Written By Alan Good
TRAVEL - Travel with us back to Port Dover, on the north shore of Lake Erie, to participate in a Canada Day event. Just fresh off their Friday the 13th motorcycle day, where over one hundred thousand visitors descended on the resort town, July 1 was almost as busy.
Although considered the “Hub of activity for all over Norfolk County”, people travelled from many Ontario regions. Under high clouds, the Soap Box Derby got started as 19 kids completed a dry run before the main races. In its 60th year, one racer was a five-time winner and said to be retiring after this year. As well, the large crowd sang happy birthday to one young rider.
They race in pairs downhill to be stopped by their self-made brakes or by the volunteers at the end of the hill. A few got past these and were stopped by another set of people—bystanders—otherwise they might drive into the river.
A dog show is also happening at the same time in the main park. Dogs, and their humans, displayed their fur for all to see. Meanwhile, shops and eateries began to open for the guests.
At eleven that morning, the clouds began their slow drift away from town as boats tooted and turned for the audience to view their decorations before going out to the lake. Flags, balloons, red and white, flapped as sailboats and motorboats cruised by. A few retired fishing boats as well as tugboats, had been cleaned up and carried people who waved at those ashore.
Sitting on the pier, a cool breeze made the time more palatable. Kooter the clown was also on hand to make children of all ages smile and handed out treats to their dogs.
In the afternoon, the so-called Calithumpian Parade came down Main Street as spectators, some having put their chairs and blankets out early in the morning, watched and pointed at floats and vehicles of many types.
Entertainment was in Silver Lake Park that evening, followed by fireworks. The Canada Day event at Port Dover must be one of the best in the area.
