45K motorcyclists flock to Port Dover for Friday the 13th
Tens of thousands of motorcyclists made their way to Port Dover for Friday the 13th.
Norfolk County declared the gathering a non-event earlier this summer due to the pandemic.
By mid-afternoon police said the number of visitors was around 35,000. The event was smaller than pre-pandemic years, when around 100,000 people would come to Port Dover.
Some motorcyclists said the weather played a big factor. When it stopped raining, the crowds grew.
“The ride here was beautiful, even though the weather was a little gray,” said Bruno Fialho, a biker from Toronto.
Cliff Sheehan biked from Barrie. He said he wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
“(I'm) so sick of COVID. Got my double shot. I’m going. I don’t care,” said Sheehan.
Some businesses owners said they were worried when the county told people not to come.
“When they deemed it as being a non-event they weren’t expecting anyone to show up, said Daniel Eynon, the owner, Forkin' Perogy. “There’s no doubt about it sales are about 60 per cent down where they were before.”
Pre-pandemic, dozens of vendors would be at the unsanctioned event but not this year, besides food vendors. Businesses In the area still had the doors opened.
The Port Dover Board of trailed sold t-shirts to offset some of the pandemic losses.
“To try and raise money for when we are allowed to open up or festivals and events again. To be able to bring some good things back to port dover,” said Adam Veri with the board.
Another change this year was where bikers could park. In previous years you could see thousands of bikes lined up on Main Street but this year motorcyclists could only park on side streets or nearby parking lots.
MOTORCYCLE CRASHES AND UPDATED NUMBERS
Provincial police encouraged people to drive safely and follow public health guidance for this year's Friday the 13th.
"I can assure everyone that we do have an increased police presence to answer any calls for service that may arise and any traffic-related incidents that may come our way," said Const. Ed Sanchuk with the Norfolk County OPP. "But, the main interjection here is to make sure that people act in a safe and mature and responsible manner, make some great memories, nothing that's going to be marred by a tragedy and get home safe to their families."
On Friday afternoon, the OPP confirmed there were two collisions on Highway 6 involving motorcycles believed to be leaving Port Dover.
One motorcyclist was killed in a crash at the intersection of Highway 6 and First Line near Hagersville.
The other collision involved minor injuries.
On Saturday, OPP provided another update saying there were between 40-45,000 people at Port Dover the day before and that it was a relatively peaceful event with only minor incidents occuring.
"We'd just like to take this moment to thank all our community partners and stakeholders for making this a safe event for everyone in attendance," said Const. Sanchuck. "Unfortunately, West Region OPP was busy dealing with various motorcycle crashes."
In the Saturday update, police confirmed they had investigated crashes in Paris, Ont., Norfolk County, and Elgin County.
"Unfortunately, in the majority of the crashes that were involved with motorcycle operators were not the fault of the operators," said Const. Sanchuck. "We're knocking on way too many doors letting families know their loved ones are deceased as a result of a preventable collision."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.