RocknRoll Festival

"THE VERY BEST" FESTIVAL IN ATLANTIC CANADA

In 1994, the Goodie Shop Restaurant, keeping with their 50's and 60's decor, decided to hold a Golden Oldie Car Show to allow car enthusiasts everywhere a chance to come together and talk about their first love: old cars. The crowd enjoyed the afternoon immensely and Rock 'N' Roll music filled the air.

In 1995, what was then the Newcastle Business Association came on board to expand the Car Show to a full weekend of activities and thus the Rock 'N' Roll Weekend was born.

The first weekend saw about 60 people involved. There are now over 200 volunteers who give freely of their time to help make the festival a success. There are 20 members on our committee and we meet year round to ensure the continued success of this festival. Tens of Thousands of people turn out to enjoy the five-day festival.

The official opening takes place Thursday night, followed by a street dance and plenty of children's activities. Lots of folks dress in 50's and 60's garb and young and old alike enjoy great music. The fireworks sponsored by Tim Hortons continue to be more spectacular, some people describing them as the best in the Maritimes.

On Friday afternoon people enjoy a scavenger hunt with a twist as they drive around the downtown area looking for antique cars during the "Dude, Where's My Car? event. The first of our adult dances takes place Friday night and the Civic Centre is rockin'.

Saturday's Tire Fryer is a roaring success. Crowds of people watch as cars, trucks, motorcycles and even four- wheelers compete to see who can do the best burnout. Meanwhile in Queen Elizabeth Park, rock 'n' roll music fills the air as local bands strut their stuff while shoppers keep time with the music and enjoy the sidewalk sales. The Lucky Strike game sponsored by Atlantic Lottery raises money for various local charities each year. The cruise around the river on Saturday evening continues to draw a bigger and better response from car owners and spectators alike. The day's festivities are capped with an adult dance at night as folks remember an era that lives on.

Sunday morning the Rock 'N' Run half marathon and 10K takes off from the Civic Centre and runners from all over the province compete for prize money. After a hearty breakfast people take in the Goodie Shop Restaurant Golden Oldie Car Show. Over ten thousand enthusiasts come out to see more than 400 vehicles and the owners certainly enjoy showing off their babies.

With events added every year and local support at an all time high, the Rock 'N' Roll Committee continues to focus more advertising and promotion at the tourist population. The future looks bright and enthusiasm is boundless. We have been named one of the top ten festivals in the province on numerous occasions, a distinction of which we are very proud. So many people are involved and we thank all who help us, our dedicated team of volunteers is the backbone of the festival. To them we extend an extra heart felt THANK YOU.