Back to the Future fundraiser for Parkinson's coming to Truro
Back to the Future-Magic Party for Parkinson's will also feature Muppets and Fraggles come to life
It may not be an actual time machine but it sure looks the part.
A DeLorean — like the one used in Back to the Future movies, complete with flux capacitor — will be at the Truro Centre on Wednesday.
It's part of the event called Back to the Future-Magic Party for Parkinson's! aimed at raising money for the Parkinson Society of Canada.
"[The DeLorean] is a replica of the real one used in the movie, so it's tricked out with the fancy licence plate and time circuits and all that," said fundraising organizer David Johnston,.
Neither the date of the fundraiser, nor the charity it's raising money for is a coincidence.
In the first two movies, main characters Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox, and Emmett 'Doc' Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd, head "back to the future" to the date Oct. 21, 2015 — yes, that's tomorrow.
The charity chosen for the fundraiser is in honour of Fox, who suffers from Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. Its most common symptoms include tremors in different parts of the body, but it can also lead to stiffness and slowing of movement.
"A family friend named Carol came down with Parkinson's," said Johnston. "And I saw this vibrant beautiful woman struck with a neurodegenerative disease like that.
"So that, coupled with my childhood hero Michael J. Fox also having that condition, inspired me to create something that could possibly be a charity event,"
A collector who works in the movie business lent the DeLorean to Johnston for the event.
Johnston is a bit of a collector himself. He owns his own hover board and other props from the popular movies, which he'll be showing to the public.
Truro travels back in time to 1980s ... sort of
The DeLorean isn't coming from 1985 all by itself. It is taking the Muppets and Fraggles, along with a slew of 1980s toys and memorabilia.
Former Jim Henson Muppeteer Terry Angus will also be at the fundraiser making those Muppets and Fraggles come alive.
There will also be a live all-ages magic show — but no word on whether that will be 80s-themed.
"It's an exciting time because this week we've got the Blue Jays and the Royals in a playoff game, Trudeau's in office, and Back to the Future [back] in theatres. It makes you wonder what decade is this?" said Johnston.
The fundraiser runs from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Organizers suggest that people donate at least $10 to get into the event.