St. Thomas, Ontario — McGregor Auto Parts in St. Thomas, Ont. celebrated its sixtieth year in business a couple of weeks ago; not with a trip to Value Village to take advantage of the 30 percent off seniors discount, but with a huge community barbecue packed with food, classic cars and prizes.
St. Thomas locals were invited to join the McGregor Auto Parts on July 8 for a burger and bask in some hotrods, courtesy of the St. Thomas Old Boys.
“St. Thomas has been good to us, and we wanted to say thanks and [that we are] looking forward to another 60 years in the community,” said Jeff McGregor, third-generation owner of McGregor Auto Parts, alongside his brother Tim.
The day also saw 50/50 and door prizes being dished out, vendors selling crafts and baked goods, and handmaid Indigenous ribbon skirts being sold by Jeff’s wife Shelly—all underscored by the tunes of local musician Chuck Stafford and his band, Dealers Choice.
While Tim and Jeff were busy manning the grill, their father Jim was on the mic, regaling guests with stories from the old days of when his family first set up shop in St. Thomas.
Jeff summed up his father’s feelings to Collision Repair. “Our grandfather Alec McGregor started this repair and auto wrecker business in 1962 at the same location on Elm Street. He was joined by our father Jim McGregor in the 80s who brought his repair know-how to the business.
“Tim and I took over in the mid-2000s, and we continue to run this as a strong family business with a sense of community. This event was our way of giving back.”
