By Jacob Fehr
THIS Friday, December 13, marks the 75th Friday the 13th in Port Dover (PD13) since Chris Simons started the tradition in 1981. Although past PD13s, such as the one held in September, have been massive events in the community, residents expect winter weather to ward away celebrants and subdue the occasion for those who come.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Const. Andrew Gamble, Norfolk OPP’s media relations and community safety officer, said the local police are expecting and preparing for PD13 visitors. He encouraged motorcycle-riding travellers to be careful on the roads.
“While this is an off-season event, we anticipate that motorcyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts will still be coming to Port Dover. We strongly encourage anyone attending the event on a motorcycle to exercise extra caution, as road and weather conditions can be challenging this time of year. With increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic expected in the downtown Port Dover area, there will be a heightened police presence to help ensure everyone’s safety,” Const. Gamble said.
No road closures are planned for PD13, and Port Dover Board of Trade is not organizing any vendors for the event either.
Kinsmen Club of Port Dover representative Amie Ferris said the group will sell t-shirts and sweatshirts at Elmer Lewis Parking Lot from “8:30 a.m. ’til sell out.”
Local businesspeople, including Erie Beach Hotel owner Andrew Schneider, said they expect a bump in customers for PD13.
“Our rooms will be full and our restaurants should be busier than usual throughout the day,” Mr. Schneider said. “It should be a great day if Mother Nature co-operates.”
Aaron Musselman and Jesse Hurst of The Neighbourhood Food Emporium said they also anticipate increased business for PD13 but “haven’t felt the need to do anything over or above usual.” Mr. Musselman said they might serve chili that day.
“Just going to treat it as a busy Friday rather than a Friday the 13th,” Ms. Hurst said.
Dave and Kathy Mercey, owners of The Coffee Shop of Port Dover, said they don’t have any plans for the occasion but also presumed they’ll be busier than normal.
“All depends on the weather,” Mr. Mercey said.
“I suspect it’ll be a good day for us,” Mrs. Mercey said. “A busy day in December is always welcome. Even in a cruddy [PD13], there’s going to be people around town, and they need a warm drink somewhere.”
“Thong Man’ll be here,” Mr. Mercey added, referring to Paul Nurmi of Hamilton, a man famous for attending PD13 events at any time of the year wearing one of his themed thongs.
“I’ve seen him in the winter. He doesn’t miss ’em.”
Some local motorcycle enthusiasts plan to celebrate the day at Port Dover Legion, which will have events on Thursday and Friday. Mrs. Mercey said she thinks “the Legion will be very busy.” For their part, the Legion isn’t sure what to expect but will be ready.
“A December Friday the 13th is a real unknown. We are prepared for most eventualities,” said a Legion representative.
“Unfortunately, I’m almost certain it won’t be a patio kind of day. It could be quite a day, what with the Norfolk closed and no beer tents.”
On Thursday, the Legion’s Ladies Auxiliary will serve roast beef on a bun, and Route 6 will perform at 7 p.m.
“Friday at 9 a.m. we kickoff with peameal [bacon] on a bun provided by our Legion volunteers with [the band] Albatross beginning at noon. Legion volunteers will be serving a fish dinner in the afternoon. Beginning at 6 p.m. PipeDown wraps up our December Friday the 13th,” the rep said.
“We are all hands on deck, staff, volunteers and executive members.”
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Originally published December 11, 2024
