Thousands expected at this week’s Friday the 13th event in Port Dover

If the weather forecast is an accurate predictor, it looks like motorcyclists will enjoy plenty of good luck at this week’s Friday the 13thth in Port Dover.

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Mainly sunny skies and a high of 26C are anticipated for the latest edition of the event, which draws thousands of bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts to the lakeside town for what has become a traditional Friday the 13th gathering.

“At the last event in October, the OPP estimated there were 100,000 people,” said Amie Ferris, a director with the Port Dover Kinsmen, one of the event’s lead organizers. “Being that it’s September and the weather looks like summer, I don’t think we’re going to have any trouble hitting that 100,000 mark. Mother Nature is working on our side.”

The roots of the event go back more than 40 years when a Port Dover motorcyclist and small group of friends got together at a local bar in 1981. They had so much fun, they decided to come back every Friday the 13th. Every year, more people showed up and, when the crowds became overwhelming, the Kinsmen took over to create a more organized event that now involves months of planning, more than 500 volunteers, and co-ordination of police, EMS, the fire department, and Norfolk County staff.

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“It’s like a well-oiled machine,” said Ferris who has personally been involved for more than 25 years. “There have been few major issues, but I always remind people to be very careful traveling on the 12th and 13th and to be alert. There will be lots of motorcycles on the road. We’re expecting 50,000 bikes.”

Norfolk OPP say there will be an increased police presence throughout Port Dover for traffic control and to “maintain a secure environment.”

“Police acknowledge that most people attending Friday the 13th events are motorcycle enthusiasts who appreciate the camaraderie of fellow riders and a chance to admire the motorcycles on display,” said Norfolk OPP Const. Andrew Gamble.

But a news release issued by the department said Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG) members, some connected with “fraud, drug trafficking, extortion, intimidation and murder,” will be in attendance and the public should be alert.

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“Members of the public are encouraged to be aware of potential criminal activity that can be associated with large gatherings,” said the release. “Displaying gang-related clothing or paraphernalia can increase the risk of being targeted by rival groups. The OPP is committed to creating a safe, family-friendly atmosphere and urges the public to report any suspicious activity or behavior that may pose a safety risk.”

Police say no one should operate drones or low-lying aircraft in Port Dover’s downtown airspace, which will be closed during the event.

Closures begin Tuesday evening with Elmer Lewis parking lot and Dover Dog Park. Road closures will begin at noon on Thursday. Early Friday morning St. Andrew Street will become a one way north and St. George will become one way south.

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Outdoor vendors will be located in the Elmer Lewis parking lot, offering merchandise and food ranging from hotdogs and fries to Port Dover’s famous perch, pickerel and celery bread. The event is also a big business day for local restaurants and merchants in town year-round.

Phil Gillies, a former Brantford MPP, will have a booth “smack in the middle of the action” at Main and Walker streets where he’ll be selling his new “Furday the Thirteenth” collection of custom-made jersey’s for dogs and cats, matching human T-shirts, canvas tote bags, bandanas, food and water bowls and dog tags, each sporting a pet aboard a motorcycle.

“I was at last event in October and it hit me that all the vendors and stores in Port Dover were selling various garments, but nobody was doing anything related to our pets,” said Gillies who has been living in Port Dover for more than two years. “I spent a lot of the winter having designs and logos made and searching for suppliers.”

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Furday the Thirteenth merchandise is sold in several retail stores in Brantford, Hagersville and throughout Norfolk but Gillies is anticipating steady sales on Friday.

“I’m ready for the big day,” he said.

Overnight camping is being offered by the Kinsmen at Port Dover Kinsmen Park and by the Port Dover Lions at Silver Lake Park.

Bands will perform Thursday and Friday on the Kinsmen main stage in the Elmer Lewis parking lot on Main Street.

Volunteers are still needed for the event, mainly to staff the bar. Anyone interested can find information on Friday the 13thth Port Dover Facebook page.

“If people show up, we’ll put a shirt on them and find them a job,” Ferris said.

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