A colourful combination of cars, cannons, bagpipes and trade axes contributed to the successful staging of the ninth annual North Star Mercedes Benz Tony Villeneuve Memorial Auto Rally hosted by Fort William Historical Park September 28th.

Over 150 competitors in 40 vehicles participated in the charity rally which commenced in vigorous fashion early Sunday morning in front of the Fort’s Visitor Centre, featuring a cannon blast, the warbling of bagpipes and the energetic waving of the green “start” flag by Fort General Manager Sergio Buonocore.

Contestants were challenged by following map directions on a schedule timed to the second, traversing the city of Thunder Bay while answering trivia questions about things they passed while driving on their routes. 

The rally concluded with a heritage challenge. Upon returning to the finish line at the Fort late in the afternoon, participants could score additional bonus points by tossing a trade axe at a wooden bull’s eye. Proceedings then shifted to the Fort’s Visitor Centre, which featured a banquet with historic hosts and some fur trade dances.

Participants collected pledges with proceeds being donated in support of the Northern Cancer Research Foundation. 

“We’re always looking to do something different at the Fort," said GM Sergio Buonocore. “We look forward to seeing these folks return here next year.” 

This marked the first time that the rally was held at Fort William Historical Park.