In 1994, the Goodie Shop Restaurant, keeping with their 50's and 60's decor, decided to hold a Golden Oldie Car Show to allow car enthusiasts everywhere a chance to come together and talk about their first love…old cars.

That first year saw 60 Golden Oldie Cars displayed for the public viewing. The crowd enjoyed the afternoon immensely and Rock 'N' Roll music filled the air.

In 1995, what was then the Newcastle Business Association (NBA) came on board to expand the Car Show to a full weekend of activities and thus the NBA Rock 'N' Roll Weekend was born. The weekend activities included a street dance on Friday night that was designed for the whole family. Kids of all ages enjoyed great music and had lots of fun with the many contests held. Also on Friday night, the Goodie Shop held a meet and greet for car owners.

No Rock 'N' Roll weekend would be complete without the King. So on Saturday there was Rock 'N' Roll in the Park. A fun afternoon of great music and dancing highlighted by an Elvis Impersonation contest. There were several Elvis wanna-bees vying for the top position. Saturday night saw New Brunswick's number one Rock 'N' Roll band, Donnie & the Monarchs, performing at the Civic Center. Lots of people turned out to dance to the music from an era that will live forever. The Goodie Shop Restaurant took over on Sunday with their Car Show. The day began with a parade around the river followed by an afternoon of public viewing of old cars and more great music.

The Rock 'N' Roll committee has seen local support for the event increase dramatically over the years. Many businesses and nightclubs take part in the festival with special promotions and entertainment.

This event would not be possible without the help of volunteers. The first weekend saw about 60 people involved. There are now over 200 volunteers who give freely of their time to help make the festival a success. There are 18 members on our committee and we meet year round to ensure the continued success of this project that has a following of thousands.

2003 was our 10th anniversary. Elvis impersonator extraordinaire, Thane Dunn wowed the crowd at Ritchie Wharf on Wednesday night and we saw the return of the very popular Reunion Band as the Friday night entertainment on July 4th. These entertainers are made up of members from various groups that played here in days gone by. Some traveled from as far as California to play in the Festival. We certainly can't forget our other featured performers, Ben "Ti-Blanc" Morin and "Donnie and The Monarchs". Ti-Blanc performed at the Street Dance on Thursday, July 3rd and again at the car show on Sunday, July 6th . Donnie and the Monarchs, who have been with us from the beginning rocked a sell out crowd at the Civic Center on Saturday July 5th . Our Festival Fireworks as part of our opening ceremonies on Thursday night have become known as "The Very Best". The Rock 'N' Miramichi Tire Fryer returned this year to the delight of many and a new event added to the 2003 schedule was the "Rock 'N' Run" on Sunday morning. This was a half-marathon (21km) that gave both beginner and seasoned runners an opportunity to view our beautiful river from a different perspective with a Rock 'N' Roll twist. We gave away a Diamond Cluster Ring valued at approximately $1,000 to help celebrate the 10th Anniversary. The Goodie Shop Restaurant's Golden Oldie Car Show was a success once again as close to 12,000 people strolled through the parking lot Sunday afternoon in spite of the rain.

The Rock 'N' Roll Festival committee wants locals and visitors alike to enjoy a true Rock 'N' Roll experience while in the Downtown area. Expect to see business in 50's and 60's decor and owners and staff dressed in poodle skirts, bobby socks, slicked hair and leather jackets. With the events that have been added and local support at an all time high, the "Rock 'N' Roll Committee continues to focus more advertising and promotion at the "tourist" population. The festival website, www.rocknrollfestival.com includes the schedule of events for this year along with pictures and highlights from past years. Taking into account the continued growth of our Rock 'N' Roll Festival, 2004 promises to be the best yet. We want everyone to be part of the excitement as we celebrate an era that lives forever from June 30 - July 4.