If you are looking for specific local band information, check out Thunder Bay bandwiki.
Curious about the planned activities for the brand new Fort William Gardens? Here is an article that outlined the future:
FW DTJ 5 Mar 1951 p.17-Interesting Program Planned For Gardens On Year Round Basis-An interesting cultural and recreational program, which includes a variety of attractions from a symphony orchestra to a sportsmans' show, is planned for the Fort William Gardens, which swings into action tomorrow.
Ralph Gorrill, promoter-manager of the Gardens, said today he plans to offer the citizens of the lakehead and district an interesting and entertaining program of attractions on a year-round basis.
With hockey the No. 1 sport at the lakehead, Mr. Gorrill said the promotion of junior hockey would be his top task during the winter season. Although it would be impossible to accommodate all of the teams in the minor hockey circuit during the regular season, he promised the youngsters the facilities of the Gardens during playoff time. Pee Wee hockey, which has made great strides here in recent years is also included in the initial plans of Mr. Gorrill. He expects to be able to let the kids hold their playoff games in the gardens instead of the open air rinks. The revival of interest in senior hockey is one of the aims which the rink manager has in mind for the next season. Senior hockey has been a dead issue at the lakehead during the past few years. It used to enjoy a large following.
A former roller skating instructor, Mr. Gorrill hopes to arouse sufficient interest to start a roller skating club at the lakehead, similiar to the one he directed at Toronto. The club there had 400 members. In regard to roller skating, Mr. Gorrill plans to bring in top-notch skaters from Toronto for a one-week period to give demonstration in the art of roller skating.
The Roller Derby, which has gone over in a big way in certain centres of Canada and many in the United States, may also be introduced to the people of the lakehead.
Ice skating will also be included in the winter program of the Gardens.
And then there's wrestling. "If you view the sport as amusement rather than competitive, it can be very entertaining," commented Mr. Gorrill. He expects to sponsor "name" wrestlers from Eastern Canada and the United States.
Boxing is another sport which Mr. Gorrill feels should be revived. There has been a lack of interest in lakehead boxing during the past few years. He hopes to interest local boxing clubs in sponsoring fight cards at the Gardens.
The promotion of lakehead basketball on a larger scale than it has been in the past is included in Mr. Gorrill's plans. The game is the No. 1 spectator sport in the United States. If it all goes well in this field, lakehead people may be offered the chance to see the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters and other good teams from the midwest of the United States in action here.
Appearance of name bands at intervals during the year is another attraction which Mr. Gorrill has planned for the Gardens. On the cultural side, consideration is being given by the management to the appearance of a symphony orchestra for a concert.
Staging of a sportsmens' show, similiar to those sponsored annually in Toronto and other cities in Canada and the United States, is also receiving consideration.
Mr. Gorrill feels that all of these events should go over big with the people of the lakehead. When and how often they will be staged depends on the support the citizens offer the management. [Note: Ralph Gorrill quit as Gardens Manager in 1952, Assistant Manager Stan Robertson takes over. See DTJ 29 Jul 1952]
[I certainly think the community supported these types of events, as you will see in the events listed below. DN]
6 Mar 1951 - Fort William Gardens officially opens The FW DTJ claimed 6,000 people were in attendance. Among the dignitaries for the ceremony was Frank Selke of the Montreal Canadiens. The first game that same night in the new facility was a junior semi-final win by the Columbus Canadiens over the Hurricanes, 4-2. [source: FW DTJ 7 Mar 1951]
12 May 1951 - Ken Griffin dance to the music of the "Wizard of the Organ." [source: FW DTJ 10 May 1951, obit-DTJ 21 Mar 1956]
11 May 1951 - Fort William YMCA carnival and circus. [source: FW DTJ 7 May 1951]
11 Jun 1951 - Wrestling Gorgeous George, with his long blond hair and wearing a snowy white-laced robe, defeated Dirty Dick Raines in the main event. [source: PANC 12 Jun 1951]
28 Oct 1951 - Royal visit of Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh The headline read "8,000 children jam Gardens for welcome." First grader Sharon Wiegand presented the princess with a bouquet of Talisman roses. It was a 17-hour whirlwind tour. [source: FW DTJ 29 Oct 1951]
1 Dec 1951 - Chapples Santa Claus Show This was the first show at the new Fort William Gardens moving from the Orpheum Theatre. It was a single show at 10:15am that attracted about 4,000 people. Featured George the Porter and hundreds of performers from the Sylvia Horne School of Dancing. [source: FW DTJ 1 Dec 1951]
28 Jul 1952 - Ralph Gorrill resigns as FWG manager. Assistant Manager Stan Robertson takes over until a new manager is hired. Gorrill had been in the position since 1 Dec 1950. [source: PANC 28 Jul 1952]
8-12 Jul 1952 - Water Follies of 1952 Featuring the world's largest portable pools and stage. [source: DTJ 7 Jul 1952]
18 Jul 1952 - Fort William Diamond Jubilee Pageant Fort William's 60th anniversary 1892-1952. [source: DTJ 18 Jul 1952]
25 Aug 1952 - All-Star Pro Wrestling [source: DTJ 16 Aug 1952]
6 Dec 1952 - Chapples Santa Claus Show Featured George the Porter and hundreds of performers from the Sylvia Horne School of Dancing.[source: FW DTJ 6 Dec 1952]
13?14? Dec 1952 - Great Lakes Paper Christmas Party (Anyone have the dates for other annual Great Lakes parties?)
7 Mar 1953 - Family Skating Night Canadian Car Rec Association [source: FW DTJ 7 Mar 1953]
8 Mar 1953 - Minor Hockey playoffs [source: FW DTJ 7 Mar 1953]
12 Mar 1953 - Charity Hockey Game In aid of European flood relief fund - FW Police vs PA Police [source: FW DTJ 10 Mar 1953]
14 Mar 1953 - Elks pee-wee hockey finals [source: FW DTJ 14 Mar 1953]
15 Mar 1953 - FW Minor Hockey playoffs [source: FW DTJ 14 Mar 1953]
22 Mar 1953 - Senior Exhibition Hockey FW Beavers vs Pepsi-Pete's All-Stars [source: FW DTJ 21 Mar 1953]
24 Mar 1953 - Inter-city Minor Hockey playoffs [source: FW DTJ 24 Mar 1953]
7 May 1953 - Boxing featuring locals Frankie Mauro and Lorne Allard (in his first public match). $1.00 ringside, 75 cents regular. [source: PANC 5 May 1953 pic]
30 May 1953 - Bill Kenny and the Inkspots [source: PANC 23 May, 1 Jun 1953]
2 Jun 1953 - Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II A formal event featuring dancers, singers and orchestras starting at 8:00pm, followed by fireworks at McKellar Park after 10:00pm. The FW DTJ could have been renamed The London Times with all of the coverage of the event. [sources: Souvenir program and editions of the FW DTJ and PANC in the days before and after event]
6 Jun 1953 - All Pro Boxing The first professional boxing match in the Gardens, Cecil Hudson vs Eddie O'Neil. [source: FW DTJ 6 Jun 1953]
8 Jun 1953 - Hank Snow with the Rainbow Ranch Boys $1.00 [source: FW DTJ 3 Jun 1953]
10 Jun 1953 - Frankie Yankovic and His Yanks [source: FW DTJ 10 Jun 1953]
12 Jun 1953 - McKellar Ladies Auxiliary Monster Entertainment fundraiser [source: FW DTJ 9 Jun 1953]
16 Jun 1953 - Colosimo Accordion Band Spring Symphony 100 accordionists and 25 instrumentalists. [source: FW DTJ 16 Jun 1953]
19 Jun 1953 - The Cliff McKay Show (former star of "The Happy Gang") All-Star Revue and dance featuring Jack McLean, Dorothy Steadman, Tony the Troubador, Jimmy Reynolds. $1.25 general, $1.50 reserved. [source: FW DTJ 13 Jun 1953]
22 Jun 1953 - Championship Pro Wrestling Whipper Billy Watson (British Empire champ) vs Tiny Mills [source: FW DTJ 16 Jun 1953]
29 Jun 1953 - Wilf Carter [source: FW DTJ 24 Jun 1953]
10 Jul 1953 - Boxing [source: PANC 3 Jul 1953]
20 Jul 1953 - Wrestling [source: PANC 15 Jul 1953]
26 Aug 1953 - Grain Elevator Safety Displays Demonstrations of explosiveness of grain dust conducted by representatives of the United States Bureau of Mines. There had been two major grain dust explosions in Port Arthur in 1945 and 1952. [source: PANC 25 Aug 1953]
29 Sep 1953 - Boxing Glen Flanagan "hammered Jentrice O'Neill into a state of unconciousness at 2:24 in the fourth round" in the lightweight class. FW boxer Fred Bronelle [sic] finished off Leo Dubroy of Windsor in the the socond round of their scheduled four rounder. [source: PANC 30 Sep 1953]
23 Nov 1953 - Pro Wrestling This was the pro debut match of Fort William-born Louis "Blackie" Goegan [source: DTJ 17 Nov 1953]
5 Dec 1953 - Chapples Santa Claus Show Featured George the Porter and hundreds of performers from the Sylvia Horne School of Dancing. [source: FW DTJ 5 Dec 1953]
Jan 1954 - Public skating Wed., Fri. and Sat. [source: DTJ 5 Jan 1954]
5 Jan 1954 - Minor hockey night Three games. [source: DTJ 5 Jan 1954]
18 Jan 1954 - Pro Wrestling Tag team: Paul & Tony Baillargeon vs Abe 'King Kong' Kashey & Kinji Shibuya [source: DTJ 11/14 Jan 1954]
28 Jan 1954 - Minor hockey night Three games. [source: DTJ 28 Jan 1954]
2 Feb 1954 - Senior Hockey Bearcats vs Beavers. [source: DTJ 2 Feb 1954]
3 Feb 1954 - Lions Club Monster Entertainment Casino fundraiser [source: DTJ 23 Jan 1954]
4 Feb 1954 - Junior Hockey PA Bruins vs FW Canadiens. [source: DTJ 3 Feb 1954]
5 Feb 1954 - Herb Carroll Night For his contribution to local hockey and baseball for 25 years. [source: DTJ 5 Feb 1954]
6 Feb 1954 - Elks Pee Wee Booster Night Photos of teams and rosters listed. [source: DTJ 5 Feb 1954]
7 Feb 1954 - Junior Hockey FW Canadiens vs FW Hurricanes. [source: DTJ 5 Feb 1954]
13 Feb 1954 - Junior Hockey PA Bruins vs FW Hurricanes. [source: DTJ 12 Feb 1954]
18 Feb 1954 - Junior Hockey FW Canadiens vs FW Hurricanes. [source: DTJ 18 Feb 1954]
22 Feb 1954 - Pro Wrestling [source: DTJ 15 Feb 1954]
23 Feb 1954 - Junior Hockey PA North Stars vs FW Canadiens. [source: DTJ 23 Feb 1954]
25 Feb 1954 - Senior Hockey FW vs PA. [source: DTJ 24 Feb 1954]
26 Feb 1954 - All-Star Pro Boxing Cecil Hudson vs Kid Gage. [source: DTJ 18 Feb 1954]
2 Mar 1954 - Minor Hockey Playoffs [source: DTJ 2 Mar 1954]
3 Mar 1954 - Public skating Wed., Fri., Sat. [source: DTJ 1 Mar 1954]
8 Mar 1954 - Visit of Governor-General Vincent Massey [source: DTJ 10 Feb 1954]
9 Mar 1954 - Minor Hockey Playoffs [source: DTJ 9 Mar 1954]
18 Mar 1954 - Junior Hockey Thunder Bay final - PA Bruins lost to FW Canadiens. Canadiens won series 4-0. [source: DTJ 18 Mar 1954]
26/27 Mar 1954 - 1st Annual Gay Blades of 1954 Featuring Paul Tatton & Susan Sebo plus 200 skaters of the FW Figure Skating Club and Joe Turner's orchestra. [source: DTJ 25 Mar 1954]
Apr 1954 - Public skating Wed., Sat. [source: DTJ 2 Apr 1954]
3 Apr 1954 - Minor Hockey Playoffs [source: DTJ 3 Apr 1954]
9 Apr 1954 - Memorial Cup western semi-final St. Boniface Canadiens vs Fort William Canadiens. [source: DTJ 10 Apr 1954]
10 Apr 1954 - Memorial Cup western semi-final St. Boniface Canadiens vs Fort William Canadiens. FW won the series. The Saturday night game would have been cut short if it went to overtime due to Sunday midnight curfew laws. [source: DTJ 11 Apr 1954]
13 Apr 1954 - Memorial Cup western final Edmonton Oil Kings vs Fort William Canadiens. 6-0 win for Oil Kings. [source: DTJ 14 Apr 1954]
15 Apr 1954 - Memorial Cup western final Edmonton Oil Kings vs Fort William Canadiens. 2-1 win for FW. [source: DTJ 16 Apr 1954]
17 Apr 1954 - Memorial Cup western final Edmonton Oil Kings vs Fort William Canadiens. 6,178 fans crammed into the gardens for the 8-0 win for the Oil Kings. The next two games FW lost in Edmonton. These were incredible attendance records for the Gardens. [source: DTJ 18 Apr 1954, 27/28 Sep 1954 (attendance records/Hennessy returns-new contract to coach Canadiens)]
23 Apr 1954 - Annual Kiwanis Pro-Game Pro hockey stars such as Rudy Migay, Dave Creighton and the Lund Brothers. [source: DTJ 21 Apr 1954]
26 Apr 1954 - Pro Wrestling [source: DTJ 26 Apr 1954]
May 1954 - Public Rollerskating [source: DTJ 6 May 1954]
3 May 1954 - Lions Club Monster Entertainment Casino fundraiser. $1.00 admission, $1,000 jackpot. [source: DTJ 29 Apr 1954]
4 May 1954 - Wrestling Joe Louis was a referee. [Yes, Joe Louis was a real man, not just the name of a delicious pastry] Tag team rematch: Tony Baillargeen and Roy McClarty vs Kinji Shibuya and Johnny Moochy. $1.50 admission. [source: PANC 1 May 1954]
10 May 1954 - World Tour-Davis Cup Champions (tennis) Featuring: Jack Kramer, Frank Sedgman, Pancho Segura, Pancho Gonzales and Bobby Riggs. $1.25 admission. [source: PANC 1 May 1954]
15 May 1954 - Rollercade of 1954 The most fabulous show on wheels! [source: DTJ 12 May 1954]
17 May 1954 - Fort William Kinsmen - Monster Entertainment [source: DTJ 12 May 1954]
22 May 1954 - Roy Ward Dickson's Radio Show "Fun Parade" [source: DTJ 11 May 1954]
31 May 1954 - Pro Wrestling [source: DTJ 25 May 1954]
8 Jun 1954 - Colosimo Accordion Band Spring Symphony Featuring Gerald and Raymond Colosimo, Helvi Helle, Donna MacLeod, Patsy Pechewa, Sharon Lathema and Rocky Del Vecchio. $1.00 admission. [source: PANC 2/5 Jun 1954]
2 Jul 1954 - Don Messer and His Islanders $1.00 admission. [source: PANC 26 Jun 1954]
5 Jul 1954 - Pro Wrestling [source: PANC 28 Jun 1954]
26 Jul 1954 - Pro Wrestling [source: FW DTJ 19 Jul 1954]
9-22 Aug 1954 - Gardens closed for staff holidays. [source: FW DTJ 8 Aug 1954]
4 Sep 1954 - Pro Boxing Glen Flanagan vs. George Collins. [source: FW DTJ 4 Sep 1954]
13 Sep 1954 - Monster Entertainment in support of Minor Hockey Association. [source: FW DTJ 9 Sep 1954]
23 Sep 1954 - Monster Entertainment in support of East End Athletic Association. [source: FW DTJ 21 Sep 1954]
24 Sep 1954 - Pro Wrestling Midget Tag Team match, Pee Wee James (106pounds) vs Tuffy McGra (102 pounds). [source: FW DTJ 20 Sep 1954]
25 Sep 1954 - Pushmobile (stock car) Races See the future stock car drivers in action! Jack McLeary in car #68 (pushed by Glen Karam) was the feature winner. [source: FW DTJ 24 Sep 1954]
Oct 1954 - Roller Skating Tuesdays and Fridays [source: FW DTJ 1 Oct 1954]
2 Oct 1954 - Pushmobile (stock car) Races [source: FW DTJ 1 Oct 1954]
6 Oct 1954 - Gene Autry and the Melody Ranch orchestra. Two shows at 4:30pm and 8:30pm. [source: FW DTJ 6 Oct 1954+pic]
15 Oct 1954 - Fort William Figure Skating Club Fundraiser tea at Gardens. [source: FW DTJ 2 Oct 1954]
28 Oct 1954 - Junior Hockey FW Canadiens vs FW Hurricanes [source: FW DTJ 28 Oct 1954]
1 Nov 1954 - Junior Hockey PA North Stars vs FW Canadiens [source: FW DTJ 29 Oct 1954]
Nov 1954 - Ice skating Wed., Fri. and Sat. [source: FW DTJ 20 Nov 1954]
2 Nov 1954 - Junior Hockey PA West Ends vs FW Canadiens [source: FW DTJ 1 Nov 1954]
4 Nov 1954 - Senior Hockey PA Bearcats vs FW Beavers. [source: FW DTJ 3 Nov 1954]
6 Nov 1954 - Junior Hockey PA North Stars vs FW Canadiens [source: FW DTJ 6 Nov 1954]
7 Nov 1954 - Senior Hockey Fort Frances Canadiens vs FW Beavers [source: FW DTJ 6 Nov 1954]
9 Nov 1954 - Junior Hockey PA West Ends vs FW Hurricanes [source: FW DTJ 8 Nov 1954]
16 Nov 1954 - Senior Hockey Eveleth-Virgina Rangers vs FW Beavers [source: FW DTJ 16 Nov 1954]
21 Nov 1954 - Senior Hockey Fort Frances Canadiens vs FW Beavers [source: FW DTJ 20 Nov 1954]
20 Nov 1954 - Junior Hockey PA North Stars vs FW Hurricanes [source: FW DTJ 20 Nov 1954]
23 Nov 1954 - Senior Hockey Hibbing Flyers vs FW Beavers [source: FW DTJ 22 Nov 1954]
25 Nov 1954 - Junior Hockey FW Canadiens vs FW Canadiens [source: FW DTJ 24 Nov 1954]
27 Nov 1954 - Senior Hockey PA Bearcats vs FW Beavers [source: FW DTJ 26 Nov 1954]
28 Nov 1954 - Junior Hockey Winnipeg Barons vs FW Canadiens [source: FW DTJ 26 Nov 1954]
30 Nov 1954 - Senior Hockey Eveleth Rangers vs FW Beavers [source: FW DTJ 29 Nov 1954]
2 Dec 1954 - Junior Hockey FW Canadiens vs FW Hurricanes [source: FW DTJ 1 Dec 1954]
4 Dec 1954 - Chapples Santa Claus Show The 44th annual show attracted 12,000 kids over the two shows at 9am and 11am! Featured George the Porter and hundreds of performers from the Sylvia Horne School of Dancing.[source: FW DTJ 4 Dec 1954]
5 Dec 1954 - Junior Hockey FW Hurricanes vs FW Canadiens [source: FW DTJ 4 Dec 1954]
7 Dec 1954 - Senior Hockey Hibbing Flyers vs FW Beavers [source: FW DTJ 6 Dec 1954]
9 Dec 1954 - Junior Hockey PA West Ends vs FW Hurricanes [source: FW DTJ 8 Dec 1954]
11 Dec 1954 - Senior Hockey PA Bearcats vs FW Beavers [source: FW DTJ 11 Dec 1954]
14 Dec 1954 - Senior Hockey PA Bearcats vs FW Beavers [source: FW DTJ 14 Dec 1954]
16 Dec 1954 - Junior Hockey PA North Stars vs FW Canadiens [source: FW DTJ 15 Dec 1954]
19 Dec 1954 - Junior Hockey Winnipeg Monarchs vs FW Canadiens [source: FW DTJ 18 Dec 1954]
21 Dec 1954 - Senior Hockey PA Bearcats vs FW Beavers [source: FW DTJ 20 Dec 1954]
23 Dec 1954 - Junior Hockey FW Hurricanes vs FW Canadiens [source: FW DTJ 22 Dec 1954]
24 Dec 1954 - Christmas Eve Skating Party 8pm to 10pm. [source: FW DTJ 22 Dec 1954]
28 Dec 1954 - Senior Hockey Eveleth Rangers vs FW Beavers [source: FW DTJ 27 Dec 1954]
30 Dec 1954 - Junior Hockey FW Beavers vs FW Canadiens [source: FW DTJ 29 Dec 1954]
1 Jan 1955 - Senior Hockey PA West Ends vs FW Canadiens [source: FW DTJ 31 Dec 1954]
2 Jan 1955 - Junior Hockey PA North Stars vs FW Canadiens [source: FW DTJ 15 Dec 1954]
11 Feb 1955 - Elks Pee Wee Booster Night [source: FW DTJ 10 Feb 1955]
18/19 Feb 1955 - Gay Blades of 1955 presented by the Fort William Figure Skating Club. [source: FW DTJ 11 Feb 1955]
28 Feb 1955 - Pro Wrestling [source: FW DTJ 22 Feb 1955]
31 May 1955 - Public celebration 6,000 at Gardens for Catholic event. [source: FW DTJ 1 Jun 1955]
Jun 1955 - Roller Skating [source: FW DTJ 1 Jun 1955]
6 Jun 1955 - Pro Wrestling [source: FW DTJ 6 Jun 1955]
22 Jun 1955 - Martha Logan Cooking School [source: FW DTJ 21 Jun 1955]
25 Jun 1955 - Wilf Carter $1.00 admission. [source: FW DTJ 18 Jun 1955]
27 Jun 1955 - Pro Wrestling [source: FW DTJ 20 Jun 1955]
18 Jul 1955 - Pro Wrestling [source: FW DTJ 11 Jul 1955]
12 Sep 1955 - Pro Wrestling [source: FW DTJ 12 Sep 1955]
13 Sep 1955 - Guy Lombardo $3.00 for chairs, $2.25 for benches. [source: FW DTJ 12 Sep 1955]
16 Sep 1955 - Monster Entertainment in support of Fort William Minor Hockey Association [source: FW DTJ 15 Sep 1955]
19 Sep 1955 - The White Heather Variety Concert Featuring "Bonnie" Scotland's finest artists [source: FW DTJ 17 Sep 1955]
20 Sep 1955 - Kitsilano Boys Band [source: FW DTJ 20 Sep 1955]
24 Sep 1955 - Kids Show by Kiwanis Club of Westfort Free event - National Kids Day [source: FW DTJ 24 Sep 1955]
26 Sep 1955 - Pro Wrestling [source: FW DTJ 19 Sep 1955]
21 Nov 1955 - Pro Wrestling [source: FW DTJ 16 Nov 1955]
26 Nov 1955 - Chapples Santa Claus Show The 45th annual show. Featured George the Porter and hundreds of performers from the Sylvia Horne School of Dancing. Unique this year, used a "black Light" for a flourescent effect. On a side note, the Orpheum Theatre on Victoria closed its doors this year as other modern motion picture theatres had been built in recent years in Fort William and Port Arthur. The theatre was used for the Santa Claus show for about 40 years. [source: FW DTJ 25 Nov 1955]
5 Dec 1955 - Pro Wrestling [source: FW DTJ 29 Nov 1955]
20/21 Aug 1956 - Fort William Horticultural Society 9th Annual Horticultural Show It had previously been held at the C.L.E., but they needed more space. [source: FW DTJ 20 Aug 1956]
Nov 1956 - Chapples Santa Claus Show Featured George the Porter and hundreds of performers from the Sylvia Horne School of Dancing.[source: TBA]
15 Feb 1957 - Elks' Pee Wee Booster Night [source: FW DTJ 12 Feb 1957]
18 Feb 1957 - Pro Wrestling [source: FW DTJ 13 Feb 1957]
21 Feb 1957 - Fort William Figure Skating Club Gay Blades of 1957 [source: John P., FW DTJ 20 Feb 1957]
4 Mar 1957 - Pro Wrestling [source: FW DTJ 25 Feb 1957]
24-27 Apr 1957 - Annual Lakehead Sportsman's Show [source: PANC 22 Apr 1957]
22 Aug 1957 - Benefit Show in aid of Wes Inkster fund. Featured Myrna Lorrie, Johnny & Harry Siczkar, Roy Coran and Colosimo accordion group. [source: PANC 20 Aug 1957]
Nov 1957 - Chapples Santa Claus Show Featured George the Porter and hundreds of performers from the Sylvia Horne School of Dancing.[source: TBA]
15 Feb 1958 - Pro Wrestling A fan hit a wrestler with a chair. It was reported as the only legal hit of the night... [source: PANC 18 Feb 1958 p.1]
16-19 Apr 1958 - Annual Sportsman's Show [source: PANC 16 Apr 1958]
23-26 Apr 1958 - Shrine Circus [source: PANC 1 Apr 1958]
13 May 1958 - Pro Wrestling [source: FW DTJ 7 May 1958]
16 May 1958 - Hank Snow & his Grand Ole Opry Show [source: FW DTJ 10 May 1958]
17 May 1958 - National Ballet [source: FW DTJ 5 May 1958]
20 May 1958 - Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong and his All-Stars $1.25 advance, $1.50 at the door. [source: PANC 2 May 1958]
26 May 1958 - Pro Wrestling [source: FW DTJ 21 May 1958]
Nov 1958 - Chapples Santa Claus Show Featured George the Porter and hundreds of performers from the Sylvia Horne School of Dancing. In May of 1958, the Orpheum block on Victoria Avenue burned down, which was the original theatre of the Chapples Santa Claus Show until the Gardens opened. For the report about the fire, see FW DTJ 20 May 1958 p.17 [Santa Claus show source: TBA]
2 Feb 1959 - Pro Wrestling [source: PANC 31 Jan 1959]
16 Feb 1959 - Pro Wrestling [source: PANC 11 Feb 1959]
2 Mar 1959 - Pro Wrestling [source: PANC 26 Feb 1959]
16 Mar 1959 - Pro Wrestling [source: PANC 11 Mar 1959]
30 Mar 1959 - Pro Wrestling [source: PANC 25 Mar 1959]
11 Apr 1959 - Hank Snow and his Rainbow Ranch Boys. [source: PANC 7 Apr(advert), 8 Apr(promo) 1959]
13 Apr 1959 - Pro Wrestling [source: PANC 8 Apr 1959]
22-25 Apr 1959 - Annual Sportsman's Show [source: PANC 9 Apr 1959]
27 Apr 1959 - Pro Wrestling [source: PANC 22 Apr 1959]
15 Jun 1959 - Pro Wrestling [source: PANC 10 Jun 1959]
22 Sep 1959 - Exhibition Hockey Detroit Red Wings vs Edmonton Flyers. [source: PANC 16 Sep 1959]
2 Nov 1959 - Pro Wrestling [source: PANC 30 Oct 1959]
16 Nov 1959 - Pro Wrestling [source: PANC 14 Nov 1959]
28 Nov 1959 - Chapple's Santa Claus Show Featured George the Porter and hundreds of performers from the Sylvia Horne School of Dancing. Thousands of children attended. [source: PANC 30 Nov 1959]
22 Jan 1960 - Exhibition hockey Moscow Russian Selects vs Lakehead Senior All-Stars. [source: PANC 20 Jan 1960]
29 Jan 1960 - Exhibition hockey Japanese Olympic Hockey Team vs Lakehead Senior All-Stars. [source: PANC 27 Jan 1960]
2 Feb 1960 - Exhibition hockey Kitchener-Waterloo Dutchmen vs Lakehead Senior All-Stars. [source: PANC 27 Jan 1960]
3-12 Mar 1960 - Curling Brier Tankard. [source: PANC 20 Jan 1960(promo)]
20-23 Apr 1960 - Kiwanis Club Sportsman's Show Exhibits, stage shows and Tuffy Truesdell wrestled an alligator. Truesdell almost had his arm bitten off on the first day, but survived to the last day of the show. [source: DTJ 19 Apr 1960]
26 Apr 1960 - Teenage Variety Show and Dance Featuring Johnny and the Hurricanes (Beatnik Fly), Carl Dobkins Jr. (Lucky Devil), Johnny Restivo (The Shape I'm In), Nicky DeMattieo (Suddenly) and Bobby Curtola (Hand In Hand With You). $1.50 admission. [source: DTJ 16 Apr 1960]
8 May 1960 - Lakehead Roller Hockey Club FW All Stars vs. PA All Stars [source: DTJ 7 May 1960]
10 May 1960 - Lakehead Roller Hockey Club Regular season started. Mickey Hennessy coached the Blockbusters vs. Joe Nigro's Lumber Kings to a 1-1 tie. [source: DTJ 11 May 1960]
12/13/14 May 1960 - Shrine Circus [source: DTJ 11 May 1960]
28 May 1960 - Fort William Male Choir hosts Big Sing The Associated Male Choruses of America Upper Midwest District gathered for their Big Sing, hosted by the Fort William Male Choir. 13 choruses participated from NWO, Manitoba, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. After an afternoon of rehearsal, they performed at 8pm; 400 choristers for an audience of 3500. It was recorded and pressed by the Kay Blank Recording Company of Minneapolis. [source: Kevin S. from his copy of the recording, DTJ 27 May 1960 full page feature]
9 Jul 1960 - Don Messer and his Islanders [source: PANC 12 Jun 1960]
12 Jul 1960 - Summer Dance Party Hollywood Argyles ("Alley Oop"), Skip & Flip, Skyliners, Danny Valentino, Carl Dobkins and the Lakehead's own Comets. Here's a link to more Comets. [source: PANC 9 Jul 1960]
3 Aug 1960 - Tommy Hunter Promoted as "Canada's teen-age idol," even though he was in his 20's. He would become known as "Canada's Country Gentleman." His TV variety show ran 1965-1992. As of 2010, he is in the middle of a "final" tour, with plans to retire in 2012. His March 27, 2011 concert at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium will likely be his last one in Thunder Bay. [source: DTJ 28 Jul 1960]
22 Aug 1960 - Brenda Lee [source: DTJ 23 Aug 1960]
Aug/Sep 1960 - Rollerskating Wed., Fri. & Sun. [source: DTJ 7 Sep 1960]
20 Sep 1960 - Pro Hockey Detroit Red Wings vs Edmonton Flyers [source: DTJ 12 Sep 1960]
27 Sep 1960 - Pro Hockey Boston Bruins vs Winnipeg Warriors [source: DTJ 23 Sep 1960]
29 Sep 1960 - Pro Wrestling [source: DTJ 26 Sep 1960]
15 Oct 1960 - The Ventures Also featuring Bobby Curtola and Gerry Godick [source: DTJ 14 Oct 1960, review/interview PANC 21 Oct 1960 p.7]
26 Nov 1960 - Chapples Santa Claus Show Two Saturday morning shows featuring George the Porter and hundreds of performers from the Sylvia Horn School of Dancing. Tor Hansen, Chapple's display department manager, was the production designer. [source: FW DTJ 28 Nov 1960]
5 Nov 1960 - Ice Hop Dance Donny Brooks, Bobby Vee & The Shadows and the Fenderman [source: DTJ 31 Oct 1960]
31 Dec 1960 - Ice Hop Dance Gene Vincent, Bobby Curtola and Gerry Godick [source: DTJ 29 Dec 1960]
10/11 Mar 1961 - Fantasy On Ice Ice show featuring Jack Edwards, 100 skaters and the Lakehead Choral Group. [source: PANC 7 Mar 1961]
21/22 Apr 1961 - 8th Annual Sportsman's Show 2,000 were turned away, as a reported capacity crowd of 8,500 jammed in to see different skill demonstrations such as archery. The archery skills demo was hampered by the high humidity in the gardens caused by the huge crowd. [source: DTJ 22 Apr 1961]
30 Sep 1961 - Liberace He enjoyed a spaghetti dinner at the home of Walter Assef before the show. Half of the proceeds supported Twinhaven School. [source: FW DTJ 2 Oct 1961]
9 Oct 1961 - Exhibition hockey Montreal Canadiens vs the Hull-Ottawa Canadiens.[source: John P.]
25 Nov 1961 - Chapples Santa Claus Show Featuring George the Porter and hundreds of performers from the Sylvia Horn School of Dancing [source: FW DTJ 4 Dec 1961 note: page 21 lists the names of the performers]
2 Mar 1962 - Bearcats vs Finnish National Team Bearcats won 4-0. Bob Kilgour got the shutout. [PANC 1/3 Mar 1962]
6/7 Apr 1962 - Fantasy On Ice FW Figure Skating Club [PANC 2 Apr 1962]
25-28 Apr 1962 - Northwestern Ontario Sportsman’s Show Prime Minister John G. Diefenbaker officially opened the show. [PANC 4, 21 Apr 1962]
17-19 May 1962 - Shrine Circus [PANC 1,5 May 1962]
22 Nov 1962 - Chapples Santa Claus Show Featuring George the Porter and hundreds of performers from the Sylvia Horn School of Dancing [source: FW DTJ 22 Nov 1962]
Jan 1963 - Ice Skating Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun. 50 cents adults, 25 cents students. [source: FW DTJ 26 Jan 1963]
28 Jan 1963 - Minor Hockey Night at the Gardens All-Star games plus 1939 All-Stars vs. 1939 Allan Cup team. [source: FW DTJ 26 Jan 1963]
1 Feb 1963 - 12th Annual Elks Pee Wee Hockey Booster Night [source: FW DTJ 30 Jan 1963]
2 Feb 1963 - Baptism of "The Nor'Westers" Public dedication of the naming of the mountain ridge. [source: FW DTJ 22 Jan 1963]
2-9 Feb 1963 - Fort William Winter Carnival Many events at FWG. [source: FW DTJ 30 Jan 1963]
9 Feb 1963 - Donnie-B and the Bonnvilles Admission 50 cents with a carnival button, $1.50 without.[source: FW DTJ 9 Feb 1963]
17-20 Apr 1963 - NWO Sportsman’s Show [PANC 16 Nov 1962]
30/31 May & 1 Jun 1963 - Shrine Circus [PANC 29/31 May 1963]
20 Jul 1963 - Teen Dance featuring Donny B. and the Bonnvilles [PANC 19 Jul 1963 p.2]
27 Jul 1963 - Teen Dance featuring Donny B. and the Bonnvilles [PANC 19 Jul 1963 p.2]
3 Aug 1963 - Teen Dance featuring Donny B. and the Bonnvilles [PANC 19 Jul 1963 p.2]
24 Aug 1963 - Teen Dance featuring Donny B. and the Bonnvilles [PANC 19 Jul 1963 p.2]
31 Aug 1963 - Teen Dance featuring Donny B. and the Bonnvilles [PANC 19 Jul 1963 p.2]
14 Sep 1963 - Dance featuring Donny B. and the Bonnvilles [PANC 13 Sep 1963]
4 Oct 1963 - The Inkspots Headlining the 1964 "Cavalcade of Cars." Free admission. The Inkspots had been to the Lakehead before, playing a show at the Port Arthur Arena on Court St. on June 2, 1947 and at the FWG in 1953. [sources: PANC 31 May 1947, 4 Oct 1963]
13/14 Oct 1963 - Ice Vogues of 1963 [source: PANC 4 Oct 1963]
30 Nov 1963 - Chapple’s Santa Claus Show From a review in PANC – “A natural on stage, Hector Ede, who plays George the Porter, should know what he is doing by now. He has been playing the same role since 1932 and apparently overshadows even Santa Claus in the affections of Lakehead children.”[PANC 23 Nov 1963, pic in PANC 30 Nov 1963, review in PANC 2 Dec 1963 p.2]
1964/1965? - The Squires Don't have an exact date, if you know, send me an email! Here's the photo courtesy Bert Lindstrom. [source: TBA]
3 Jan 1964 - All-Star Hockey Lakehead Senior All-Stars vs Swedish National Team [PANC 2 Jan 1964]
21 Feb 1964 - Gardens To Get Richard Picture An oil painting of former Montreal Canadian hockey Star, Maurice Richard, will be hung in the FWG. On Thursday the FWG’s Board accepted the painting by a local artist as a donation from the Elks Club. [PANC 21 Feb 1964]
10 Mar 1964 - F.W. Gardens Manager, Stan Robertson, 45, died today. [PANC 10 Mar 1964]
22-25 Apr 1964 - 10th Annual Westfort Kiwanis Club NWO Sportsman’s Show [PANC 20 Nov 1963 p.2, 18 Mar 1964 p.18 Advert, 21 Apr 1964 p.1 promo, 25 Apr 1964 p.1-record crowd]
29 Apr 1964 - City of FW may take over Gardens [PANC 29 Apr 1964]
11 May 1964 - Pro Wrestling [PANC 9 May 1964 p.16]
28-30 May 1964 - Shrine Circus [PANC 8 Apr 1964 p.2]
23/24 Aug 1964 - Public reception for Fort William National All-Stars Senior baseball team. They won the very first Senior Little League (ages 13 to 15) Canadian Championship which was played in Stoney Creek, ON, through to Aug. 18 and represented Canada at the very first Senior Little League World Series in Louisville, Kentucky where they lost the first and only game, 7-4, to Texas on Aug. 20. See clipping #1 and clipping #2. [source: John P.]
11 Sep 1964 - Used Car Auction 1953-1960 models. No reserves, cars on view all day. Morris Fennell, auctioneer. [11 Sep 1964 PANC]
18 Sep 1964 - The Fabulous Johnny Cash Show featuring June Carter and Mother Maybelle, Tex Ritter, Little Jimmy Dickens, Tennessee Three and the Statler Bros. Quartet. $2.00 in advance, $2.50 at the door. [source: FWDTJ 17 Sep 1964, PANC 17 Sep 1964 p.6 promo & advert]
9 Oct 1964 - Kinsmen Bingo About 1,000 people paid $5.00 each for a chance to win five cars and other cash prizes. As reported in PANC, plainclothes police officers were there observing and taking names and addresses of winners, as well as questioning the organizers. Lorne Allard, president of the Kinsmen who organized the bingo, was detained in a room by police most of the evening. The Kinsmen’s lawyer, Alf Petrone, stated, “We have already expressed the view that our bingo session was legal. If the police decide to take their investigation further we shall fight the case vigorously.” [PANC 10 Oct 1964 p.1]
30 Oct 1964 - Tartans On Tour featuring comedian Jimmy Fletcher, Dennis Clancy, Joe Gordon Folk Four, Nicol Brown, Sandra Bald and Kathie McBain. [PANC 17 Sep 1964 p.19 promo, 29 Sep 1964 p.12 pic of Dennis Clancy-promo]
5 Dec 1964 - Chapple’s Santa Claus Show Another successful production. [PANC 7 Dec 1964 p.3 pic]
15 Dec 1964 - Exhibition Hockey Russian National Team vs Lakehead Senior All-Stars [PANC 7 Dec 1964 p.16]
1960s - Roy Orbison, Gine Pitney, The Crystals, The Rivingtons, The Cascades. They played here, could use some assistance with actual dates. [source: Henry D.]
29 Jan 1965 - Public memorial service for Sir Winston Churchill [PANC 27 Jan 1965 p.1]
1 Mar 1965 - CJLX 5th Anniversary Spectacular See the advert for the bands that played. [source: PANC 1 Mar 1965]
30 Mar 1965 - Threw eggs at Gardens Two 19-year-olds, Harold Craig and Michael J. Gregor, were charged with causing a disturbance last night at FWG after eggs were thrown on the ice during a game between the Marathon Mercuries and Warroad Lakers. An egg also hit a spectator. [PANC 30 Mar 1965 p.2]
4 Apr 1965 - Junior Hockey Thunder Bay final-PA North Stars vs FW Canadiens. This was the tenth game of the series, which included a tie game. Many back-to-back games, not sure how the players lasted the series. The North Stars won 6-3 but lost the next series to the Winnipeg Braves. [source: PANC 3/11/14 Apr 1965]
9 Apr 1965 - Jay & The Americans Bonnvilles opened for them. [source: Margaret N.]
10 Apr 1965 - Teen Dance The Bonnvilles (Note the spelling of the band name in the advert)[source: DTJ 9 Apr 1965]
15 Apr 1965 - Teen Dance The Bonnvilles [source: DTJ 15 Apr 1965]
18 Apr 1965 - Rollerskating [source: DTJ 17 Apr 1965]
21-24 Apr 1965 - Sportsman's Show presented by the Kiwanis Club of West Fort William. Featuring M.C. Edwin Wade, porpoise act (the educated mammal), The Five Wades (music, comedy and acrobatics), Willy Keo, Amelia Jackson Dancers and music by Roy Coran Orchestra. [source: DTJ 22 Apr 1965]
25 Apr 1965 - Roller Skating 8:30 - 10:30 [source: DTJ 24 Apr 1965]
1 May 1965 - Teen Dance The Bonnvilles [source: DTJ 30 Apr 1965]
3 May 1965 - Harlem Court Jesters [PANC 3 May 1965 p.14 pic]
27 May 1965 - Visit by Governor-General Vanier 4,500 students in the morning, parade in the evening. [PANC 27 May 1965 p.2, 28 May 1965 p.1]
15 Jun 1965 - Teen danceThe Bonnvilles Here's a photo of the Bonnvilles at FWG and one of Lyn McEachern on drums. [source: PANC 14 Jun 1965]
25 Jun 1965 - The Everly Brothers with Ral Downer and Zebras plus The Reflections. [source: PANC 25 Jun 1965]
26 Jun 1965 - Don Messer and his Islanders $1.50 adults, students and children $1.00. [PANC Advert 12 Jun 1965 p.24, promo 17 Jun 1965 p.6, another promo 24 Jun 1965 p.6]
19 Jul 1965 - Wrestling (promoted as an Exhibition of Strength and Science) [source: PANC 15 Jul 1965]
August 1965 - Roller Skating Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays [source: PANC 31 Jul 1965]
16/17 Aug 1965 - Annual Flower Show [source: PANC 12 Aug 1965]
21 Aug 1965 - Teen dance-The Bonnvilles [source: PANC 20 Aug 1965]
23 Oct 1965 - Teen Dance-The Viscounts Six-pack cartons of glass bottles of 7-Up were given out to lucky spot dance winners. [source: DTJ 22 Oct 1965]
4 Dec 1965 - Chapple’s Santa Claus show The 56th year. [promo and pics in PANC 1 Dec 1965 p.3, review PANC 6 Dec 1965 p.3 pics]
16 Feb 1966 - Ice Skating 50 cents adults, 25 cents children. [source: DTJ 16 Feb 1966]
17 Feb 1966 - Senior Hockey Bearcats vs Beavers, adults $1.00, students 50 cents. [source: DTJ 16 Feb 1966]
18 Feb 1966 - Ice Skating [source: DTJ 18 Feb 1966]
20 Feb 1966 - Junior Hockey Semi-finals, Fort Frances Royals vs Port Arthur Marrs. [source: DTJ 18 Feb 1966]
22 Feb 1966 - Senior Hockey Fort William Canadiens vs Fort William Beavers. An advert stated, "Buy a beaver program and you might win a colour tv." [source: DTJ 22 Feb 1966]
23 Feb 1966 - Ice Skating [source: DTJ 23 Feb 1966]
25 Feb 1966 - Band-A-Rama The first one. [source: Margaret N.]
27 Feb 1966 - Senior Hockey Mercuries vs Beavers. [source: DTJ 25 Feb 1966]
1 Apr 1966 - Band-A-Rama The Eternals. [source: Margaret N.]
14-16 Apr 1966 - Shrine Circus [source: DTJ 24 Mar 1966]
20-23 Apr 1966 - Sportsman's Show [source: DTJ 30 Mar 1966]
6 May 1966 - Band-A-Rama [source: Margaret N.]
28 May 1966 - Band-A-Rama Thorns, Satan & The D-Men. [source: Margaret N.]
18 Jun 1966 - Band-A-Rama [source: Margaret N.]
9 Jul 1966 - First Spec David Clayton-Thomas was unable to attend this due to an accident. [source: Margaret N.]
11 Jul 1966 - The Bossmen [source: Margaret N.]
16 Jul 1966 - Second Spec James and the Bondsmen. [source: Margaret N.]
23 Jul 1966 - Third Spec Secrets and Dee and the Yeo-Men. [source: Margaret N.]
26 Jul 1966 - Dance Only about 50 people attended. [source: Margaret N.]
30 Jul 1966 - Fourth Spec Luke and the Apostles. [source: Margaret N.]
14 Aug 1966 - Beach Boys with opening acts Bobby Kris and the Imperials and local band The Bonnvilles. $8.00 admission. The Beach Boys flew in Sunday afternoon from Duluth, did the show that night, stayed at the Canadian Inn on Brodie and then flew out Monday afternoon for a show in North Dakota that night. [source: Canadan Uutiset 24 Aug 1966 as there was no coverage in the News-Chronicle or Times-Journal]
Check out photos from the concert!
20 Aug 1966 - The Ugly Ducklings [source: Margaret N.] According to some sources, the Ugly Ducklings were one of the most popular Canadian bands in the mid-1960s.
27 Aug 1966 - Seventh Spec The Last Words. [source: Margaret N.]
3 Sep 1966 - Eighth Spec Barry Allen & The Rebels. [source: Margaret N.]
14 Oct 1966 - Band-A-Rama Blues Mania, Tierras, Impalas, Fugitives, Thorns, People. [source: Margaret N.]
29 Oct 1966 - The A-Men They sang Midnight Hour for 35 minutes. [source: Margaret N.]
12 Nov 1966 - Dance [source: Margaret N.]
26 Nov 1966 - Dance [source: Margaret N.]
2 Dec 1966 - Band-A-Rama [source: Margaret N.]
3 Dec 1966 - Chapple’s Santa Claus show [PANC 3 Dec 1966 p.1 pic]
3 Dec 1966 - Dance The Secrets. [source: Margaret N.]
1967-68? - The Zombies Anyone else remember this one or have a date? [source: Myron P.]
5 Jan 1967 - The Canadian Mosaic presented by Les Feux-Follets, the Canadian Fold Dance Company. [source: PANC 4 Jan 1967 p.2, 5 Jan 1967 p.1]
28 Jan 1967 - Dance Junkyard Angels. [source: Margaret N.]
3 Feb 1967 - Band-A-Rama 6 bands played. [source: Margaret N.]
3 Mar 1967 - Peter & Gordon with The Dimensions and The Footprints. [source: Margaret N., Jim Z.]
6 Mar 1967 - Eric Burdon and the Animals with local band The Fugitives. Admission was $4.00 advance. 2,500 Teenagers Hear The Animals. They flew in from New York the same day as the show and the Tuesday morning after the concert they piled in a car to drive to a show in Chicago that night. Suckers for punishment. [source: Margaret N., CJLX big advert/promo PANC 20 Jan 1967 p.6, FW DTJ 7 Mar 1967]
25 Mar 1967 - Dance The Quiet Jungle. [source: Margaret N.]
13-15 Apr 1967 - Shrine Circus [source: PANC 4 Jan 1967 p.2]
19-22 Apr 1967 - 13th Annual Sportsman's Show [source: PANC 7 Mar 1967 p.3]
6 May 1967 - Red Army Singers 180 musicians and dancers. Some Russian protesters were outside FWG during the show. [source: PANC 4 Apr 1967 p.6, 8 May 1967 p.2 review plus pics]
7-14 May 1967 - Memorial Cup Final Port Arthur Marrs vs. Toronto Marlboroughs. Tickets for the first four games sold out on Wed., May 3, 1967. Toronto won the series four games to one. [source: PANC 3 May 1967 p.1 pic, 15 May 1967 p.18 pics]
27 May 1967 - Dance African Stomp. [source: Margaret N.]
15 Jun 1967 - Band-A-Rama School's Out Band-A-Rama with Gettysberg Address. [source: Margaret N.]
23 Jun 1967 - The Ugly Ducklings [source: Margaret N.]
24 Jun 1967 - The Guess Who [source: Margaret N.]
26 Jul 1967 - Dance Gettysberg Address and Shameful Minority. [source: Margaret N.]
31 Jul 1967 - Canada's National Youth Orchestra Another Centennial year event.[source: PANC 21 Jun 1967 p.2]
3 Aug 1967 - Free Dance Thorns, Fugitives, Erbs. [source: Margaret N.]
16 Aug 1967 - All-Star Wrestling [source: PANC 14 Aug 1967]
23 Aug 1967 - 49th Parallel They sang "Labourer." [source: Margaret N.]
26 Aug 1967 - Blues Magoos, The Who, Herman's Hermits A Saturday matinee concert plus a bomb scare. [source: Photo and caption in PANC 28 Aug 1967]
31 Aug 1967 - Veriovka Ukrainian Folk Choir [source: PANC 22 Aug 1967]
16 Sep 1967 - The Guess Who Burton Cummings came on stage with a cape. They threw away cufflinks and drumsticks. [source: Margaret N.]
7 Oct 1967 - The Guess Who [source: Margaret N.]
20 Oct 1967 - Band-A-Rama Thorns, Fugitives, Shameful Minority, Erbs, 49th Parallel, The Vandals. [source: Margaret N.]
11 Nov 1967 - Dance [source: Margaret N.]
18 Nov 1967 - The Last Words [source: Margaret N.]
23 Dec 1967 - The Guess Who [source: Margaret N.]
26 Dec 1967 - Band-A-Rama Christmas Band-A-Rama. Thorns, Vandals, Fugitives plus a Chicago band called Spider & The Soul Expressway. [source: Margaret N.]
15 Jan 1968 - Wrestling [source: PANC 6 Jan 1968 p.13]
20 Jan 1968 - Dance The Quiet Jungle. [source: Margaret N.]
26 Feb 1968 - Wrestling [source: PANC 24 Feb 1968 p.14]
16 Mar 1968 - Paul Butterfield Blues Band $3.00 admission. [source: Margaret N., review and photo PANC 20 Mar 1968 p.5]
21 Mar 1968 - Dance [source: Margaret N.]
29 Mar 1968 - Buck Owens and his Buckaroos $3.00 advance, $3.50 at the door [source: PANC 27 Mar 1968]
4/5/6 Apr 1968 - Shrine Circus [source: PANC 27 Mar 1968]
13 Apr 1968 - Dance [source: Margaret N.]
17-20 Apr 1968 - 14th Annual Sportsman's Show [source: PANC 4 Mar 1968 p.8]
22 Apr 1968 - Soviet Navy Ensemble (singers)[source: PANC 18 Apr 1968]
3 May 1968 - All-Star Wrestling [source: PANC 27 Apr 1968]
11 May 1968 - Dance [source: Margaret N.]
23 May 1968 - Roller Skating for the oldtimers-Ken Griffon skating waltzes[source: PANC 18 May 1968]
25 May 1968 - Frula (Yugoslavian dancers) [source: PANC 18 May 1968]
3 Jun 1968 - Sock It To Me All-Star Wrestling [source: PANC 27 May 1968]
18 Jun 1968 - Pierre Elliot Trudeau Bob Andras invites you to see, hear and meet him. [source: PANC 15 Jun 1968]
2 Jul 1968 - Free Dance [source: Margaret N.]
13 Jul 1968 - Dance The Paupers [source: Margaret N.]
August 1968 - Rollerskating Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. [source: PANC 24 Jul 1968]
10 Aug 1968 - The Troggs with The Fugitives. [source: Margaret N., Paul Shaffer biography-www.musicianguide.com]
23 Aug 1968 - Wrestling Tag team bout-The Crusher and Igor vs Dr. X and Pretty Boy Henning. [source: PANC 17 Aug 1968]
27 Sep 1968 - Abbey Tavern Singers Direct from Dublin! [source: PANC 23 Sep 1968]
4 Oct 1968 - Dance The Thorns [source: Margaret N.]
4 Oct 1968 - Police investigated reports of three young men that were stabbed just before midnight at an after-Bowl Game dance at FWG. [source: PANC 5 Oct 1968 p.1]
8 Oct 1968 - Wrestling The Crusher returns...[source: PANC 8 Oct 1968]
25 Oct 1968 - Dance The Thorns [source: Margaret N.]
2 Nov 1968 - Dance The Tradewinds, The Thorns [source: Margaret N.]
9 Nov 1968 - Dance [source: Margaret N.]
16 Nov 1968 - Battle of the Bands The Thorns won by 24 votes, Maley's Concern was second. [source: Margaret N.]
23 Nov 1968 - Dance The Thorns, Shameful Minority [source: Margaret N.]
30 Nov 1968 - Dance [source: Margaret N.]
6 Dec 1968 - Dance The Thorns, Habit [source: Margaret N.]
14 Dec 1968 - Dance The Thorns, The Fifth [source: Margaret N.]
23 Dec 1968 - The Guess Who with The Thorns [source: Margaret N.]
26 Dec 1968 - Dance The McCoys, The Thorns [source: Margaret N.]
1 Jan 1969 - Band-A-Rama [source: Margaret N.]
4 Jan 1969 - Dance The Thorns, Townsmen [source: Margaret N.]
11 Jan 1969 - Dance [source: Margaret N.]
14 Jan 1969 - Exhibition Hockey Lakehead Junior All-Stars vs Japanese Selects [source: PANC 8 Jan 1969 p.6]
18 Jan 1969 - Dance The Thorns, Merriday Park [source: Margaret N.]
1 Feb 1969 - Dance Habit, The Shell [source: Margaret N.]
8 Feb 1969 - Dance The Thorns, Habit [source: Margaret N.]
22 Feb 1969 - Dance The Thorns, The Lyme [source: Margaret N.]
1 Mar 1969 - Band-A-Rama [source: Margaret N.]
21 Mar 1969 - Band-A-Rama [source: Margaret N.]
3-5 Apr 1969 - Shrine Circus [source: PANC 15 Mar 1969 p.6]
10 Apr 1969 - The Irish Rovers [source: DTJ 11 Apr 1969]
12 Apr 1969 - Dance The Lyme, The Thorns and another band [source: Margaret N.]
28 Apr 1969 - Wrestling [source: DTJ 22 Apr 1969]
5 May 1969 - Russian Festival [source: DTJ 28 Apr 1969 sign pic]
9 May 1969 - Skate-a-thon Roller skating started May 9; ended 6:10 on May 14, with occasional 10 minute breaks. The winner was Morris Nycheck, age 19, and he won $350.00. Second place was Bill Lakota, age 22. [source: Margaret N., DTJ 14 May 1969]
16 May 1969 - Band-a-Rama [source: Margaret N.]
22 May 1969 - Championship Wrestling [source: DTJ 20 May 1969]
24 May 1969 - Dance Hardly anyone there and it was in the curling club. [source: Margaret N.]
12-14 Jun 1969 - Tom Bishop's 4B Ranch Rodeo and Wild west show. [source: DTJ 24 May 1969]
14 Jun 1969 - Dance The Thorns, Gettysberg Address [source: Margaret N.]
24 Jun 1969 - Don Messer [source: DTJ 24 Jun 1969]
27 Jun 1969 - Dance In the curling club; Lyme played [source: Margaret N.]
5 Jul 1969 - Dance The Zombies [source: Margaret N., Review by Ian Pattison in PANC 11 Jul 1969 p.6 pic]
15 Jul 1969 - Dance 25 cent dance; The Thorns [source: Margaret N.]
12 Aug 1969 - Dance 25 cent dance; Mixed Breed [source: Margaret N.]
21 Aug 1969 - Dance 25 cent dance; The Thorns [source: Margaret N.]
27 Sep 1969 - Dance Mother Tucker's Yellow Duck; Mixed Breed opened. In a review, MTYD garnered a better audience response than past concerts by Eric Burdon and Paul Butterfield Blues Band. [source: Margaret N., Review by Ian Pattison in PANC 1 Oct 1969 p.22]
1 Oct 1969 - Feux Follets [source: {ANC 2 Sep 1969 p.6]
13 Oct 1969 - Dance First gig at FWG of Electric Church. [source: Kevin O.]
20 Oct 1969 - Paul Revere and the Raiders [source: Kevin O., Review by Ian Pattison in PANC 22 Oct 1969 p.20 pic]
25 Oct 1969 - Toronto Sound Festival Many bands played during the nine hour show presented by CKPR. $5.00 admission. [source: Margaret N., Review in PANC 27 Oct 1969 p.2 pic]
26 Oct 1969 - The Don Cossack Chorus and Dancers [source: Review in PANC 27 Oct 1969 p.2]
29 Oct - 2 Nov 1969 - Ice Follies [source: DTJ 9 Aug 1969]
15 Nov 1969 - Dance Black Lightning, Electric Church, Truth [source: Margaret N., Kevin O.]
22 Nov 1969 - Dance Black Lightning, Electric Church [source: Margaret N.]
29 Nov 1969 - Dance Black Lightning, Electric Church, Merriday Park [source: Margaret N.]
13 Dec 1969 - Dance Electric Church [source: Margaret N., Kevin O.]
20 Dec 1969 - Dance Electric Church [source: Margaret N., Kevin O.]
23 Dec 1969 - The Guess Who with Electric Church and Black Lightning. [source: Margaret N.]
1 Jan 1970 - Band-A-Rama Black Lightning, Electric Church, Who Cares, Jarvis Street Revue, Dillan and another group jamming on stage. [source: Margaret N.]
12 Feb 1970 - Wrestling [source: DTJ 9 Feb 1970]
14 Feb 1970 - Dance [source: Margaret N.]
2 Mar 1970 - Wrestling [source: DTJ 24 Feb 1970]
14 Mar 1970 - Dance Pillar [source: Margaret N.]
28 Mar 1970 - The Brothers with The Blue Frizz. Both Winnipeg bands received a negative review. [source: PANC 1 Apr 1970 p.11]
29/30 Mar 1970 - Manitoba/Thunder Bay Junior Hockey Finals Dauphin Kings vs Westfort Hurricanes. The Hercs won the series. [source: DTJ 28 Mar 1970]
3/4 Apr 1970 - Gay Blades of 1970 Fort William Figure Skating Club [source: DTJ 6 Apr 1970]
4 Apr 1970 - Chopping Block A six-piece band from Winnipeg impressed the fickle crowd. [source: Review in PANC 8 Apr 1970 p.30 pic]
15 Apr 1970 - Victor Borge with Marylyn Mulvey and Sahan Arzruni. "I hope we have room enough," quipped Borge as he bounded on stage. Only 1,345 people came for the show, leaving many empty seats. [source: DTJ 3 Apr and 16 Apr 1970, Review in PANC 18 Apr 1970 p.19]
16/17 Apr 1970 - Western Canada Memorial Cup Finals Junior hockey - Weyburn Red Wings vs Westfort Hurricanes. These first two games were won by the Hercs, but Weyburn won the series at home four games to two. [source: DTJ 16, 18, 28 Apr 1970]
22 Apr 1970 - Roller Skating Every Wednesday for 75 cents. [source: DTJ 22 Apr 1970]
27-29 Apr 1970 - Shrine Circus [source: DTJ 13 Apr 1970]
23 May 1970 - Flea Market [source: DTJ 22 May 1970]
2 Jun 1970 - Hank Snow's Grand Ole Opry Also Red Sovine, J. David Sloane and Thunder Bay's Reg Allen, the Thunder Bay Show Band and Jerry Palmer. [source: PANC 6 Jun 1970]
10 Jun 1970 - Wrestling [source: DTJ 3 Jun 1970]
17 Jun 1970 - Red Army singers, dancers and musicians was cancelled due to transportation and scheduling issues [They missed their flight out of Sudbury and couldn't get another one to make it here...]. [source: DTJ 11 May 1970, Cancellation-PANC 24 Jun 1970 p.3]
27 Jun 1970 - Band-A-Rama Just a note: There were a series of concerts in March of 1985 and 1986 by the Roy Coran orchestra, Doug's Dixielanders, etc. at the DaVinci Centre using the title "Bandarama." If anyone had the foresight to trademark the term they should investigate this... ;-} [source: Margaret N. for the 1970 reference]
2 Jul 1970 - All-Star Wrestling [source: DTJ 26 Jun 1970]
3 Aug 1970 - Philip Morris Magician featuring his Wonderful World of Fantasy show. [source: PANC 1 Aug 1970 p.2]
12 Aug 1970 - RCMP Musical Ride [source: PANC 4 Aug 1970 p.6]
5 Sep 1970 - Dance [source: Margaret N.]
19 Sep 1970 - Carlton Showband "Pig 'N Whistle" Tried to create a pub atmosphere in the gardens, lots of empty seats. [source: DTJ 21 Sep 1970, Review in PANC 26 Sep 1970 p.11]
26 Sep 1970 - Dance [source: Margaret N.]
3 Oct 1970 - The Souls of Inspyrations Heavy rock group that played the songs of Led Zeppelin and Cream. [source: Margaret N., PANC 3 Oct 1970 p.7]
8 Oct 1970 - Wrestling [source: PANC 1 Oct 1970 p.5]
10 Oct 1970 - Dance [source: Margaret N.]
23 Nov 1970 - Wrestling An Exhibition of Strength and Science. [source: DTJ 18 Nov 1970]
19 Dec 1970 - Mr. Toot Christmas Show Two Saturday morning shows for the kids featuring Miss Tootsie, Brother Robbie, Elks Clown Band and Elks Tom Thumb hockey players. 75 cents admission. [source: DTJ 21 Nov 1970]
19 Dec 1970 - Dance [source: Margaret N.]
23 Dec 1970 - The Guess Who The Electric Church might have opened this concert. [source: Karen F., Kevin O.]
1971 - Don Messer [source: FWG event file-City of Thunder Bay Archives]
11 Jan 1971 - Wrestling [source: PANC 11 Jan 1971 p.6]
8 Feb 1971 - Wrestling Tag team main event: Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon vs Red Bastien & Hercules Cortez. Was Mad Dog Vachon part of Maple Leaf Wrestling or is it just some hazy flashback I am having that involves midget wrestling... [source: DTJ 4 Feb 1971]
22 Feb 1971 - Wrestling [source: DTJ 18 Feb 1971]
27 Feb 1971 - Gay Blades of '71 [It was skating, nothing to do with George Hamilton] Featuring Donald Jackson (world champion - Prague 1962). $1.00 admission. [source: DTJ 19 Feb 1971]
24-27 Mar 1971 - Elks Pee-Wee Tournament Team photos [source: DTJ 22 Mar 1971]
1 Jun 1971 - Georgian State Song and Dance Ensemble of the U.S.S.R. [source: DTJ 1 Jun 1971]
7 Jun 1971 - Wrestling [source: DTJ 1 Jun 1971]
28 Jun 1971 - Wrestling [source: DTJ 23 Jun 1971]
6 Aug 1971 - Roller Skating Every Wednesday, Friday & Sunday. [source: DTJ 6 Aug 1971]
9 Aug 1971 - Wrestling [source: DTJ 3 Aug 1971]
18 Sep 1971 - Giant Flea Market [source: DTJ 16 Sep 1971]
13/14 Nov 1971 - Exhibition Junior Hockey Oshawa Generals vs. Thunder Bay Vulcans [source: DTJ 8 Nov 1971]
24 Nov 1971 - The Flying Fathers vs Thunder Bay Old Pros [source: DTJ 16 Nov 1971]
2 Dec 1971 - Exhibition Hockey U.S. National Team vs. Lakehead University Nor'Westers [source: DTJ 25 Nov 1971]
1972 - Myrna Lorrie, Hickorys, Family Brown [source: FWG event file-City of Thunder Bay Archives]
1/2 Jan 1972 - Exhibition Junior Hockey Detroit Junior "A" Wings vs. Thunder Bay Vulcans [source: DTJ 29 Dec 1971]
5/6 Feb 1972 - Elks Hockey Pee-Wee Booster Day 20th Annual [source: DTJ 4 Feb 1972]
25 Feb 1972 - Wrestling [source: DTJ 18 Feb 1972]
26 Feb 1972 - Gay Blades of '72 Fort William Figure Skating Club show [source: DTJ 22 Feb 1972]
16 Mar 1972 - Nicky Cruz Crusade. Free Admission. [source: DTJ 13 Mar 1972]
21 Apr 1972 - Wrestling [source: DTJ 12 Apr 1972]
25 Apr 1972 - Roller Skating [source: DTJ 21 Apr 1972]
1-3 May 1972 - Shrine Circus [source: DTJ 17 Apr 1972]
13 May 1972 - Spring Flea Market [source: DTJ 8 May 1972]
24/25 May 1972 - Salute to Music This was possibly the first one. It was a large concert of public school students.[source: John P., DTJ 23 May 1972]
1 Jun 1972 - Stompin' Tom Connors & Wilf Carter [source: DTJ 25 May 1972]
15 July 1972 - Crowbar with Steel River, $2.50 advance, $3.00 at the door. Thanks to Debbie A. for checking her saved ticket stub, which unfortunately was ripped in half so the date was missing. Found an advert in CJ that filled in the blanks. [source: CJ 14 Jul 1972]
9/10 Aug 1972 - 1st Annual Canadian International Circus Presented by the YW-YMCA. [source: CJ 20 Jul 1972]
31 Aug 1972 - John Lee Hooker A reviewer stated it was a disappointing show, even though it outsold previous shows by the Beach Boys, Butterfield and The Who. [source: CJ 2 Sep 1972]
16 Sep 1972 - Flea Market [source: CJ 15 Sep 1972]
29 Sep 1972 - Exhibition hockey St. Paul Fighting Saints(WHA) vs Thunder Bay Twins [source: CJ 25 Sep 1972]
6 Oct 1972 - Wrestling [source: CJ 27 Sep 1972]
14 Oct 1972 - Ike and Tina Turner and their 14 Piece Review Tickets $6.50. Thanks to Debbie A. for the date reference and the scans of the ticket stub and advert. Note the disclaimer in the advert that California sound specialists have been hired to rectify sound problems in the gardens. In his review of the one hour show, Ian Pattison described Tina: "...her energy often catapulted into the audience like a 3-D movie. During songs like "Proud Mary" and "Shake, Rattle and Roll," the choreography displayed by Tina and the Ikettes nearly outshone the music." [source: CJ 17 Oct 1972, 24 Nov 1972]
Between March 4 and 11th, 2009, Tina Turner, 69, did five concerts at the 02 Arena in London, England, singing and dancing her heart out in her mini-skirt and high heels to everything from Nutbush City Limits to Simply The Best. She had actually retired from performing live in 2000. Guess there’s no chance of her ever playing the Gardens again…maybe during her "retirement tour" when she is in her 90s.
27 Nov 1972 - Wrestling [source: CJ 25 Nov 1972]
29 Nov 1972 - Savoy Brown (Brit R&B featuring Kim Simmonds) plus Edward Bear and the Hoodoo Rhythm Devils. By the time Savoy Brown played the C.L.E. Coliseum on Aug. 1, 1980, Kim Simmonds was the only original member. [source: Ian P., CJ 14 Nov 1972, 31 Jul 1980 Kim Simmonds interview]
15 Dec 1972 - Exhibition hockey Moscow Selects vs Thunder Bay Twins [source: CJ 14 Dec 1972]
Early 1970s - British Invasion concert Bands from England. Thanks to Donna B. for the reference. [source: date to be confirmed]
6 Jan 1973 - Exhibition hockey Swedish Timra vs Thunder Bay Twins [source: CJ 27 Dec 1972]
19 Mar 1973 - The Bells of "Fly Little White Dove" and "Stay Awhile" fame; post-Frank Mills lineup. [source: John P.]
23/24 May 1973 - Salute to Music 1,800 public school students from grade 4-8 performing together. [source: CJ 23 May 1973]
25 May 1973 - Roller skating Started for the summer.[source: CJ 25 May 1975]
26 May 1973 - Flea Market [source: CJ 25 May 1973]
28 May 1973 - James Last Only 2,000 people attended. One of the songs he did with his band was Laura's Theme, which I think was used as the theme for the soap opera Young and the Restless...not exactly arena fare. [source: CJ 29 May 1973]
29 May 1973 - Monster Bingo Cash prizes plus two, count 'em two, 1973 Plymouth Crickets, because one Cricket just isn't enough. [source: CJ 28 May 1973]
5 Jun 1973 - Lighthouse [source: Tory T., CJ 6 Jun 1973 review in Offbeat column plus a photo of guitarist Ralph Cole. Offbeat column in CJ 24 Nov 1972 stated Lighthouse had played here once before, no exact date though. Lighthouse also played the Lakehead University Fieldhouse 24 Jun 1974]
11 Jul 1973 - Roller Derby Canadian All-Stars. [source: CJ 9 Jul 1973]
29 Aug 1973 - Royal Lipizzan Stallions [source: CJ 24 Aug 1973]
22 Sep 1973 - Flea Market [source: CJ 21 Sep 1973]
21 Sep 1973 - Thunder Bay Twins Season tickets went on sale today, $50 for chair seating, $45 for bench seats. [source: CJ 21 Sep 1973]
8 Oct 1973 - All-Star Wrestling [source: CJ 1 Oct 1973]
22 Jan 1974 - Twins Hockey vs USHL All-Stars (Twins won 5-3) [source: Margaret N.]
15 Feb 1974 - Carlton Show Band This was possibly one of the last times they played at FWG. They did a three night stand at the Expressway Lounge Oct. 8-10, 1981 for $6.00 a head, in between Long John Baldry & Zeebraz on Oct. 7, and Goddo on Oct. 15. [source: CJ 1 Feb 1974, 10 Oct 1981]
2 Mar 1974 - Fantasies On Ice Annual show of the Fort William Figure Skating Club [source: CJ 1 Mar 1974]
13-16 Mar 1974 - Shrine Circus [source: CJ 7 May 1974]
May 1974 - Roller Skating on Wed., Fri. and Sun. [source: CJ 18 May 1974]
22/23 May 1974 - Salute To Music '74 Featuring 1,500 elementary school children singing together...hopefully the same song. [source: CJ 18 May 1974]
26 Jun 1974 - Roller Derby Featuring Canadian All-Stars: Paul "The Bear" Rupert, Diane Syverson and "Skinny Minnie" Miller. [source: CJ 22 Jun 1974]
9 Jul 1974 - Garden Bros. Circus [source: CJ 4 Jul 1974]
3 Sep 1974 - Royal Lipizzan Stallions [source: CJ 16 Aug 1974]
21/22 Sep 1974 - 2nd Annual Folklore Festival The first one was held Sept. 21, 1973 at the C.L.E. Coliseum. [source: CJ 24 Sep 1973(review of 1st one), 6 Aug 1974]
25 Nov 1974 - FWG closed for three weeks for roof repairs. [source: CJ 7 Nov 1974]
1975 - Irish Rovers [source: FWG event file-City of Thunder Bay Archives]
1975 - Garden Bros. circus [source: FWG event file-City of Thunder Bay Archives]
20 Jun 1975 - Rush Fly By Night tour. [source: www.2112.net]
22 Sep 1975 - Bee Gees with opening act All The Young Dudes from Montreal.[source: CJ 23 Sep 1975, thanks to John P. for the ticket stub]
27 Dec 1975 - Exhibition hockey Finnish Nationals vs Twins (5-5). [source: Margaret N.]
1976 - Dolly Parton and Bill Whyte [source: FWG event file-City of Thunder Bay Archives]
10/11/14 Apr 1976 - Thunder Bay Twins vs Barrie Flyers (Allan Cup playoffs-Twins lost series 4 games to 3) [source: CJ 9 Apr 1976]
23 Apr 1976 - Roller skating [source: CJ 22 Apr 1976]
28 Apr 1976 - Charley Pride tickets $6.50 [source: CJ 17 Apr 1976]
17-20 May 1976 - Shrine Circus [source: CJ 3 Apr 1976]
25/26 May 1976 - Salute to Music ’76 [source: CJ 25 May 1976]
28/29 May 1976 - Olympic Trials Wrestling [source: CJ 27 May 1976]
15 Jul 1976 - Slade plus Dennison Booth $4.00 advance/$5.00 at the door [source: CJ 12 Jul 1976]
12 Aug 1976 - Bachman Turner Overdrive (BTO) on their 21 city tour called "The Great Beaver Patrol." 4,400 hot and sweaty fans jammed the gardens. [source: CJ 13 Aug 1976]
August 1976 - Roller Skating [source: CJ 17 Aug 1976]
20 Sep 1976 - Al Martino He also played the Selkirk Auditorium on April 16, 1980. [source: CJ 18 Sep 1976, 5 Apr 1980]
28 Sep 1976 - Ali vs Norton - World Heavyweight Championship on the big screen. [source: CJ 28 Sep 1976]
15 Oct 1976 - Rush All The World's A Stage tour with Max Webster. [source: CJ 16 Aug 1976]
28/29 Oct 1976 - Ice Show featuring Toller Cranston. [source: CJ 16 Oct 1976]
23 Nov 1976 - Burton Cummings [source: CJ 16 Nov 1976]
18/19 Dec 1976 - Thunder Bay Twins vs Whitby Warriors (both teams in Ontario Senior A Hockey League). Eddie Shack was playing for Whitby, each team won a game. [source: CJ 17 Dec 1976 p.12]
2 Jan 1977 - Thunder Bay Twins vs Czech Selects (exhibition hockey) [source: CJ 17 Dec 1976]
22 Jan 1977 - Bill “Goldie” Goldthorpe signs with the Thunder Bay Twins. In his first two games on Jan. 22/23 at the FWG, the Twins beat Barrie Flyers 5-2 and 7-0. Barrie showed up wearing new uniforms that looked exactly like the NHL Flyers, but it was the Twins who played like the real "Broad Street Bullies." [source: CJ 22/24 Jan 1977]
6/7 Feb 1977 - Thunder Bay Twins vs Japanese Nationals (exhibition hockey) [source: CJ 22 Jan 1977]
11 Feb 1977 - The Irish Rovers [source: CJ 21 Jan 1977]
13 Mar 1977 - Ontario Senior A Hockey semi-finals Thunder Bay Twins vs Brantford Alexanders. Brantford defeated the Twins 4-1 to win the best of nine playoff series five games to one. [source: CJ 14 Mar 1977]
2/3 Apr 1977 - Music Music Music Ice show presented by the Fort William and Port Arthur Figure Skating Clubs. [source: CJ 1 Apr 1977]
3 May 1977 - The Fifth Dimension in a benefit concert with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. [source: CJ 19 Apr, 4 May 1977]
6-8 May 1977 - 3rd Annual Speedsport A display of street rods, drags, customs and motorcycles. Plus music by "Dodger" and an appearance by 23-year-old Playboy Bunny Susan Kiger. There was an immigration issue with Kiger, but it was sorted out at the last minute so she could "sign some autographs, entertain the people and keep them happy." [source: CJ 5,6,7 May 1977]
14 May 1977 - Fort William Male Choir 50th anniversary concert. [source: CJ 3 May 1977]
23 May 1977 - Tammy Wynette with The Good Brothers. [source: CJ 30 Apr, 24 May 1977]
26 May 1977 - Salute to Music Lakehead Board of Education presentation of a chorus of 1,500 grades 4 - 8 students conducted by Marcella Smithers. (Some great photos of her conducting in CJ, see source)[source: CJ 27 May 1977]
27 May 1977 - The Stampeders Great summer tour with Walter Rossi. A photographer had some harsh comments in CJ about the lack of security at the concert. The Friday night crowd was rowdy and there were mickeys of CC being openly passed around and the smell of illicit drugs was thick. Police did arrest some minors. [source: CJ 31 May 1977]
28/29 May 1977 - Folklore Festival The fifth annual featured "The King of Kensington," the late Al Waxman, as the Master of Ceremonies. A photo showed him sampling some cabbage rolls. He probably had the munchies caused by the haze leftover from The Stampeders concert Friday night. [source: 30 May 1977]
7 Jun 1977 - The Amazing Kreskin [source: CJ 21 May 1977]
8 Jun 1977 - Benefit Boxing Match For the family of the late boxer Weldon Gilbert. It was set-up by Joe Major. [source: CJ 9 Jun 1977]
11 Jun 1977 - Giant Spring Flea Market 10am - 4pm. 50 cents admission. [source: CJ 1 Jun 1977]
6 Sep 1977 - Rush Farewell To Kings tour. [source: CJ 6 Sep 1977]
10 Sep 1977 - Conway Twitty & Wilf Carter admission $6.00. [source: CJ 3 Sep 1977]
12 Sep 1977 - Black Oak Arkansas $6.00 advance. [source: CJ 7 Sep 1977]
16-18 Sep 1977 - Home Show '77 [source: CJ 15 Apr 1977]
24 Sep 1977 - Fall Flea Market [source: CJ 16 Jul 1977]
29/30 Sep 1977 - Toller Cranston Ice Show [source: CJ 3 Sep 1977]
1978 - Tom Jones [source: FWG event file-City of Thunder Bay Archives]
1978 - Roger Whittaker [source: FWG event file-City of Thunder Bay Archives]
8 May 1978 - Nazareth [source: Ron S.]
26 Jun 1978 - Triumph with special guests Moxy presented by The Black Squirrel $4.99 adv. [Source: Kevin S. for finding the Times News 19 Jun 1978]
7 Jul 1978 - April Wine with special guests Teaze presented by The Black Squirrel and 580/CKPR $5.50 adv. [Source: Kevin S. for finding the Times News 26 Jun 1978]
10 Sep 1978 - Bob Hope When he called FWG "a garage." Bob Hope also played the auditorium during its opening week in October 1985 and managed to get in a round of golf at the Fort William Country Club. [sources: CJ 11 Sep 1978, 22 Oct 1985]
20 Oct 1978 - Rush Hemispheres tour. Was this the last time Rush performed here? [source: CJ 19 Oct 1978]
5 Mar 1979 - Harlem Globetrotters "Sweet" Lou Dunbar, James "Twiggy" Sanders, Geese Ausbie and the team put on a great show. In case you were wondering, they did defeat the California Chiefs 117-112. They were described in the sports report "...as funny as Mork from Orc." For those under 40 years old, Google: Mork from Orc... [source: CJ 6 Mar 1979]
11 May 1979 - Dr. Hook with Downchild. Tickets $6.50. [source: CJ 23 Apr, 15 May 1979]
12/13 May 1979 - 7th Annual Folklore Festival with Master of Ceremonies Don Percy. [source: CJ 28 Apr 1979]
4-6 May 1979 - 5th Annual Speed Sport 1979 [source: CJ 3 May 1979]
26 May 1979 - Spring Flea Market [source: CJ 22 May 1979]
12 Jun 1979 - Nick Gilder with special guest Zon [source: CJ 1 Jun 1979]
25 Jun 1979 - Burton Cummings with special guest Lisa Del Bello. Tickets $7.50. [source: CJ 1, 25 Jun 1979]
11 Jun 1979 - Streetheart with special guests Crowcuss and Goddo. 1,300 fans showed up. [source: CJ 3, 13 Jul(review) 1979)]
30 Aug 1979 - Leif Garrett show cancelled He was scheduled to appear at FWG on August 30th, and it was only one of two shows scheduled in Canada, the other was at the CNE in Toronto. It was cancelled due to low advance ticket sales. Maybe his teen idol star was fading already, or it was the $10 tickets that turned people off. The opening act was scheduled as Greg Shideler, known as "Mr. Sound Effects." [source: CJ 1 Aug, 30 Aug 1979]
15 Sep 1979 - Fall Flea Market [source: CJ 11 Sep 1979]
18 Sep 1979 - Thunder Bay Twins Schedule released for 1979-80 season. The Twins were in the Central Amateur Senior Hockey (C.A.S.H.) League this year. There were 14 home games and 7 away games. Each of the other 7 teams would come to FWG for two games, the Twins would visit each other team once at their home rinks. Other teams were St. Boniface Mohawks, Brandon Olympics, Steinbach Huskies, St. James Flyers, Transcona Chargers, E.K. Elmwood Millionaires and Warroad Lakers. Four exhibition games against other teams were also being scheduled. Early in the season the Transcona Chargers folded, forcing the league to update the schedule. [source: CJ 18 Sep, 2 Oct 1979]
2 Oct 1979 - Home Show '79 [source: CJ 20 Sep 1979]
4 Oct 1979 - Fitness Challenge ceremony Thunder Bay defeated the city of Brampton in a fitness challenge. Mayor Dusty Miller received the plaque on behalf of the city from Ruben Baetz, provincial minister of culture and recreation. During the challenge there was a lot of local coverage of people doing all sorts of physical activity, from walking and jogging outdoors on the trails at Centennial Park, to office workers riding stationary bikes during their lunch hour. Basically, we got off our butts and kicked theirs... [source: CJ 5 Oct 1979]
4 Oct 1979 - NHL Exhibition Hockey Minnesota North Stars vs Winnipeg Jets. See the line-up [source: John P., CJ 5 Oct 1979]
10 Oct 1979 - Trooper Flying Colours tour with special guests Private Eye [source: CJ 22 Sep 1979, Ron S.]
27 Nov 1979 - Thunder Bay Twins vs. NHL Old Pros The NHLers were sponsored by Labatt and Ross Brewitt was the manager. The team included Eddie “The Entertainer” Shack, Norm Ullman, Carl Brewer, Andy Bathgate, Frank Mahovlich, Bob Nevin, Mike Pelyk, Bob Wall, Keith McCreary and Jim Pappin. The Old Stars won 7-6. Ab Cava, coach of the Twins, mentioned to Carl Brewer there was a card open if he wanted to sign with the Twins, unfortunately Brewer had already signed with another team...damn. [source: CJ 20 Oct 1979, 16 Nov 1979 pic, 28 Nov 1979 review, 14 Dec 1979-Bill Guy’s column-Ab Cava comment]
20 Nov 1979 - Prism with special guests City Boy [source: CJ 6 Nov 1979]
8/9 Dec 1979 - Thunder Bay Twins vs. Canadian Olympic Team [source: CJ 3 Dec 1979]
1980 - Triumph [source: FWG event file-City of Thunder Bay Archives]
7 Apr 1980 - April Wine Tour the World promoting their Harder, Faster album, with special guest Red Ryder. $7.50 advance, $8.50 at the door. [source: CJ 1 Apr 1980]
19 Apr 1980 - Boxing benefit matches co-ordinated by Joe Major. [source: CJ 17 Apr 1980 - pic of Joe lacing up the gloves for his son Chuck]
26 Apr 1980 - The Big Sing presented by the Fort William Male Choir. Many choirs from Canada and the U.S. performed. [source: CJ 22 Apr 1980, pics on 28 Apr 1980 p.1 & p.17]
28 Apr 1980 - Nana Mouskouri [source: CJ 29 Apr 1980 pic]
24 May 1980 - Spring Flea Market [source: CJ 19 Apr 1980]
30 May 1980 - Roger Whittaker $10.00, all seats reserved. [source: CJ 18 Apr 1980]
20 Jun 1980 - WBC welterweight boxing live on closed-circuit TV. Sugar Ray Leonard vs Roberto Duran. 2,000 fans paid $15 each. [source: CJ 21 Jun 1980]
8 Jul 1980 - Dr. Hook with special guests Graham Shaw and the sincere serenaders. [source: CJ 21 Jun 1980, 2 Jul 1980]
12 Jul 1980 - Royal Lipizzan Stallions $6.00 advance. [source: CJ 7 Jul 1980, 15 Jul 1980-promo interview with Col. Otto Hermann]
20 Jul 1980 - AC/DC General admission $8.50! Opening act was Streetheart. [source: CJ 12 Jul 1980] (I bet you can't get a bottle of water for under $8.50 at an AC/DC concert these days!)
30 Jul 1980 - Pablo Cruise cancelled. Maybe they couldn't make it because they were at the bottom of the pool...listen to the beginning of I Go To Rio on the Worlds Away album to figure that one out. [source: CJ 21 Jun 1980, 24,28 Jul 1980]
27 Aug 1980 - Burton Cummings Miles a Second tour '80 with Cruiser. [source: CJ 25 Aug 1980]
7 Sep 1980 - American Rock Marathon Tour featuring Johnny (with John Shclitt, former lead singer of Head East), Missouri and Jesse Brady, and introducing Broken Promises (formerly Gambler). $4.00 Advance, $5.00 at the door. They also promoted this concert would have a Multi-Screen Computerized Light Show.[source: CJ 2 Sep 1980]
13 Sep 1980 - Fall Flea Market [source: CJ 11 Aug 1980]
19-21 Sep 1980 - Home Show '80 [source: CJ 19 Sep 1980]
27 Sep 1980 - Acrobats Of Canton See the advert and ticket. [source: John P.]
30 Sep 1980 - NHL exhibition hockey Minnesota North Stars vs Calgary Flames. They had just moved to Calgary after many years in Atlanta. [source: John P., CJ 30 Sep 1980]
2 Oct 1980 - Larry Holmes vs Muhammad Ali boxing live on closed-circuit television. See the advert and ticket. [source: John P.]
1 Nov 1980 - Thunder Bay Twins Season tickets on sale. 18 Senior A games for $75 adults, $50 senior, $50 student (with card), $35 children. [source: CJ 1 Nov 1980]
22 Nov 1980 - Thunder Bay Twins vs. NHL Old Pros The team included Norm Ullman, Dennis Hull, Jim Pappin, Derek Sanderson, Dale Tallon, Jim McKenny, Fred Stanfield, Marv Edwards, Mike Belyk and Brian Glennie. [source: CJ 21 Nov 1980]
25 Nov 1980 - World Welterweight Championship Boxing live on closed-circuit TV. Sugar Ray Leonard vs Roberto Duran. [source: CJ 14 Nov 1980]
5 Jan 1981 - Streetheart and Harlequin presented by 580/CKPR. $8.00 advance, $9.00 at the door. There was a photo of Streetheart doing an afternoon promo at Sam the Record Man the day of the gig promoting Drugstore Dancer. It was stated in the caption that Thunder Bay has a reputation of being a city that can't sell advance tickets and cancellations are commonplace. [source: CJ 18 Dec 1980, 6 Jan 1981 pic]
19 Mar 1981 - Cliff Richard of (among many others) "We Don’t Talk Anymore" fame. [sources: Ron S., John P.]
1-3 May 1981 - 7th Annual Speedsport featuring Rick Hurst, the actor who played Cletus on The Dukes of Hazzard. And of course, The General Lee was there too, the car used in the TV show. [source: CJ 1 May 1981]
9/10 May 1981 - Folklore Festival 9th Annual Folklore Festival [source: CJ 11 May 1981]
12/13 May 1981 - Shrine Circus [source: CJ 12 May 1981]
23 May 1981 - Giant Flea Market [source: CJ 16 May 1981]
30 Jun 1981 - Beatlemania [source: Ron S., CJ 22 May 1981]
9 Jul 1981 - Roy Orbison with comedian Bill Vader (no relation to Darth). 800 people, and apparently, the sound quality was good for the gardens. [source: CJ 6 Jun & 14 Jul 1981-review]
18 Jul 1981 - Charley Pride His third time to Thunder Bay in five years (1976 and 1978). [source: CJ 24 Jul 1981-review]
27 Jul 1981 - Ted Nugent The Wilderness Tour promoting Intensities in 10 Cities album. About 3,000 people paid $9.50 to see him, although a review said the 32 year old King of Loud didn't seem as energetic as he should be...there was not any destruction of equipment or any teeth-picking guitar work. [source: CJ 25 Jul and 29 Jul 1981-review]
6 Aug 1981 - Live Wintario draw saluting the 1981 Canada Summer Games in Thunder Bay. There was a microwave failure so residents of Thunder Bay did not see the last half of the broadcast. About 3,000 people saw Mayor Walter Assef entertain hosts Faye Dance and Greg Beresford, while Mary O'Neill displayed the winning numbered balls that popped out of the six tall transparent globes. [source: CJ 7 Aug and 11 Aug 1981-backstage interview with Faye Dance]
17-21 Aug 1981 - Lacrosse games for the 1981 Canada Summer Games were all at FWG. [source: CJ 5 Aug 1981 photo, also see Canada Games Record supplement published in CJ during the games.]
2 Sep 1981 - Ozark Mountain Daredevils with Zeebraz. $8.00 advance, $10.00 at the door. [source: CJ 1 Sep 1981]
12 Sep 1981 - Fall Flea Market [source: CJ 18 Aug 1981]
18-20 Sep 1981 - Home Show '81 [source: CJ 17 Sep 1981]
3 Oct 1981 - Burton Cummings Nothin' Wrong With The Road - Tour '81. [source: Ron S., CJ 3 Oct 1981]
5 Oct 1981 - Hank Snow & Wilf Carter plus the Rainbow Ranch Boys, Kelly Foxton and The Rhythm Pals. $11.00, all seats reserved. [source: CJ 5 Sep 1981]
13 Nov 1981 - Thunder Bay Twins vs. Labatt NHL Old Stars Featuring no slap shots or bodychecking. This was a rubber match as each team won one game of previous matches. Manager Ross Brewitt brought in Pierre Pilote, Jim Pappin, Norm Ullman, Larry Mickey, Bob Nevin, Chico Maki, Mike ‘Shaky’ Walton, Fred Stanfield, Jim McKenny, Tom Wiliams, Darryl Edestrand, Eddie Shack, Brian Glennie, Marv Edwards. Old Stars won 13-8 in front of 1,677 fans. The tour moved on to Dryden and Kenora. A ceremony also recognized the lifetime contributions of Bert Slivinski to local hockey. [source: CJ 12, 13, 14 Nov 1981]
30 Nov 1981 - Exhibition Hockey Lakehead Nor’Westers vs The Flying Fathers. The Flying Fathers were a hockey team of Roman Catholic priests. A secret weapon during the game was ‘The Flying Nun.' The pie-pitching priests won 9-6. [source: CJ 19 Nov & 1 Dec 1981]
4 Dec 1981 - SSSAA Hockey Jamboree The annual north-south school rivalry game featured four 20 minute stop time periods with new teams each period at 7pm, 8pm, 9pm and 10pm. $1 advance, $1.50 at the door, with proceeds to the Christmas Cheer Fund. [source: CJ 2 Dec 1981]
19 Apr 1982 - Nana Mouskouri $10.00 and $13.00, all seats reserved. [source: CJ 12 Mar, 21 Apr 1982]
3-5 May 1982 - 27th Annual Shrine Circus [source: CJ 24 Apr 1982]
30 Apr, 1-2 May 1982 - 8th Annual Speedsport featuring Steve Kanaly from the TV show Dallas, as well as The General Lee from the Dukes of Hazzard TV show. [source: CJ 29 Apr 1982]
14 May 1982 - Loverboy with newcomer Bryan Adams as the opening act. [source: Jay D.]
18 Jun 1982 - Boxing featuring the Finnish National boxing team. [source: CJ 12 Mar 1982]
7 Aug 1982 - Weldon Gilbert Memorial Boxing Club matches featuring Tony "The Hammer" Pimentel, Vernon Linklater and Dave Machado, who all won. [source: CJ 9 Aug 1982]
14 Aug 1982 - World League Wrestling [source: CJ 16 Aug 1982]
21 Aug 1982 - Thunder Bay Twins release 1982-83 schedule. They played 32 games in the CASH League from Oct. 30 to Feb. 27. [source: CJ 21 Aug 1982]
4 Sep 1982 - Giant Flea Market [source: CJ 7 Aug 1982]
8 Sep 1982 - World League Wrestling [source: CJ 8 Sep 1982]
12 Sep 1982 - Entertainment Extravaganza a fundraiser for a new bandshell at Waverly Park. Featured many bands, fiddlers, orchestras, and the finals of the Tommy Horricks Talent Show Northern Ontario Star Search. $2.00 admission. [source: CJ 10 & 13 Sep 1982]
17-19 Sep 1982 - Home Show '82 [source: CJ 9 Aug 1982]
27 Sep 1982 - B.B. King The show was cancelled the day of the concert, no explanation why. [source: CJ 18 & 27 Sep 1982]
9 Oct 1982 - 1st Annual Celtic Comeallyea Headliners The Rovers, plus Flipper Flanagan, Chris Krienke, FW Male Choir, Wendy Morgan Dancers…and more. 4pm - 1am. [Source: CJ 1 & 5 Oct 1982]
29 Nov 1982 - Chilliwack Magnum Opus Tour ’82 special guests Toronto and Blushing Brides. $9.50 advance, $11 at the door. [Source: CJ 20 & 26 Nov 1982]
29 Jan 1983 - Fort William Figure Skating Club Magic in the Air. $3.00. [Source: CJ 28 Jan 1983]
5 Mar 1983 - Thunder Bay Twins win CASH League title. [Source: CJ 7 Mar 1983 - Team photo and names.]
14 May 1983 - Special Olympics Ontario Floor Hockey Championships. [Source: CJ 12 May 1983 pic]
25 May 1983 - Boxing co-ordinated by Joe Major. [Source: CJ 16 Apr 1983]
28 May 1983 - Giant Flea Market [Source: CJ 13 May 1983 Bill Guy column]
5-8 Apr 1984 - Purolator Challenge Cup Ontario Bantam Championship. [source: CJ 14 Mar 1984 pic]
21-27 Apr 1984 - Thunder Bay Twins hosted the best of seven Allan Cup finals starting April 21 versus the Cambridge Hornets. Twins won the series four games to one. It was the Twins sixth Allan Cup title since 1975. [source: CJ 16, 18, 27 Apr 1984]
11-13 May 1984 - Folklore Festival [source: CJ 10 May 1984]
31 May 1984 - Englebert Humperdinck Johnny Dark opened and 4,000 people (mainly women - duh) filled the gardens. The female reviewer of the concert said the Englebert show was so predictable and she was not impressed by the whole Vegas-style performer. He also refused a pre-show interview. [source: Margaret N., CJ 1 Jun 1984, many letters to editor about ‘unfair’ review-CJ 9 Jun 1984]
19 Jul 1984 - April Wine One More For The Road tour ’84 with special guest Corey Hart. Tickets $12.50 [source: CJ 19 Jun 1984]
26 Jul 1984 - Chris DeBurgh Man On The Line Tour $12.50 [CJ 23 Jun 1984]
20 Aug 1984 - Bachman Turner Overdrive (B.T.O.) Randy Bachman was back with Fred Turner, but not the original group. $12.00 advance, $14.00 at the door. [source: CJ 15 Aug 1984]
23 Aug 1984 - Ontario’s Bicentennial Showcase It was a 90-minute multi-media show highlighting Ontario’s history featuring dancers, singers and co-hosted by Dinah Christie. [source: CJ 17 Aug 1984]
30 Aug 1984 - The British Invasion Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Troggs, Herman’s Hermits (not Peter Noone; only the band), Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas, and Badfinger (what was left of them). According to the review in CJ: "A sparse but appreciative crowd of 829" took in the show. [source: John P., CJ 31 Aug 1984] 
11 Sep 1984 - Harlequin with Toronto and Sherriff [source: Ron S.]
14-16 Sep 1984 - Home Show ’84 [source: CJ 11 Sep 1984]
18 Sep 1984 - Roger Whittaker $15.00 [source: CJ 4 Aug, 20 Sep 1984]
6 Nov 1984 - Circus 2024 A futuristic performance featuring trapeze artists and lasers. Was this an early version of Cirque du Soleil? [source: TN 7 Nov 1984]
8 Nov 1984 - Ricky Skaggs and The Whites, $15.00 reserved. [source: CJ 16 Oct, 7&9 Nov 1984]
5 Dec 1984 - Exhibition Hockey Montreal Canadiens Old Pros vs Thunder Bay Twins. Maurice "Rocket" Richard was a referee. Here's the advert. [source: John P., CJ 29 Nov 1984]
14 Jan 1985 - Bryan Adams World Wide in ’85 with special guest Luba. [CJ 29 Dec 1984, 15 Jan 1985 pic]
25 Mar 1985 - Ronnie Prophet's Cavalcade of Stars Besides Mr. P., the show featured Glory-Anne Carriere, Gary Fjellgaard, Eddie Eastman and Marie Bottrell. I remember Ronnie Prophet but for the life of me I cannot recall any of the other performers. Maybe I'm just out of the loop. Do you have any of their records? (This show is not to be confused with the "Cavalcade of Cars" at FWG featuring The Inkspots on Oct. 4, 1963.) [source: CJ 26 Mar 1985 pic]
29-31 Mar 1985 - Twins hockey Senior hockey finals vs St. Boniface Mohawks. They were down two games to zero and came back to win the series. In the Allan Cup final in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland, they were down again and fought back and won the Allan Cup. Nothing against any of the other championship Twins teams, [...summoning the spirit of Don Cherry....] but this year they showed real character like all Canadian hockey players should! Every series was a battle. I remember listening to the games on the radio and couldn't believe they won it. A tip of the hat to all of the members of that team. [source: CJ 27 Mar 1985, 20 Apr 1985]
6/7 Apr 1985 - Canadian Precision Skating Championship Sponsored by CFSA. $10.00 admission. I'm sure there had to be at least one skater on the end of the line that was trying to catch up to "the whip." [source: CJ 30 Mar 1985]
10 Apr 1985 - The City of Thunder Bay was going to try to raise $5,000 next year by starting to sell advertising space on the FWG rink boards. At the time, the existing advertising consisted of wall signs and and two advertisers on the time clock. As of 2012, one of the creative uses of rink board advertising is on the door of the opposing teams penalty box. A local gardening business sponsors it and it states: Pansies sit here. Good stuff. [CJ 10 Apr 1985]
15 Apr 1985 - Boxing on closed-circuit TV. Marvelous Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas "Hitman" Hearns. [CJ 12 Apr 1985]
17 May 1985 - Mickey Gilley with special guest Sylvia Tyson. Tickets $13.50 and $15.50. [CJ 13 Apr 1985]
12 Jun 1985 - Hackner-Twins Day Celebration of the Silver Broom and Allan Cup winning teams. [CJ 11 Jun 1985]
13 Aug 1985 - Corey Hart Alive is the Boy In The Box Tour ’85. He tried to introduce new songs but everyone just wanted to hear Sunglasses at Night. Quick...name another Corey Hart hit...waiting...I rest my case. [CJ 5 Jul 1985]
27 Aug 1985 - Helix and Honeymoon Suite Long Way To Heaven tour [source: Tony G., CJ 10 Aug 1985] 
8 Sep 1985 - Platinum Blonde with special guests New Regime. Originally a trio, PB was now a quartet of blonde, spiky, big-hair pretty boys, but it 'doesn't really matter' now does it? [CJ 5 Jul 1985]
Oct 1985 - The Community Auditorium opened this month and many concerts were booked there, which meant not many concerts were at FWG from Oct. 1985 to Oct. 1986. Even heavy metal band Kick Axe played the Aud that first year. Nothing against the band, but I bet when you think of a band that can benefit from crystal clear acoustics I'm sure you think of Kick Axe too.
22/23 Mar 1986 - Twins hockey CASH league senior playoffs vs St. Boniface Mohawks. Unfortunately, the Twins lost to St. Boniface. (Boo, hiss) [source: CJ 22 Mar 1986]
10/11 May 1986 - Folklore Festival They would switch to the C.L.E. grounds for the next few years. [source: CJ 8 May 1986]
20 Jul 1986 - Ted Nugent Little Miss Dangerous tour. Unfortunately, openers White Wolf cancelled. $13.50 advance, $15.00 at the door. [sources: Tony G., CJ 27 Jun 1986] 
13 Aug 1986 - Kim Mitchell promoting his album Shakin' Like A Human Being and the hit song Patio Lanterns while wearing his O.P.P. baseball hat. [source: CJ 14 Aug 1986 pic]
5 Oct 1986 - Exhibition hockey Team Canada vs. Minnesota North Stars. [source: CJ 27 Sep 1986]
20/21 Sep 1986 - 11th Annual South Jaycettes Home Show [source: CJ 24 Sep 1986 pic]
26 Oct 1986 - Soviet Stars On Ice featuring the Kiev Ice Revue. A cast of 70 performers in their first North American tour. [source: CJ 19 Sep 1986]
9 Nov 1986 - International Wrestling [source: CJ 10 Nov 1986]
17 Nov 1986 - Honeymoon Suite with Zappacosta. The Big Prize world tour '86. It was billed as 'the sound, lights and laser spectacle.' I recall they had the wide green lasers that would silhouette the guitarist during solos. $15.00. [source: CJ 25 Oct, 18 Nov 1986]
27 Jan 1987 - International Wrestling [source: CJ 28 Jan 1987]
17 Feb 1987 - International Wrestling [source: CJ 28 Jan 1987]
9-12 Apr 1987 - Ontario Peewee AAA Hockey Championship [source: CJ 9 Apr 1987]
24-26 Apr 1987 - Family Auto Fair '87 [source: CJ 3 Apr 1987]
15 May 1987 - Gowan Great Dirty World tour with The Spoons. [source: CJ 14 May 1987]
16 May 1987 - Wrestling WWF, AWA and women wrestlers. [source: CJ 11 May 1987]
25 May 1987 - International Wrestling Steve Strong, Little Beaver, Misty Blue, Dan Kroffat. $10.00 adults, $6.00 children. [source: CJ 23 May 1987]
30 May 1987 - Giant Flea Market [source: CJ 2 May 1987]
13 Jun 1987 - Karatemania Kickboxing featuring Jacques (Frenchie) Lamoureux vs. Martin Friolet in the main match. [source: CJ 13, 15 Jun 1987]
28 Jun 1987 - Corey Hart Summer Tour '87 promoting Fields of Fire. Only 1,272 diehard fans showed up. [source: CJ 10, 29, 30 Jun 1987]
13 Sep 1987 - Pro Wrestling featuring 7ft - 8inch tall Silo Sam...weighing in at 575 pounds. Yikes. [source: CJ 25 Sep 1987]
18-20 Sep 1987 - Home Show '87 [source: CJ 15 Sep 1987]
23/24 Sep 1987 - Office Show '87 [source: CJ 16 Sep 1987]
1 Dec 1987 - Helix and Haywire Wild In The Streets tour [sources: Tony G., Barry C., CJ 6 Nov 1987, Haywire interview CJ 24 Nov 1987] 
4-5 Dec 1987 - Labatt/TSN Curling - Mens Skins Game Ed Lukowich defeated Russ Howard in the final. Al Hackner was knocked out on Friday night. [source: CJ 7 Dec and Bill Guy behind the scenes feature about the TSN TV production crew CJ 9 Dec 1987]
7 Dec 1987 - Exhibition Hockey Team Canada vs Moscow Selects. [source: CJ 7 Dec 1987]
>9 Dec 1987 - Christmas Carol Skate Featuring Santa Claus, the Thunder Bay Figure Skating Club and the band Songbird providing the music. [source: CJ 9? Dec 1987]1 Feb 1988 - Platinum Blonde tour in support of their third album Contact, with opener Tu, was cancelled. $19.00 at the door. 19 dollars!! Apparently, more than low ticket sales were to blame. The drummer broke a finger just before the tour, as well as personal problems within the band. Hmmm, not about the low ticket sales? By January 21 only 78 tickets had been sold. Certainly not enough to pay for an extra truck rental to carry all of the peroxide, hair gel, hairspray and extra shoulder pads. [source: CJ 16, 26 Jan (interview) 1988]
2-5 Apr 1988 - Twins Hockey Western Canadian Senior semi-finals vs Moose Jaw Generals. Twins won three games to one. [source: CJ 4 Apr 1988]
8-13 Apr 1988 - Twins Hockey Western Canadian Senior final vs Alberta Bassano Hawks. Twins won four games to one. [source: CJ 8, 13 Apr 1988]
19-23 1988 - Air Canada Cup Midget Hockey Tournament [source: CJ 16 Apr 1988]
26 Apr 1988 - Twins Hockey The Thunder Bay Twins had home ice advantage and won the Allan Cup Senior Canadian hockey championship. They won it four games to zero over the Charlottetown Islanders. [source: CJ 27 Apr 1988]
28 May 1988 - Giant Flea Market [source: CJ 7 May 1988]
3 Jun 1988 - Wrestling Curt Hennig vs D.J. Peterson. $8.00 general seating, $10.00 ringside. [source: CJ 27 May 1988]
12 Jun 1988 - George Strait with Highway 101 was cancelled due to poor ticket sales. Thunder Bay's reputation as a "last-minute town" is developing. [source: CJ 2 May, 4 Jun 1988]
26 Jul 1988 - Honeymoon Suite and Haywire. [source: CJ 21 Jun 1988]
21/22 Sep 1988 - Office Show '88 [source: CJ 16 Sep 1988]
16-18 Sep 1988 - Home Show '88 [source: CJ 17 Sep 1988]
27-30 Oct 1988 - Sunlife Skate Canada featuring Kurt Browning and in the pairs, Isabelle Brasseur + Lloyd Eisler. [source: CJ 24, 31 Oct 1988]
18 Nov 1988 - Dwight Yoakam with opener Sue Medley. [source: CJ 22 Nov 1988]
9 Jan 1989 - Harlem Globetrotters World Tour 1989. $13.50 adults, $8.50 children. [source: CJ 17, 31 Dec 1988]
4 Apr 1989 - Thunder Bay Flyers win USHL Clarke Cup. [source: CJ 5 Apr 1989]
28 Apr 1989 - Figure Skating Royal Bank Champions on Ice featuring Brian Orser and Kurt Browning. [source: CJ 8 Apr 1989]
29 Apr - 7 May 1989 - Allan Cup Finals Thunder Bay Twins hosted and won it again in the final against the St. Boniface Mohawks. This was their last Allan Cup championship. [source: CJ 5 Apr, 8 May 1989]
May 1989 - Naval Association [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
23-25 May 1989 - Shrine Circus The big parade was on May 14th. [source: CJ 4 May 1989]
10 Jun 1989 - Flea Market [source: CJ 20 May 1989]
21 Aug 1989 - Garden Bros. Circus Adults $11.00, Children ages 3-14 $5.00. [source: CJ 17 Aug 1989]
15-17 Sep 1989 - Jaycettes Home Show '89 [source: CJ 12 Sep 1989 supplement]
27/28 Sep 1989 - Office Show '89 [source: CJ 25 Sep 1989]
15 Oct 1989 - Jeep Main Event of Figure Skating [source: CJ 16 Oct 1989]
24 Oct 1989 - Exhibition Hockey Team Canada vs Team Czechoslovakia. Team Canada won 5-1 with Ed Belfour in net. 2,000 fans showed up for this one. [source: CJ 25 Oct 1989 pic]
2 Jan 1990 - Figure Skating Torvill & Dean plus the Russian All-Stars. [source: CJ 2 Dec 1989]
17 May 1990 - Willie Nelson [source: Margaret N., CJ 18 May 1990]
3 Jul 1990 - Kenny Rogers with Sweethearts of the Rodeo [source: Ron S.]
8 Apr 1991 - Richard Marx with Sass Jordan [source: Ron S.]
24 May 1991 - Julio Iglesias Starry Nights World Tour. Tickets $32.50. [source: Jane C. & CJ 23 May 1991]
30 Jul 1991 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [source: Ron S.]
15 Jun 1992 - Skid Row Slave To The Grind tour with special guests The Killer Dwarfs. This concert was rescheduled to June 22 because lead singer Sebastian Bach had viral bronchitis. [sources: Tony G., Barry C., CJ 9 Jun 1992(advert), 16 Jun 1992(rescheduled)]
Memory of Barry C.: "Skid Row was rescheduled. I met the roadies at Strathcona Golf Course on a Sunday night before the original show. Sebastian Bach had voice troubles. It was rescheduled and the fire department wouldn’t allow any fireworks to be used. One cool memory from that show was seeing guitarist Scotty Hill leave the stage and a few moments later walking through the crowd playing and talking before doing his solo where centre ice would be."
27 Aug 1992 - Bob Dylan with Thunder Bay's Danny Johnson and 21 Gun Fun. Thanks to Madge D. for this reference. [source: CJ 25 Aug 1992]
19 Apr 1993 - Black Crowes [source: Ron S.]
27 Jul 1993 - Foreigner with April Wine [source: Ron S.]
23 Oct 1993 - Team Canada vs. Team USA [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
17 Nov 1993 - Tanya Tucker with Colin Raye and Skip Ewing [source: Ron S.]
24 Apr 1995 - Billy Ray Cyrus Achy Breaky Heart line dancing anyone? Charlie Major opened up the show, which was well received by the 4,000 fans there. In the review it did seem that many were there to see him 'wiggle his tush' like he did in his music video. [source: Margaret N.]
1996
29 Jan 1996 - Thunder Bay Flyers Family Night [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
17-25 Feb 1996 - Scott Tournament of Hearts Canadian women's curling championship. This was the year Thunder Bay was blanketed with a severe dump of snow a few days before the tournament started. Marilyn Bodogh's Ontario rink won it all. Thanks to Margaret N. for the ticket stub and Vickie C. for the date reference. [source: Vickie C., Margaret N., CJ 26 Feb 1996]
11 Mar 1996 - Hockey Legends On Ice [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
12 Mar 1996 - Thunder Bay Senators Family Night [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
15 Mar 1996 - Thunder Bay Senators hockey vs. Muskegon. Senators stub. [source: Vickie C.]
May 1989 - Naval Association [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
28 Mar 1996 - Sammy Kershaw, Mark Collie and Lisa Brokop Country singers. [source: Ron S., Margaret N., CJ 29 Mar 1996]
16 Apr 1996 - B.B. King [source: Ron S., City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files
19-20 Apr 1996 - Thunder Bay Sport Fishing Show [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
29-30 Apr 1996 - Lakehead Shrine Circus [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
4-5 May 1996 - Folklore Festival [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
12 May 1996 - Skate the Nation [source: Jane C.]
13 May 1996 - Up With People [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
26 May 1996 - Celine Dion Falling Into You...Around The World tour with special guest Soul Attorneys [what an odd name for a band]. The day before an advert stated there were still tickets available. It must have been an incredible experience for the local choir made up of singers from Redwood Alliance Church, Thunder Bay Christian Fellowship, Central Evangelical Free Church and Slate River Baptist Church when they sang five-part harmonies with her on the song Call The Man. [source: CJ 25 May 1996]
20/21 Jul 1996 - Artisan's Northwest Flavour & Flair [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
5 Aug 1996 - Garden Brothers Circus [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
29 Aug 1996 - Little Texas with Duane Steele [source: Ron S.]
12-15 Sep 1996 - Jaycettes Home Show [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
11 Nov 1996 - Remembrance Day Memorial Service [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
21 Nov 1996 - Tragically Hip Trouble in the Henhouse tour with The Rheostatics. FWG was the smallest venue on their 24 show, 16 city tour. Thunder Bay's own Dave "Boog" Powell was a member of the 40 person crew. [source: CJ 22 Nov 1996]
29-31 Dec 1996 - Kitchi-Gaming Anishabek New Year Pow Wow [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
5 Jan 1997 - Hockey - Team Canada vs. Team Russia [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
27 Jan 1997 - Thunder Bay Flyers Family Night [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
26 Feb 1997 - Thunder Bay Thunder Cats Family Night [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
10 Mar 1997 - NHL Oldtimers vs Thunder Bay Law Enforcement Team [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
25-27 Apr 1997 - Sport Fishing Show [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
30 Apr-1 May 1997 - Shrine Circus [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
4 May 1997 - Folklore Festival [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
10 May 1997 - Royal Lepage Run For Women Reception [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
22 May 1997 - Mass band/choir concert [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
29 May 1997 - Royal Lippizan's Stallions [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
12/13 Jul 1997 - Artisan's Northwest Show [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
4 Aug 1997 - Garden Brothers Circus [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
1 Sep 1997 - W.W.F. Wrestling [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
6 Sep 1997 - Lorrie Morgan [source: Jay D.]
19-21 Sep 1997 - Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Home Show '97 [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
11 Nov 1997 - Remembrance Day Memorial Service [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
7 Dec 1997 - Great Lakes Athletic Association Christmas Party [source: City of Thunder Bay Archives FWG Event Files]
5 Feb 1998 - Our Lady Peace [source: CJ 6 Feb 1998 pic of Raine Maida]
22 Oct 1998 - Gaelforce Dance [source: Ron S.]
11 Nov 1998 - Remembrance Day service [source: Dave N.]
11 Nov 1999 - Remembrance Day service [source: Dave N.]
6 Feb 2000 - Our Lady Peace with the Stereophonics and 2,100 fans. [source: Dave M., CJ 7 Feb 2000]
17 Jun 2000 - The Guess Who Runnin' back through Canada tour with Wide Mouth Mason. In his review, John Nagy said, "The Guess Who looked like they could go on all night, but the line-up of kids outside the Gardens picking up their parents was beginning to become a traffic hazard." [source: CJ 18 Jun 2000]
11 Nov 2000 - Remembrance Day service [source: Dave N.]
1 Mar 2001 - Kenny Rogers with Amanda Stott [source: Ron S.]
7 Oct 2001 - Alabama with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Diane Chase [source: Margaret N., Ron S.]
11 Nov 2001 - Remembrance Day service [source: Dave N.]
16 Feb 2002 - Lonestar with Gil Grant [source: Ron S.]
8 Sep 2002 - Supertramp [source: Ron S.]
11 Nov 2002 - Remembrance Day service [source: Dave N.]
11 Nov 2003 - Remembrance Day service [source: Dave N.]
5 Feb 2004 - Nickelback with Three Days Grace and The Trews. [source: Dave M., CJ 6 Feb 2004]
9 Mar 2004 - Nickelback Back by popular demand. Default opened this one. [source: Dave M., CJ 6 Feb 2004]
11 Nov 2004 - Remembrance Day service [source: Dave N.]
14 Nov 2004 - R.E.M. A fundraiser for AIDS Thunder Bay. With Charlie Mars. [source: Ron S., CJ 15/16 Nov 2004]
24 Nov 2004 - Tragically Hip with Joel Plaskett [source: Ron S., www.thehip.com]
9 Sep 2005 - Pearl Jam With opening act The Supersuckers. [source: CJ 10 Sep 2005-photo of Eddie Vedder, poster image courtesy Phil H.]
11 Nov 2005 - Remembrance Day service [source: Dave N.]
2 Dec 2005 - Simple Plan with Hedley and Planet Smashers. [source: Dave M., Ron S., CJ 1 Dec 2005]
11 Nov 2006 - Remembrance Day service [source: Dave N.]
22 Jan 2007 - Tragically Hip World Container tour with special guest Kathleen Edwards. [source: CJ 22 Jan 2007, www.thehip.com]
18 Jun 2007 - Willie Nelson and family with Shaye. [source: CJ 19 Jun 2007 pic of Willie]
11 Nov 2007 - Remembrance Day service [source: Dave N.]
11 Nov 2008 - Remembrance Day service [source: Dave N.]
8 Mar 2009 - Northwestern Ontario Regional Cheerleading Championship Ontario Cheerleading Federation north regional competition. [source: CJ 9 Mar 2009 p.B1]
26-29 Mar 2009 - Cavendish Farms University Cup Men's hockey Canadian championships. University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds defeated University of Western Ontario 4-2 to win the title. [source: CJ 21 Mar 2009 - supplement]
4 Apr 2009 - Family Skate in support of P.R.O. Kids. [source: CJ 21 Mar 2009]
18 Jun 2009 - Wrestling About 1,000 people showed up to see Lanny 'The Genius' Poffo, Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake, 'Psycho' Sid Vicious, Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart, Abdullah The Butcher, 'Birdman' Koko B. Ware and 'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan. [source: CJ 19 Jun 2009]
21 Jul 2009 - Stanley Cup party Jordan Staal of the 2009 Stanley Cup winners Pittsburgh Penguins brought the big cup to FWG for two hours. About 1,800 people tried to to get a photo or get close to it.[source: CJ 22 Jul 2009]
29/30 Aug 2009 - Lipizzaner Stallions 40th anniversary tour of dancing with horses. [source: CJ 17 Aug 2009]
17 Oct 2009 - Blue Man Group About 1,800 people took it in, about half full. Perhaps the ticket price was too high? (about $80) [source: TV ads]
11 Nov 2009 - Remembrance Day service [source: CJ 12 Nov 2009]
7 Mar 2010 - Northwestern Ontario Regional Cheerleading Championship [source Dave N.]
25-28 Mar 2010 - Cavendish Farms University Cup Men's hockey Canadian championships. St. Mary’s Huskies defeated Alberta Golden Bears 3-2. In the line-up, and on the ice when the OT winning goal was scored for St. Mary’s, was former NHLer and ex-con 29 year-old Mike Danton, who had served five years in prison for conspiracy to commit murder. [source: CJ 29 Mar 2010]
17 Apr 2010 - Fort William Figure Skating Club Ballroom Blitz show [source: CJ 16 Apr 2010]
28 Apr 2010 - Elementary schools wrestling Lakehead Public Schools
1/2 May 2010 - Folklore Festival [source: www.folklorefestival.ca]
7/8 May 2010 - Shrine Circus Advance tickets $13, children under four free. Rush seating.[source: CJ 25 Apr 2010]
15 May 2010 - Vampiro wrestling.[source: Dave N.]
17 May 2010 - Etienne (Steven Langlois) French rap performer in a matinee for Lakehead Public School students.
19 May 2010 - Creative Movement Jamboree [source: Dave N.]
10 Jul 2010 - Stanley Cup Party Patrick Sharp of the 2010 Stanley Cup winners Chicago Blackhawks brought Lord Stanley's mug to FWG for a few hours. Over 3,000 people lined up to get a photo. [source: CJ 11 Jul 2010]
11 Nov 2010 - Remembrance Day service [source: Dave N.]
16 Dec 2010 - Celebration on Ice The all new show choreographed by Brian Orser, featuring four-time World Championship Kurt Browning, Olympic Medalists Jamie Sale and David Pelletier, World Champion and Olympic Bronze Medalist Jeffrey Buttle, Olympic Bronze Medalist Joanne Rochette, Canadian Champion and Olympian Cynthia Phaneuf. Also on-ice acrobatic performances by Violetta Afanasieva and Pete Dack, as well as local performers. [source: Tourism Thunder Bay Newsletter www.thunderbay.ca]
6 Mar 2011 - Northwestern Ontario Regional Cheerleading Championship [source: CJ 7 Mar 2011]
21-26 Mar 2011 - Ontario Bantam Hockey Championships [source: CJ 23 Mar 2011]
8 Apr 2011 - Family Skate in support of P.R.O. Kids [source: The Walleye-Apr 2011]
16 Apr 2011 - Fort William Figure Skating Club A Figment of your Imagination ice show. [source: The Walleye-Apr 2011, www.fortwilliamfsc.com]
30 Apr-1 May 2011 - Folklore Festival [source: The Walleye-Apr 2011, www.folklorefestival.ca]
13-14 May 2011 - Shrine Circus
18 May 2011 - Creative Movement Jamboree
20 Feb 2012 - Hedley [source: FWG marquee]
28 Feb 2012 - Thunder Bay District Crimestoppers annual hockey game. Thunder Bay Police vs. Ontario Provincial Police. [source: www.thunderbaydistrictcrimestoppers.com]
4 Mar 2012 - Regional Cheerleading Competition [source: tbnewswatch.com]
7 Apr 2012 - Totally 80s Retro Dance Party presented by the Fort William Figure Skating Club [source: CJ 8 Apr 2012]
17-21 Apr 2012 - Dudley Hewitt Cup Canadian Central Junior A Championship [source: www.tbnewswatch.com]
5/6 May 2012 - Folklore Festival 39th annual. [source: Dave N.]
9 May 2012 - Bryan Adams [source: CJ 1 Feb, 10 May 2012]
16 May 2012 - Creative Movement Jamboree [source: Dave N.]
25/26 May 2012 - Shrine Circus [source: CJ May 2012]
26 Jun 2012 - John Mellencamp with The Cowboy Junkies. [source: CJ 27 Jun 2012]
25 Aug 2012 - Thunder Bay Roller Derby League female flat-track action featuring the Babes of Thunder vs. the Harbor City Roller Dames from Duluth. Most matches are usually held at Delaney Arena. [source: Check out the league website for more info.]
29 Jan 2013 - Tragically Hip Now For Plan A tour with the Arkells. The energetic Arkells managed to engage the audience early during their 45 minute set, although it took an urgent yell, "Out of your seats Thunder Bay, this is a rock show!" The hip powered through their set, with eclectic, and at times spastic, lead singer Gord Downie doing his best to entertain the crowd. Here are some
photos and stuff.
There were a few empty seats but attendance was likely close to the 3,700 seat capacity for the stage layout. [sources: Dave N., www.thehip.com]
8-15 Apr 2013 - All-Ontario Pee-Wee AAA Championship The Mississauga Rebels won the championship. [source: www.ohf.on.ca]
3 May 2013 - Arts Fiesta A presentation of students in grades 4-6 by the Community Arts and Heritage Project. Artwork by students will be featured at the Folklore Festival. [source: CJ 4 May 2013 p.A3 pic]
4/5 May 2013 - Folklore Festival 40th year, not all years were at FWG, some were at the CLE buildings in the 1980s. [source: www.folklorefestival.ca]
10/11 May 2013 - Shrine Circus Featuring Iron Man, although not sure which version will be there...one, two or three. No confirmation if Pepper Potts will attend. [source: www.tbaycircus.com]
Will add more events, just haven't searched for them yet.
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