Port Dover Friday the 13th, 2024

Motorcyclists and their admirers descended on the small Ontario town to celebrate Friday the 13th with a motorcycle rally like no other. Chrome gleamed under a hot sun as bikes lined almost every street in the community while members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) made sure the day remained fun and safe for everyone involved. Dedicated bikers make the pilgrimage to Port Dover every Friday the 13th, no matter what Mother Nature has in store.

HardRider was at Port Dover bright and early. This pic was taken at 8am and camera battery went later. Green Hornet had a lot of interest, even appearing on 2 television channels.

While past events were held through stormy skies, wild winds and even frigid winter temperatures, Friday’s showcase took place under sunny skies. A combination of the beautiful weather and alluring appeal of the event was expected to draw thousands to the community, although an official count is not yet available. “That’s always the first question to be asked: ‘How many people will be attending the event.’ We’re looking at possibly 100,000 people coming into Port Dover for the day,” OPP Constable Andrew Gamble said. “Last October, around 50,000 people [were here] at its peak, but it really boils down to time of year and the weather.” Mayor Amy Martin told CTV News it’s a longstanding tradition in Norfolk County. “It started in 1981 as a grassroots, organic event and I don’t think you could stop it even if you tried. There’s a lot of pride. There are some community members that don’t love the day, it’s not for them, but its one day out of the year. You make your arrangements and your preparations the day before and you’re okay.” For many, the event is just a fun day out, but for entrepreneurs in Port Dover and the vendors who roll into town for the day, it represents a major financial boost. “The energy, it’s amazing and some of our business can thrive based on the revenue that they create in this one day,” Martin explained.

In the past, Main Street has been lined with bikes, but this year the road was closed with the exception of vendors and shops. A large crowd of people meandered between the stalls, carefully considering commemorative shirts, stickers, jackets and even toys. For the Port Dover Board of Trade and several other local organizations, planning for the event began back in February to make sure the day went off without a hitch.

“In terms of size, prep and the amount of people that come into town, this would certainly be the largest gathering,” Port Dover Board of Trade Manager Jan Overend said. Port Dover largely survives as a tourist town and Overend hopes people attending Friday’s event may be inspired to see what else the area has to offer. Many cyclists said they camped overnight and explored Norfolk County on their way in. Although the event draws bikers from all across Ontario, the event’s reputation as spread worldwide. Overhead photo by Ed Earl Hartlen

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