THUNDER BAY – Held on Saturday, Classic Day featured local clubs and collections who appreciate and share the toys, tools and machines of a classic time.
At Classic Day Antique Tractors, Lakehead Radio Control Car Club, Thunder Bay Model Railroaders, Lakehead Aeromodellers, Classic Cars and Cold Slate Creamery were all shown off.
There was a Thunder Bay Museum Classic Car Raffle and music by Strait Up classic rock band.
Jean Mayo, curator of Oliver Paipoonge Herritage Park, said this place really draws in the public.
“We like to see everyone come out and enjoy themselves. It's a family venue and everything here really showcases this area for a fun day,” she said.
Classic Day is an annual event, Mayo said
“This is our second one and we've made it bigger this year by having more vendors come in. A lot of hobbyists want to showcase what they have to the people and possibly entice some to join their groups.
“It's the local people that are showing their hobbies. They want to encourage people to join their groups and we want to show everyone what we have here as well. So, we all congregated together to make this an interesting day,” Mayo said.
Oliver Paipoonge Heritage Park is open from 12 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in July and August. In September, they will be open from 12 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Admission for every day that Oliver Paipoonge Heritage Park is open is $5 for ages 13 and up and ages 12 and under are free.
“In two weeks on July 20, we have Family Day and we're going to cater to the families of this area and anyone from out of town, we have kid’s crafts and games, Rodney Brown is the musician playing that day and we have a clown on. It's just a great day for everyone to come out and enjoy it.”
Marco Grenon, president of the Lakehead Aeromodellers club, said this event gives exposure to their club.
“We're a nonprofit club and we fly model aircraft. Basically, it's a social club with the fun part of flying aircraft. It can range from small to big aircraft, helicopters, full planes, name it, we got it all,” said Grenon adding that they typically fly on highway 130.
“I think it's very important, especially since the pandemic ended, we haven't had much exposure, especially the club side.
“We're having our first public event on July 27 and exposure like this at this site just helps the clubs to stay alive, attract new members, show what we can do. I mean, it's for everyone. We take everyone as long as you're having fun,” he said.
Tyler Fedun, director for Rural Heritage Agricultural Society, said these events are important for education.
“It's important that everybody comes and understands what we use back in the past and what is still around today in our area. I don't know that many people know how much of it is still around and that there are lots of interest in our classic tractors, antiques and the rodeo,” Fedun said.
Tom Loghrin, volunteer for Rural Heritage Agricultural Society, said he does the tractor rodeo.
“The tractor rodeo will be Friday evening (Sept 6) and have two sessions on Saturday (Sept 7). You can enter the rodeo with any tractor you wish. But most of the guys run antique tractors in the rodeo," Loghrin said.
Oliver Paipoonge Heritage Park is a haven for history enthusiasts, and a brilliant day trip for children and families. For more information visit their website.
