A little town, a big party, and it happens every Friday the 13th, rain, snow, sleet, or sun

On the north shore of Lake Erie lies an idyllic fishing, and tourist town of about 6,500. (it swells to double that in the summer tourist season.)

From realestateportdover.com

It’s location is ideal for day trips as well as full vacation weeks. Lots of great sites to visit, not the least of which is the The Erie Beach Hotel

The Erie Beach has been around for more that 70 years but it has a forever feel about it. Do you know what I mean? Anyway, it is famous for its perch and celery bread. Probably more menu items but I always get stuck there.

And Port Dover is famous for Friday the 13th motorcycle rally which brings in more that 100,000 on their cycles.

Port Dover Kinsmen

Every kind of motorcycle club as well as individuals show up.

NorthernOntariotravel.com

Amazingly, even in 2018 when over 200,000 showed up it was relatively peaceful
Port Dover’s Friday the 13th had its beginning in 1981. Everyone is on their best behaviour it seems and there is no big surge in crime. ** It is worthwhile to note that in 2019 the ’outlaw motorcycle gangs’ were barred from attending. Perhaps it is a Canadian thing.

It began innocently enough on November 13, 1981. The story goes that Chris Simons suggested to a few motorcycle buddies that they meet for a few beers at the Commercial Hotel (today known as Angelo’s of Dover). Word spread about the get-together so that Friday evening on November 13, 1981 about 25 guys showed up. They had a great time and someone suggested “let’s meet every month when there is a Friday the 13th.” More came to party in Port Dover on the next Friday the 13th. And, as they say, the rest is history.

Oh, and yes, even in winter.

Therecord.com

Not a family event I think but worth a look at least once. Oh and don’t forget the celery bread!

So from North of 43, who by the way will not be in attendance, remembering will have to do, I wish you the luckiest of Friday the 13ths.

Chris G May 13th ’22