Excited patrons at The Harb on 8th Street East in Owen Sound whispered, then shouted, as the crowd grew around the landing at the front of the bar, closed off to accommodate the cast of the Canadian hit show.
After performing their live comedy show at the Owen Sound Bayshore Community Center, Julian, Ricky, Bubbles and friends stopped in to chat, mingle and show their hosts some love. Lacking a press pass, this writer did the only thing she could think of and asked to join them.
A Drink with John Paul Tremblay and Robb Wells… Well, Almost
“Here, grab a seat,” Robb Wells (Ricky) pointed to a prime piece of real estate, the plastic lawn chair at the end of the table, between himself and John Paul Tremblay (Julian). “Have you met J.P.?”
With introductions taken care of, the boys got down to business and ordered a round of drinks. Around the table, Patrick Roach (Randy), Mike Smith (Bubbles) and other cast members relaxed and chatted with the few fans permitted to approach them for pictures and autographs. The Boys were exactly as you would expect; down to earth and accommodating, despite the obvious wear of a hectic comedy tour and upcoming movie release.
J.P. and Robb alternately stood for fan photos and chatted about their live show and second full-length feature film, scheduled for release on September 25, 2009. Every five minutes or so, someone at the table commented, “Man, I’d love a drink!” Between the packed dance floor and the crowd at the bar straining for a glimpse of their favorite dysfunctional Canadian icons, service seemed to have ground to a halt.
Trailer Park Boys: Countdown to Liquor Day
Countdown to Liquor Day, directed by Mike Clattenburg, is the highly anticipated second film featuring the white trash crew from Showcase’s once highest-rated Canadian series. Julian, Ricky and other Sunnyvale Trailer Park regulars seek revenge on Mr. Lahey on their release from prison.
Fans can’t wait to see what the boys will get into next. On fan sites, in chat forums, and amongst the crowd in this small-town bar – and others like it across the country - the Trailer Park Boys have achieved a cult-like following thanks to Julian’s slick “thinkings,” Ricky’s flavorful language and rocking hairstyle, and Bubbles’ love of… well, almost everything.
Their latest offering promises more of the same, with new Canadian pop culture slogans and sayings sure to arise from the carryings-on of a cast known for their ad-libbing and improvisational talent.
Owen Sound’s Warm Welcome for Canadian Pop Culture Icons
As fans came and went, Wells jumped in and out of character, transitioning effortlessly from goofy, rough around the edges Ricky, to just another dude in a bar waiting (and waiting) for service. Tremblay chatted up the pretty ladies, posed for pictures and expressed his regret at having to leave Owen Sound early the next day, without so much as a chance to fish the great Georgian Bay waters in the area.
“Oh yeah, we love Owen Sound,” he said of the harbour town. “We have great fans here… it’d be nice to hang around, but we have a crazy schedule right now.”
Half an hour into their surprise visit, with nary a beverage in sight, it was time for Tremblay to check out for a smoke break. Outside the bar, he again posed for pictures, chatted with the locals and enjoyed a respite from the fishbowl-like atmosphere inside the cramped bar. Fans raved about the live show and did their best Trailer Park Boys impressions for the amusement of the small crowd that gathered everywhere Tremblay went.
As the night wore on, one onlooker commented on J.P.’s friendly personality and approachable demeanor, “He’s awesome, man. I’d love it if they came back to Owen Sound.” And as an afterthought, “But maybe next time we can show some hospitality and get these boys a drink!”
Source: Personal conversation with J.P. Tremblay and Robb Wells, June 27, 2009.
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