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Jamie’s Jam to take over Orangeville Fairgrounds for old-school Halloween party 

September 14, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Sam Odrowski

The 80s and 90s are coming to the Orangeville Fairgrounds for Halloween.

A retro party night featuring DJ Stevie P from z103.5 and the SoundQwest DJ Crew is taking over the Orangeville Agricultural Society (OAS) Event Centre at 247090 Side Rd 5, Mono, on Saturday, Oct. 28.

The entire building has been secured for the event, titled Jamie’s Jam, in memory of late Orangeville resident, community builder, and founder of the Qwest Riders Motorcycle Club, Jamie Ferris. He passed away on May 11. 

Funds raised through the event will be split between the Orangeville Food Bank, Toys for Terry and a fund for Ferris’s three children and baby granddaughter.

“We’re trying to cement Jamie’s legacy based on what we knew Jamie always wanted, which was to hold this party,” said Dana MacGregor, who’s MCing the event and helping to organize it. “We just wish he was here for it, obviously,”

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 vibe to him and Ferris’ past performances. 

“What we’re doing here is we’re trying to keep Jamie’s legacy alive,” he said. “If anybody has any memory of anything we ever did at any of the bars around town [as a MC/DJ duo], they should come out, have a couple of drinks and have a good time – because you will have a good time.”

Attendees are encouraged to get into the spirit of Halloween and dress up, as there will be cash and prizes for the best costume. Although, costumes are not mandatory. 

With the venue having enough capacity to accommodate over 1,500 people, event organizers say they’re hoping that Jamie’s Jam will be Orangeville’s biggest party of the year.

“We have the space to hold the best party Jamie could’ve wanted to have,” said Croft, who noted that Ferris was hoping to organize a similar party, raising money for local not-for-profits, prior to his passing. 

“This is going to bring something to Orangeville that the town has missed for so many years. It’s going to give people a place to come, enjoy the night, and have a few social drinks with some friends that they haven’t seen in years,” Croft added. 

Pita Pit Orangeville will serve food, and the Nook (Nifty Nook) will take care of the beverages at Jamie’s Jam. 

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. 

“The DJs who are playing this show are second to none,” said MacGregor. “They’ve done some big shows, and I can vouch for every single one of them. There’s no question about the level of talent that’s involved in this.”

Croft also noted his excitement for the lineup of DJs Jamie’s Jam will feature. 

“Stevie P has been doing the Drive at Five [on z103.5] for many years,” he said. “He’s great at [DJing] the old school, so that’s why he’s going to be doing the headline.”

MacGregor, Croft, Ferris and a handful of others organized the SoundQwest Virtual Jamzz online fundraiser in 2020. They put together a DJ livestream to raise money for the Orangeville Food Bank and support seniors with electronic tablets during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Croft said organizing a big party in Orangeville like Jamie’s Jam was always a goal for him, Ferris and MacGregor, so it made sense to hold this fundraiser to continue his legacy. 

“We wanted to bring the Virtual Jam to life,” said Croft.

Doors for Jamie’s Jam open at 7 p.m., and advanced tickets are $25 each. Attendees can purchase VIP tables for four people for $400, and tables for eight are available for $750. To purchase tickets, eTransfer fradette294550@gmail.com with the number of tickets being purchased and first/last names for the tickets. 

Tickets are non-transferable, and the purchasers’ name must match their ID upon entry as the event is 19+. 

Tickets will also be available at the door. 

A shuttle service will be provided at Jamie’s Jam, so no one has to worry about getting a ride home. 

“We want a safe and positive night,” Croft noted.

Croft and MacGregor said the event is made possible through the support of many community sponsors to whom they are grateful.

Jamie’s Jam organizers hope to make the event annual, depending on its success, and continue supporting the various charities Ferris did while he was alive. 

“Come on out,” MacGregor enthused. “You’re going to have the time of your life, you’re going to do good for our community, and you’re going to celebrate an incredible life.”

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