Port Dover was flooded by a sea of red and white as thousands dressed for the occasion to celebrate Canada’s 157th birthday on Monday.
Article content
Wearing red and white Canada-themed hats, T-shirts and, in some cases, Canadian flags, people lined the streets three rows deep early Monday morning to watch the annual Kinsmen Club of Port Dover Soap Box Derby.
The popular event attracted 15 competitors and, as the first races cross the finish line at the bottom of the Main Street hill, organizers called a brief time out.
“Time to sing O Canada,” the announcer declared.
The action stopped and everyone joined in the singing of the national anthem. The anthem was followed by a resounding rendition of Happy Birthday for those in the crowd enjoying two celebrations.
“This is what Port Dover is all about,” said Doug Long, who lived most of his life in Port Dover. “It’s a great-looking crowd on a terrible day and there’s a lot to do.
Article content
“There’s always a lot to enjoy in Dover, especially on Canada Day.”
Long said he enjoys the whole day every year but added his favourite parts of the celebration tend to be the concert and the fireworks display at night.
The soap box derby was held on Main Street in front of the Arbor Restaurant and, moments after it finished, the crowd quickly dispersed to enjoy other aspects of the day’s celebration.
A large crowd of people gathered on the pier to enjoy the traditional Parade of Boats which attracted numerous entries both big and small.
Paige Phillips, 6, of Delhi stood on her dad’s shoulders to get the best possible view of the boats.
“Awesome,” she said when asked what she thought of the parade.
Her dad Ted and others in her group, including Melissa Damota and Jayce Knoll, also enjoyed the parade.
“This is a great way to celebrate Canada Day,” said Paige’s dad, Ted.
Those who didn’t go to watch the boat parade could be found in Powell Park for the annual dog show, which included prizes for the best costume, coat, ears, tricks, most obedient, best purebred, and best mixed breed, as well as the best puppy and best dog in the show.
The day-long celebration also included a Calithumpian parade in the afternoon.
The celebration culminated with a fireworks display at Lions Silver Lake Park featuring the featured band Coast2Coast.
.
twitter.com/EXPVBall
Share this article in your social network