The FFHS Millennium Reunion was on people’s minds at three different sites over the weekend.
On Friday, the “Millennium bug” participated in the Rockford Fosgate-Sight and Sound Db Drag Races. The saving grace for the Bug was that in this race sound, rather than speed, was the measurement of who would be “King of the Hill.”
The Millennium bug team was interested to see if a ‘75 volkswagen Beetle could beat a Chevrolet Corvette. The Beetle, a vehicle which, at the best of times, would be hard-pressed to beat a young child in a wagon, had been prepared for the races by Sight and Sound’s car-audio team–Cliff Pidlubny and James McTighe.
The race-equipped Bug was fitted with Rockford Fosgate subwoofers, Alpine amplifier, Sony speakers, and a JVC CD deck. Cliff’s prediction was that the Millennium Bug was good for at least 120 decibels.
Doug McDonald, in his Chevrolet Corvette, was up first and by the time his race was concluded, the Bug team knew the challenge ahead–127 decibels. For the team, no other competitor or mark was important.
If it was at all possible, this would be the only race a Beetle could ever hope to do better in than a Corvette.
The demonstration race, after all the competitors had had their first attempt, was between Cliff Pidlubny’s car and the Millennium Bug. The results were a foregone conclusion. Cliff knew what his car could do and had a very good idea of what the Bug would do.
Cliff even gave a boost to the Bug’s chances by lending the team his special CD.
With Cliff at the controls of his car and team member Patrick Kowalchuk in the Bug, Rockford Fosgate sales representative and race director Shawn Sullivan gave the signal to race.
The spectators watched closely as Cliff topped 144 decibels–the Bug 128–and then a final boost to 133 decibels. Even though it lost the race, the Millennium bug team took pride in its accomplishments–it surpassed the Corvette.
Given the choice between owning a Corvette or a VW Beetle, the Corvette would win hands down–with a little help from Sight and Sound.
The complete race results can be seen at www.dbdragracing.mysightandsound.com
On Saturday, members of the reunion committee took part in a fundraising barbecue at M&M Meats. In spite of the rain, the committee and the staff from M&M Meats had a good time.
With popular hit tunes coming from the Millennium bug and delicious burgers and hot dogs coming from the barbecue, nobody seemed to notice the dismal weather–too much.
Most popular food item?-burgers with Chicken & Rib Sauce.
M&M Meats will be hosting the Millennium Reunion BBQ in July. Reunion participants are already looking forward to gathering at Pither’s Point Park for the event.
The third location of reunion-related activities on the weekend was at Veteran Electric. Reunion committee members were concentrating on making the location an information centre for the reunion.
With some general housekeeping at the front of the store, the committee cleared the way to create several informative and entertaining displays.
The workers have posted a list of all those who have registered for the reunion, as of June 3. A schedule of events, information from the “Millennium Bands” web site, along with displays of reunion clothing and historical photos, is now available for public viewing.
With 1,700 registration now in and an estimated 150 in the mail from outside the area, there are not many more openings for the FFHS Millennium Reunion.
Organizers expect to close off registration in about two weeks. Registration will not be sold at the door or taken at the check-ins, which will take place on July 6-7.
Registrations may still be made at Fort Frances General Supply or by mailing payment and a registration form to: FFHS Millennium Reunion, 1208 Elizabeth St. E., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3R9.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
