Celebrate Halloween at Orangeville Fairgrounds with Jamie’s Jam Retro Party

Written By Sam Odrowski

The Orangeville Fairgrounds is the place to this weekend.

An 80s/90s retro Halloween party featuring the Soundqwest Crew and DJ Stevie P from the Way Back Playback Drive at 5 Show on z103.5 is taking the venue over in support of local charities on Oct. 28 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The inaugural event, Jamie's Jam Halloween Bash 2023, is in memory of Jamie Ferris, a former Orangeville resident who founded Qwest Riders Motorcycle Club, Soundqwest DJ Services, and was very active in the community, often spearheading charitable initiatives. He passed away on May 11, 2023.

The Halloween party is raising funds for the Orangeville Food Bank and the charitable Christmas initiative Toys for Terry, which Ferris used to support through fundraisers with Qwest Riders.

“Jamie always had this incredible sense of community, as far as with the riding club, giving back and everything,” said MacGregor. “He went, ‘what would make me happy?' Knowing that in my community, everybody's eating and that on Christmas, kids have toys. That's what he was about.”

A portion of the money raised through the event will also be directed towards a fund created for Ferris' three children and baby granddaughter.

Attendees can expect to hear a variety of genres, such as hip-hop, pop, top 40s and reggae, with a focus on the 80s and 90s, across two rooms/stages. 

Ferris and MacGregor (Dana Mac) used to be a DJ and MC duo at bars around Orangeville, such as TJ's Hangar, the Rusty Nail and Main Street. MacGregor said Jamie's Jam will have a similar feel to his and Ferris' past performances. 

“We're recreating a vibe and an atmosphere, and we're leveling it up to the expectations of the community,” MacGregor said. “There's an expectation when you come to a show that has Jamie Ferris's name attached to it, even if we've lost him, that we won't let anybody down.”

Ferris had always wanted to hold a community party in Orangeville with a retro theme, and now it's being created in his honour, said MacGregor.

“We're taking Jamie's concept and amplifying it to the level that he always wanted,” he remarked.

Halloween costumes are encouraged at the event, and there will be prizes for those best dressed, but they are not mandatory.

MacGregor said that the work being put into Jamie's Jam will set it apart as Orangeville's best Halloween party this year.

“The production value of this show is going to be unlike anything,” MacGregor lauded.

He said he's hoping Jamie's Jam will become an annual community event that grows into a popular staple here in Orangeville, similar to Blues and Jazz.

“Everybody's welcome to come out and everybody's going to feel like they're a part of our family,” said MacGregor. “It's what Jaime was about – let's play music, make people dance, forget about their problems and be happy.”

Advanced tickets can be purchased for $25 each by e-transferring fradette294550@gmail.com with the number of tickets being purchased and first/last names for the tickets. Tickets are also available at the door for $30.

The event's venue has a 1,500-person capacity. 

Jamie's Jam is for individuals aged 19 and up.

Shuttles are available, operating every 30 minutes, approximately, from three stop locations: Circle K at Townline and Dawson Rd., Sobey's at Riddel and Centennial Rd. and Canadian Tire on First St.

Orangeville Mayor Lisa Post encouraged residents of the community to attend the Halloween bash in a recent promotional video. 

“If anybody in the community knows or knew Jamie Ferris, you will know that he was absolutely larger than life. He loved a good party, he loved an excuse to bring people together and he loved to do something awesome for his community,” said Mayor Post. “So in honour of that, Soundqwest Music is putting together a super fun fundraiser, Halloween themed, over at the Agricultural Centre on Oct. 28.”

She continued, “I hope you will join us, we're going to have great friends, great music – all for a great cause.”