scaled down a little bit because they are removing the walking bridge for repair. "
According to Wolsing, more events and activities will be announced in the coming weeks. Anyone who wishes to learn more about what's planned or see a schedule of events can stay up to date on the WAMBO Facebook page or visit the WAMBO website.