CKNow Daily
What's Happening in Chatham-Kent Today — Saturday, August 8
WAMBO in full swing, $16.7M baseball complex coming to Blenheim, Operation Backpack needs your help
By CKNow4 min read
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Good morning, Chatham-Kent. WAMBO is in full swing in Wallaceburg today — the WAMBO is packed, the streets are buzzing, and there's a full day of events across the municipality. Here's your Saturday roundup. 👇
⛽ Gas & ☀️ Weather
Gas: Petro-Canada (93 Park Ave E) is cheapest today at 157.9¢ — down significantly from 164¢ earlier this week. Shell 159.3¢, UPI Energy 159.5¢, Esso & Mobil 159.7¢. Great day to fill up before heading out.
Weather: Morning starts mild at 24° with a mix of sun and cloud — good window to get out early for WAMBO. Afternoon climbs to 28° (feels 38°) with a ⚡ risk of strong thunderstorms by afternoon and evening — 40% chance, 1–3mm. Plan your WAMBO visit for the morning and check wambo.ca for any schedule changes. Clears overnight, dropping to a comfortable 17°.
⚾ Major Story — $16.7M Baseball Complex Coming to Blenheim
Photo/Figure From Municipality of CK
Big news for local sport: Chatham-Kent Council is being asked to approve the purchase of land for a $16.7 million baseball complex in Blenheim. If approved, this would be a major facility investment for CK-area baseball — and a significant anchor for Blenheim specifically.
Details on the land purchase and timeline are being considered at the council level. This is the kind of infrastructure decision that shapes a community for decades — worth paying attention to as it moves through the approval process.
🎒 Major Story — FreeHelp CK Collecting School Supplies for Operation Backpack
Back to school is coming fast — and FreeHelp CK is collecting backpacks and school supplies for Operation Backpack, a community initiative helping local kids head into the school year prepared.
If you have backpacks, notebooks, pencils, or other school supplies to donate, now is the time. This is one of those community programs that makes a real difference for CK families who need it most — and it's easy to participate.
📰 Today's Quick Stories
⚓ WAMBO weekend deals around Wallaceburg. Several local businesses are running WAMBO specials today — Big Chief Drive-In is offering $5 off meals, Goldcoast Fashions in downtown Wallaceburg has deep discounts on new fall items, and The Black Goose Gang is welcoming visitors with their full menu. Worth a stop while you're in town. wambo.ca →
🏛️ 25 heritage plaques installed across CK since 2022. The Chatham-Kent Heritage Network has placed 25 commemorative plaques across the municipality, celebrating local history and sparking community interest in the places that shaped CK. A quiet but meaningful initiative worth knowing about. Read in the Chatham Daily News →
🏒 Chatham Maroons strengthen roster ahead of season. The Maroons have signed rookie goaltender Egor Sokolov and veteran scorer Eddie Hickson. Encouraging moves for local junior hockey fans heading into the fall season. Read in the Chatham Daily News →
🗳️ Marc Westerman running for Ward 6 council seat. Marc Westerman has announced his candidacy for CK council in Ward 6 North West Chatham. Municipal election season is heating up. Read in the Chatham Daily News →
📸 Seth Griffith — CK hockey player makes it to the pros. CK News Today features an interview with Seth Griffith, captain of the Bakersfield Condors (AHL). A great local success story worth sharing. Read on CK News Today →
🚨 Woman charged after assaulting teenager in Dresden. A Chatham-Kent woman has been charged after allegedly striking a teenage girl in an unprovoked incident in Dresden. Read on Sydenham Current →
🏥 Alzheimer Society of CK marks 40 years with fall gala. The Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a fundraising gala on November 20 at Links of Kent. Tickets are now available. A milestone worth recognizing — 40 years of supporting CK families. Read on Sydenham Current →
📷 CK council to consider CCTV camera locations. Council will discuss potential locations for additional CCTV cameras at the August 10 meeting. Read on Sydenham Current →
🗓️ Today in Chatham-Kent
⚓ WAMBO — James St, Wallaceburg (8am–midnight). The big one. Classic and antique cars lining the streets, boats moored along the Sydenham, food trucks, live music, vendors, and tens of thousands of visitors. All day today. Full schedule →
🏛️ WAMBO @ the Museum — Wallaceburg Museum (10am–4pm). A special WAMBO exhibit at the Wallaceburg Museum running alongside the main event. A quieter side of WAMBO worth visiting.
🎭 Optifest — Victoria Park, Bothwell (8am–midnight). Full day of festival activities in Bothwell's Victoria Park. A great alternative if you're not heading to Wallaceburg.
🚗 Bothwell Old Autos Car Show — Bothwell (all day). Classic and antique vehicles on display in Bothwell.
🌾 Ridgetown Farmers Market — 8am–12pm. Fresh and local.
🧺 Chatham Farmers Market — 9am–2pm. Downtown Chatham's weekly staple.
🚜 89th Annual CK Plowing Match — 9:30am–2pm. One of the oldest agricultural traditions in the region. Details →
🍺 BrewFest CK "EauFest" at Bayside Brewing — 2pm–11pm. A summer beer festival to cap off WAMBO weekend. Great way to close out Saturday evening.
🎰 Wallaceburg Hometown Bingo — 1416 Dufferin Ave, doors 5pm, games 7pm. Nightly bingo running throughout WAMBO weekend.
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