ABOUT WAMBO
WAMBO has been part of Wallaceburg summers for over three decades, growing from a small local gathering into one of Ontario’s best-known car and boat events.
It was built by a group of people who cared about their town and wanted to bring something back to the downtown core. That same spirit still carries it today, led by volunteers and community members who continue to put in the time to keep it going.
THE BEGINNING OF WAMBO
Wallaceburg antique motor + Boat outing began IN 1989
WAMBO didn’t start as a large event. It started with a small idea and a bit of support to get it moving.
In its early days, the Town of Wallaceburg, led by Mayor Gary O’Flynn, provided a $5,000 loan to help bring the event to life. It was a practical step, but an important one and a signal that the town believed in what it could become.
The event itself was founded in 1989 by the late Pard Martin, alongside Ted Oliver, who served as the original co-chairs. Together, they were looking for a way to bring people back into the downtown core and build something around what Wallaceburg was already known for, its long history of boat building and its connection to the automotive industry.
With the Sydenham River running through the centre of town and a strong base of local volunteers, the idea came together naturally. Boats along the water, cars on the streets, and a weekend that reflected the place it came from.
Councillor Chip Gordon, who represented Wallaceburg in Chatham-Kent, was a founding member and past chairman of WAMBO for more than 22 years. Known throughout the community for his service, Chip received numerous awards recognizing his contributions. He was someone who always had time for a conversation, often with a quick joke, and took a genuine interest in the people around him. He cared deeply about WAMBO, but just as much about the community as a whole, and he led in a way that brought people together, with a clear sense of trust in those around him. An excellent delegator, he helped build the kind of team that could carry the event forward. His family, many of whom are still involved today, remain part of that ongoing connection to WAMBO.
From the beginning, it was a community effort built by people who saw potential in their town and were willing to put in the work to make it happen. That foundation is still what carries WAMBO today.
DESIGNED BY THE LATE JACK (DUFFY) DENT
CREATING THE WAMBO LOGO
Sketch only, showing the general information. An event name has been established.
Utilizing the first letter in each title word we have derived the word “WAMBO”, a possible event name.
Maple leafs are included to indicate the events place of origin and the Wallaceburg “Flying W” on the boss of the anchor serves to give exposure to our community.
Event name overlaying prominent event figures (antique fire engine, water craft and automobile.
THE IMPACT OF WAMBO CARRIES ON
TODAY, WAMBO HAS BECOME A WALLACEBURG TRADITION
WAMBO has changed over the years, but not all at once.
What began as a smaller gathering has gradually expanded into a full weekend that now brings thousands of people into Wallaceburg each August. More events were added, the footprint grew, and the schedule filled out, but the structure stayed familiar. Cars on the streets, boats along the river, and everything built around the downtown core.
That kind of growth doesn’t happen on its own. It’s been carried forward by people who’ve stayed involved and kept it moving.
Current Chairman Bill Wolsing, a retired firefighter and local business owner, has been part of WAMBO for over 20 years, including more than a decade as chairman. His time with the event reflects what’s kept it going: consistency, local knowledge, and a willingness to put in the work year after year.
WAMBO still depends on that same kind of support. Volunteers, sponsors, participants, and local businesses all play a role in making it happen.
It’s grown, but it hasn’t outgrown where it came from.
THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS BEHIND WAMBO
WAMBO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BILL WOLSING
CHAIRMAN + VENDORS + ENTERTAINMENT
Paul dineno
1ST VICE CHAIR + TREASURER
BRIAN ARMITAGE
2ND VICE CHAIR + PHOTOGRAPHY
STEVE TAMBLYN
DIRECTOR + MERCHANDISE + SPONSORSHIP
BRENT DENURE
DIRECTOR + FIRE TRUCK MANAGER
ANDREW HASSON
DIRECTOR + CARS MANAGER
JESS POIRIER
SECRETARY
A COMMUNITY EFFORT
WAMBO HAS ALWAYS BEEN ORGANIZED BY VOLUNTEERS
As WAMBO has grown over the years, it’s stayed rooted in the same idea: Wallaceburg cares.
The people who give their time to plan, coordinate and keep the weekend running smoothly have helped to create a weekend that feels open, accessible and worth coming back to.
Everyone from committee members, local organizations and sponsors, sports clubs, community supporters and more, have helped to shape the event into what it is today.
LOOKING TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER AT WAMBO?
WAMBO runs on the people who show up and pitch in.
From setup and coordination to helping visitors find their way, volunteers play a key role in keeping the weekend moving. Whether you can give a few hours or a full day, it all makes a difference.
If you’re looking to get involved, meet people, or be part of something local, this is a good place to start.
WAMBO THROUGH THE YEARS
ANNUAL POSTERS + COLLECTIBLES
