Over 6,000 fans turned out for the two-day festival that featured a cornucopia of popular acts including The Marvelettes, The Platters, Bill Haley's Comets, Doug and Slugs, tribute bands for Jimmy Buffett and Garth Brooks, and other local performers.

However, in saving the best for last, it was Chubby Checker who had the crowd in a twistin' frenzy Saturday night. The 67-year-old entertainer showed no signs of slowing down as he barrelled through a battery of classic rock ‘n roll hits, demonstrating his signature dance moves and prompting males and females of all ages to join him for some good-hearted jiving onstage.

Once again, the Fort's overnight camping offering proved to be extremely popular as clusters of RVs, trailers and tents stood packed atop the amphitheatre ridge, taking advantage of the elevated view of the concert stage, with the Kam River as the backdrop.

Adding to the period nostalgia was a classic car display featuring hot rods and other vintage vehicles.  Fund-raising booths for the United Way and other charities were also in evidence.

Also making an appearance onstage with Fort GM Sergio Buonocore was Toronto native Mark Demontis, representing Courage Canada, who is on a 79-day in-line blind skate trek from Toronto to Vancouver to raise funds to provide visually impaired children opportunities to play hockey.  Mark saw his own dreams of playing in the NHL dashed when he was recently diagnosed with Leber's Optical Neuropathy, rendering him legally blind.      

The Fort now turns its attention to Anishnawbe Keeshigun Native Festival August 15th and 16th and the Sleeping Giant Writers Festival August 28th-30th, featuring the CBC's Peter Mansbridge.