Wintery Friday the 13th in Port Dover draws smaller crowds

With the snow and icy conditions, the roads were a lot less busy in Port Dover on Friday the 13th. The annual tradition normally attracts thousands of bikers, travellers, and vendors. Some diehards still showed up to keep the tradition alive.

During warmer times, roads close, and the streets flood with traffic and vendors. Motorcycles normally line up near the shoreline and in and around the Main Street area.

The Port Dover kinsmen say the day usually brings 50 to 100 vendors but the community club were the only ones outside standing and selling t-shirts for charity.

It appears the snow and icy conditions are keeping travellers home but the day typically brings major crowds. Last year more than 100,000 people showed up.

Norfolk OPPs Ed Sanchuck says today’s slippery conditions have caused a number of collisions with no major injuries but says authorities are going about business as usual.

“We will have roaming ride spot checks throughout the day, evening hours, and into the morning, so please plan ahead,” Sanchuck said.

Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin tells CHCH News, “Port Dover and Norfolk County as a whole is pleased to welcome Friday the 13th enthusiasts to our community regardless of the season. We’re appreciative of the support you bring to our businesses, not-for-profit groups, and service clubs. Safe travels and we’ll see you in October of this year.”