Rock the Casbah

I can hear what sounds like "Great Balls of Fire" wafting up from Ritchie Wharf, mingling with all the birds singing and boat traffic passing. The official opening doesn't happen until tomorrow night, but the Rock 'n Roll Festival is definitely underway!

I'm not heading down there this evening. I'm tired and I've got things to do. But tomorrow night I'm going to the opening and then later back to my place to watch the fireworks. I had hoped to see the Duck Race this year, but I've got to be in Blackville on Saturday and will miss it. What do you do? When you gotta work, you gotta work. But I'll be back for events on Sunday at least.

The schedule of things to come, should you be interested:

THURSDAY JULY 5
8 p.m. Opening Ceremonies & Street Dance
Susan Butler will sing O Canada and we will have the official opening of the festival. "Overdrive" will take you back to an era that will live forever, and of course there will be lots of activities for the children.
Cash Prize For Best Dressed At The Opening Ceremonies
Location: Waterfront Parking Lot, Newcastle.

10:30 p.m. Rock 'N' Roll Festival & Tim Hortons present Fireworks.
They've been called the best in the Maritimes, come and enjoy the spectacle.
Location: Waterfront Parking Lot, Newcastle.

FRIDAY JULY 6
1 p.m.-3 p.m. "Dude...Where's My Car"?
Pick up and drop off ballots at Vogue Optical. Locate the "cars" on the list and you could win $200.00.

1 p.m.-5 p.m. Free Live Entertainment
Location: Town Square

5 p.m. Registered Car Owners Meet & Greet
Great entertainment again this year by Ronald Doiron. Make sure you register your vehicle and take part in the fun.
Location: Goodie Shop Lounge.

9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Dance For Adults
"The Reunion Band" will be celebrating 50 years of playing Rock 'N' Roll. Their sound is second to none and we are expecting a sell out. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and you must be 19 years of age or over to attend.
Cash Prize For Best Dressed At The Dance
Location: Miramichi Civic Centre

SATURDAY JULY 7
SALE SALE SALE
Check out the Newcastle Business District for great sales

11 a.m. Show Off Your Baby
Owners of Antique Cars come show them off. Security will be on site.
Location: Town Square

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Rockin' In The Park
Music will fill the downtown as you take a trip through yesteryear.

Noon-3 p.m. Children's Activities
Location: Town Square

12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Karaoke
Get your vocal chords warmed up and show off your talent
Location: Town Square

2 p.m. Rock 'N' Festival and Jaycees "Tire Fryer"
Hold'er for 45 seconds...if you dare in this burnout competition. Register at 1 p.m. Tire Frying at 2 p.m. Cost is $25 and space is limited
Location: Waterfront Parking Lot, Newcastle

4 p.m. Camp Sheldrake Great Duck Race
This event will really "quack" you up.
Location: Ritchie Wharf

5 p.m. How Fast Is Your Car?
Test your speed and your nerve in the 1/4 mile. No charge
Location: Miramichi Dragway Park

6 p.m. Golden Oldie Cruise Around The River
Parade begins and ends at the Goodie Shop Restaurant parking lot.

9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Dance for Adults
The Ambassadors of Rock 'N' Roll, "Donnie and the Monarchs" are back!! You'll rock, you'll roll, you'll swing and sway with the music from yesterday. Ya just gotta dance. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and you must be 19 years of age or older to attend.
Cash Prize For Best Dressed At The Dance
Location: Miramichi Civic Centre

SUNDAY JULY 8
8:30 a.m. Rock 'N' Run
1/2 Marathon, 10 & 5km. Walkers welcome in 5km only. The 10km is a NB Provincial Championship. Over $1600.00 in prize money. T-Shirts guaranteed to the first 250 registered in the 1/2 Marathon or 10km. 5km finishers will receive a participant medal. Last year, runners recorded some of their best times. For more information contact Scott at 778-9900 or register on line here
Location: Start at the Lindon Rec Centre

1 p.m.-4 p.m. Kids Fun Day
Jump Castles, Face Painting and a whole lot more.
Location: Behind the Beaverbrook Kin Centre

1 p.m.-5 p.m. Goodie Shop Restaurant Golden Oldie Car Show
A spectacular display of classics. There will be great prizes as well as entertainment by Ben "Ti-Blanc" Morin.
"The Very Best" Car Show In Atlantic Canada
Location: Goodie Shop Restaurant Parking Lot

Mood: slight headache
Drinking: king cole tea, black
Listening To: ti-blanc in the distance
Hair: trying something out