Canada Day traditions strong in Port Dover

It’s a tradition in Port Dover to reserve a spot to watch the annual Canada Day Calithumpian parade.

‘Reservations’ are often made by setting up lawn chairs along the route, some as early as the night before.

“I’ve been doing it 50 years,” said Dale Collins, who settled into her ‘usual spot’ more than an hour before Saturday’s 2 pm parade. “I only remember rain one year… it was in the ’70s.”

It’s a bigger parade these days, she said, which goes along with a growing community, and there are more commercial entries.

“I remember one year there was an outhouse on the back of a truck. I don’t remember the reason for it, but there were more more ‘gaggy’ jokey things.”

“You don’t know what you’re going to see,” Fred Collins laughed. “You have a basic idea of ​​what’s coming, but… it’s the variety. And just the excitement of the crowd. You won’t get a standing spot around here when the parade starts.”

Port Dover’s Calithumpian tradition, known for its enthusiastic participation, goes back as far as 1867. The Port Dover Lions have organized the town’s Canada Day festivities since 1954.

“Calithumpian means anything goes,” said Fred, seated with family and friends across the street from the cenotaph.

He said they aren’t ‘too particular’ where they sit.

“Anywhere in this area…within 10-15 feet,” Fred smiled.

Saturday’s Canada Day celebrations started with a soapbox derby in the morning, followed by a parade of boats in the harbour.

The family of Veronika Kuryli,

Nataliia Chibisova

Dymtro and Tymur Chibisov from Kharkiv, Ukraine watched their first flag-filled boat parade Saturday thanks to Doug and Catherine Akins, who wanted to make the family’s first Canada Day memorable.

Nataliia said the family is overwhelmed by the kindness shown to them since they arrived in Canada in April, they love Norfolk County, and their first Canada Day would be unforgettable thanks to Doug and Catherine Akins.

“It was a privilege to be part of the Canada Day celebration,” said Nataliia.

The afternoon All Breeds Canine Classic Dog Show drew a large crowd to Powell Park.

“The costume (category) is pretty fun,” said Jen Payne with Gordie, a merle Boston Terrier. “It’s pretty cool, they have so many categories. I am looking forward to the most unique, given his eyes. He’s got two different colors on both eyes.”

Payne grew up in Port Dover, but now lives in Chelsea, Quebec.

“My family and I sit on the same corner (to watch the parade) that we sat on when I was a child, the same age as my kids now. My dad was born and raised here, and that’s the same corner where his family sat because it’s right up the road from his house growing up, and we still sit at the same corner every single year. My mom got here at 8:30 to put our chairs out. It’s a big deal, right? It’s tradition, and for me to bring my kids it’s pretty nostalgic.”

Jennifer Robbins from Simcoe has been going to the Canada Day dog ​​show for the last 23 years and sponsors the Star Award, given to the owner who has the best relationship with their dog.

“This is our spot, we always sit here every year,” said Robbins. “My first dog who won best in show here, Star, I buried some of her ashes here so she is always going to be with us on July 1st. For me, it’s just Star Day, in memory of Star.”

Port Dover’s afternoon parade on Main and St. George Streets was followed by evening entertainment and fireworks.

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