Campbells Drive-in 50th celebration was a trip down memory lane for many

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Campbells Drive-in 50th celebration was a trip down memory lane for many

Gordon/Barrie Island celebrated the 50th anniversary of Campbell's Drive-In with live music, a car show, and a movie. Owner Lisa Garrett thanked the community for keeping her parents' dream alive.

Expositor Staff & Tom Sasvari

Jun 21, 2026 - 5 min read

The Campbell family, including Daphne, Brian, Lisa and Lynn pause for a photograph together at the 50th anniversary celebration of Campbell’s Drive-In this past Saturday.

Campbells Drive-in 50th celebration was a trip down memory lane for many — The Campbell family, including Daphne, Brian, Lisa and Lynn pause for a photograph together at the 50th anniversary celebration of Campbell’s Drive-In this past Saturday.

GORDON—The 50th anniversary of Campbells Drive-In brought back memories for several people this past Saturday.

“Personally, I have many memories of Campbell’s Drive-In,” stated Lee Hayden, reeve of Gordon/Barrie Island. “Before a driver’s licence, my friends and I would peddle our bikes out from town, for fries or an ice cream cone. Later, with the family car, getting to Campbell’s was much more accessible, either hanging out with friends, or as a shy teenaged boy taking that special girl out on a date!”

Nancy Orford recalled, “I was 16 years old when Campbell’s first opened, and I worked there. I worked in the kitchen, cooking. I can’t believe it has been 50 years. And now I’m here with my grandkids.”

Reeve Hayden said in his address to the large audience at hand at the celebration, “On behalf of the municipality of Gordon/Barrie Island, I am honoured to be part of the activities today, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Campbell’s Drive-In. According to an excellent article this week’s edition of The (Manitoulin) Expositor, Campbell’s Drive-In opened on April 9, 1976.”