Port Colborne to celebrate opening of Welland Canal on Monday

Port Colborne will be celebrating the opening of the Welland Canal Monday morning with the spring tradition of the Top Hat Ceremony.

Mayor William Steele will welcome the captain of the first downbound vessel and present them with a top hat to mark the occasion.

The tradition began back in the early 1970s and involves two hats. One hat is loaned for ceremonial purposes from the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum. The second hat is a keepsake for the captain of the first ship, featuring a special message embroidered on the inside.

The ceremony will take place Monday at 9 a.m. at Lock 8 Gateway Park.

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