Back in time

Bringing disease to forefront in 80s-inspired event.

Do you know what Wednesday is?

Hint: It’s a significant pop culture anniversary.

David Johnston – known to many as The Amazing Mister J – is combining a celebration of Back to the Future with a fundraiser for Parkinson Society Canada.

“October 21, 2015, is the date they travel back to, in the second Back to the Future movie,” said Johnston. “A few years ago, I had the chance to see the DeLorean and had the opportunity to rent a DeLorean.”

It was around the same time Johnston’s family friend, Carol, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

“I saw how debilitating it was first-hand,” he said. “I was able to see a vibrant, full-of-life woman transform into this woman with Parkinson’s. As a kid, Michael J. Fox was a hero to me. I even dressed up as him for Halloween when I was younger.”

Johnston said Fox, who played Marty McFly in the film franchise, has been a role model for many. Johnston read the actor’s book, Always Looking Up, in which Fox talks about getting more joy out of helping people with Parkinson’s than from his acting career.

When he was younger, Johnston even dressed up as Fox’s Alex P. Keaton character from Family Ties.

“Everyone said I looked like him.

“He’s Canadian, and I think it would be so cool to see somebody achieve what he did. He’s been a role model and he’s a great guy.”

Wednesday’s event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the former Truro

Home Video location on the Esplanade.

“Technically, in the movie, they landed in California at 4:29 p.m. Pacific time, so the Truro event time of 5:30 to 8 p.m. should be just before they officially ‘arrive’ at 8:29 p.m. Atlantic,” he said. “And back in the 1980s, people would have been renting videotapes at Truro Home Video, so it’s a fitting place to host this.”

Those attending the event, which is by donation (suggested $10), can have their picture taken with the DeLorean. They can also have pictures taken with Terry Angus, a Muppeteer with Jim Henson who worked with Muppets and Fraggle Rock stars. Many of the Muppets and Fraggles will be on site.

Mister J will host a live magic show, featuring live assistants – a rabbit and dove.

There will also be a collection of clothing, toys and memorabilia from the 1980s.

SUBMITTED PHOTO David Johnston, known as The Amazing Mister J, is shown with a DeLorean – the car from the Back to the Future movies starring Michael J. Fox. Johnston is hosting a celebration of the movie and the date the characters travel to, while raising funds for...

SUBMITTED PHOTO The Amazing Mister J, or David Johnston, poses with friends. Some of the Fraggles, as well as Muppets, will be in Truro with Muppeteer Terry Angus on Wednesday for a celebration of the 1980s and raise money for Parkinson Society Canada.