Return to Happy Days: Live bands and classic cars to star at Bolton event

No charge to attend, donations to Caledon Meals on Wheels gratefully accepted

By Zachary Roman

Area residents can travel back in time at a 1950s, 60s and 70s-themed event being held in Bolton on May 14.

Hosted by the Caledon Cruisers, the “Return to Happy Days” event will feature live bands, a classic car show, awards, best-dressed prizes, a 50/50 draw and food trucks.

It will be held in the Canadian Tire parking lot in Bolton from 6 to 10 p.m. with a rain date of May 28.

Caledon Councillor Annette Groves was involved in organizing the event, alongside the Caledon Cruisers and Bolton Village Residents Association. According to their website, the Cruisers are a group of automotive enthusiasts who first met just for fun and are now an official club that has supported many Caledon charities.

The club hasn't lost its original spirit and its motto is still “Just for Fun.”

The Bolton Village Residents Association is a group that represents Bolton residents' best interests and promotes community while supporting positive initiatives.

Groves said everyone involved thought the event would give residents something to look forward to after being stuck in their homes and not being able to get out for so long.

“We're calling it ‘Happy Days' because, of course, it's been two years of challenges for people. So, you know, this is just a feel good, free concert. No tickets needed, people can just come out and enjoy the music, enjoy the car show. We'll have some local vendors there for food and so they will be supporting our local vendors as well,” said Groves.

While there is no charge to attend, donations to local charity Caledon Meals on Wheels are gratefully accepted. Groves said she was a volunteer driver with Caledon Meals on Wheels for 10 years and that it's a wonderful organization.

“I believe in what they do, I believe in the services that they provide for the seniors… especially now,” she said. 

“Delivering meals, I would be — myself or the other volunteers who would drive and deliver meals — were like the only people those seniors would see for the day. I think it's important, the work that they do, and I think that we need to support them.”

Groves said she's sure the event will be busy and people are looking forward to getting out to outdoor events. She added the pandemic brought all kinds of challenges and people need to be out enjoying life, feeling a sense of normality again.

Treasure Hill Homes and Verdi Alliance Group of Companies are sponsoring the event, and Groves wanted to thank the two companies for stepping up for the community. She said it allows any money raised to go directly to Caledon Meals on Wheels.