As July draws to a close the highlight event of the Summer approaches once more here in sunny Port Colborne. The annual Canal Days festival which brings visitors from not only across the region but the whole of Ontario and even the United States, draws over a quarter of a million each year to celebrate the Welland Canal and the rich maritime history surrounding it.
For four days this quiet little city becomes a major hub of tourism. Vendors and food trucks, tall ships and fairground rides, cotton candy and live music along the canal. Concerts galore with household name headline acts. And, of course, the annual Port Colborne Optimist Club craft show.
Craft Show
For those seeking a slightly less frantic side of Canal Days festivities, our craft show brings vendors from across the region to showcase their wares. T-shirts, carpets, jewellery and woodworking are only some of the beautiful things on view. The event is held each year at the Vale health centre on Elizabeth Street on Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00am to 17:00pm. Entry is free. We take over the entire main hockey rink, filling it from one end to the other with enough artfully made items to satisfy the most eager enthusiasts.
The Vale is one of the shuttle bus and parking hubs for the event, and we will have A-frame signs outside to encourage out-of-town visitors to come and view. For locals, signs will be going up on lawns across town next week to remind them not to forget about this big deal going on away from the downtown area and the hustle of West Street.
If you like crafts or just want to enjoy Canal Days in an air-conditioned hockey rink without the sun beating down on you, we invite you to come down and see us. We will have a table at the door to welcome you.
We can even guide you down to our booth on West Street between the Clarence Street Bridge and the old docks (right across from Glam Girl) so you could buy a Duck Race ticket or two, if you’re feeling lucky. Our annual Craft Show is a great way to spend a couple of quiet hours enjoying life without the bustle of downtown during Canal Days. We hope to see you there.
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