Friday Briefing — August 7, 2026

Good morning, Chatham-Kent. This Friday feels a little different — we hit 1,000 subscribers this week, which means this little local newsletter has found its way into 1,000 inboxes across CK. Thank you for being part of it. I’m still trying to figure out the best way to send out these emails, so hopefully by the end of August. I have a consistent way of sending these out. Feel free to contact me via email if you have any tips, stories or questions you want answered.

Before we get into WAMBO and the weekend — a quick question. We have two other newsletters that get sent out daily and weekly. You can answer below!

⛽ Gas & ☀️ Weather

Gas: Petro-Canada and Mobil tied at 164.4¢ — cheapest in Chatham right now. Shell 165.3¢, Canadian Tire 165.5¢, Esso 166.7¢. Down from 169¢+ earlier this week.

Weather: A warm but unsettled weekend. Today (Fri) 26° with thunderstorm risk 70% — if you're heading to Wallaceburg, keep an eye on the sky and check the schedule for any timing changes. Saturday clears up a bit with a 40% shower chance and a high of 26°. Sunday similar at 26°. Humidity is high all weekend — feels closer to 35°+.

⚖️ Major Story — Banknote Fraud Trial: Investors Testify

The $11M Banknote Capital fraud trial in Chatham-Kent took a significant turn this week as investors took the stand to describe how they were drawn in — and what they lost.

Two Chatham men are on trial for fraud related to Banknote Capital. Investors took the stand this week to describe how they were convinced to put their money in — and how much they ended up losing. The testimony painted a picture of promises that didn't hold up, and a community still feeling the financial and emotional fallout.

This trial is one of the most significant financial crime proceedings CK has seen in recent years. The Chatham Daily News has been in the courtroom — worth reading if you want the full picture.

Full story in the Chatham Daily News →

🏛️ Major Story — A New Museum is Coming to Chatham-Kent

The Chatham-Kent Museum is moving — and the municipality wants your input on what it should become.

A new museum is planned for the Chatham-Kent Community Hub. Before it opens, the municipality is running a community survey asking residents what stories, people, places, and moments should be preserved for future generations.

The survey is open August 5–17 and takes 10–15 minutes. This is genuinely worth doing — a community museum reflects whoever shows up to shape it.

"Your community. Your stories. Your museum," as the municipality puts it — and this survey is how they're asking residents to shape it.

Take the survey →  ·  Read more in the Chatham Daily News →

📰 This Week's Quick Stories

🏒 Chatham Maroons add rookie goalie and veteran scorer. The Maroons have signed rookie goaltender Egor Sokolov and veteran scorer Eddie Hickson ahead of the season. Encouraging moves for local hockey fans. Read in the Chatham Daily News →

⚾ Barnstormers play a home-and-home this weekend against Brantford. The CK Barnstormers (9–24) have a busy weekend — a home-and-home series against the Brantford Red Sox. The Golden Eagles are also on top, and Whitson has qualified for nationals. Worth following if you're a local sports fan. Full roundup in the Chatham Daily News →

🔥 McNaughton Ave arson suspect released on bail again. The man charged in connection with a January fire at 99 McNaughton Avenue West in Chatham has once again been released on bail. Read in the Chatham Daily News →

💡 Hydro One power outage resolved. Approximately 2,300 customers in Chatham-Kent and Lambton County lost power earlier this week — the outage has since been resolved. Read on CK News Today →

🎗️ Alzheimer Society gala tickets now available. The Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent is hosting a fundraising gala in November — tickets are available now. A meaningful evening for a cause that touches a lot of CK families. Read on CK News Today →

🏘️ Community Hub on budget and on time. The new CK Community Hub project in downtown Chatham is progressing on schedule and within budget. Good news for a project that's been closely watched. Read on CK News Today →

🚗 Chatham man arrested on warrant — break-in and theft charges. A 25-year-old Chatham man was arrested on an outstanding warrant after police spotted him driving. He now faces break-in and theft charges. Read on Sydenham Current →

📅 This Weekend in Chatham-Kent

A stacked weekend — here's your full guide.

⚓ WAMBO — Wallaceburg (Fri–Sat)

The big one. The Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing runs Friday August 7 (4:30pm–midnight) and Saturday August 8 (8am–midnight) on James St along the Sydenham River. Classic and antique cars, beautiful boats moored along the river, food trucks, live music, vendors, and tens of thousands of visitors. This year the Wallaceburg Arts Council has added extra live performances and a 50-50 draw all day Saturday. WAMBO @ the Museum (Wallaceburg Museum, 10am–4pm Saturday) is also worth a stop. Full schedule at wambo.ca →

🎭 Optifest — Victoria Park, Bothwell (Fri–Sun)

Optifest runs all weekend at Victoria Park in Bothwell — Friday Aug 7 and Saturday Aug 8 (8am–midnight), and Sunday Aug 9 (12–4pm). A full festival weekend in one of CK's most charming communities.

⚓ 3 Rivers Roll — Wallaceburg (Thu Aug 6, 6–7pm)

A community cycling event along Wallaceburg's waterways — the unofficial kickoff to WAMBO weekend. A relaxed, fun ride for all abilities.

🚣 BYC Survivor Challenge — Memorial Park, Blenheim

Friday Aug 7 (5:30–10pm) for the Survivor Challenge, and Saturday Aug 8 (11am–6pm) for the BYC 20th Anniversary Celebration and Survivor Challenge at Memorial Park in Blenheim. A big milestone for the BYC — worth the drive down if you're not heading to Wallaceburg.

🌾 Farmers Markets — Saturday

Ridgetown Farmers Market — Sat Aug 8, 8am–12pm
Chatham Farmers Market — Sat Aug 8, 9am–2pm

🚜 89th Annual CK Plowing Match

Saturday August 8, 9:30am–2pm. One of the oldest agricultural traditions in the region. Details →

🍺 BrewFest CK — "EauFest" at Bayside Brewing

Saturday August 8, 2:00–11:00pm. A summer beer festival to cap off WAMBO weekend. Great way to close out Saturday evening.

🌟 CK Hidden Gem of the Week

Reloved Boutique — Wallaceburg. A second-hand shop specializing in athletic wear — think name brands at prices that make sense. If you're already heading to WAMBO this weekend, it's worth wandering in while you're in town. Local shopping, sustainable fashion, real value.

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Have a great weekend, Chatham-Kent.
— The CKNow Team · cknow.ca