- Canal Days
The Canal Days is an annual marine heritage festival in Port Colborne,
Ontario ,Canada . It is a not-for-profit event, traditionally held during the Canadian civic holiday weekend at the start of August (aka "Simcoe Day") and with over 100,000 visitors, it is one of the largest free festivals of its kind.Fact|date=February 2007Port Colborne is located on the north-east shore of
Lake Erie , on the southern portion of theNiagara Peninsula , and is about 15 minutes drive from the US border atBuffalo, New York . The city is also the southern terminus of theWelland Canal , where ocean vessels pass through the downtown area on their way into the innerGreat Lakes , or out to sea.During "Canal Days" the downtown streets and lift-bridge are closed to traffic, giving way to vendors, buskers, food merchants, and many attractions. The festival provides a fully supervised "Children's area" featuring live entertainment, a carnival midway, and a live
bird of prey andreptile exhibit.Tall Ships moored along the canal wall are open for exploration, and special cruises are available on these historic ships as well, including a day long journey fromLake Ontario , through thecanal lock s.At the Lock 8 viewing complex, the "Hidden Treasures" vending area features local crafters and artists, and the Port Colborne "Historical and Marine Museum" offers a glimpse into the city's rich past. "West Street", which features many historic buildings dating back to the 19th century, plays host to the largest open-air vending area and outdoor food court, while Ontario's largest outdoor vintage car show and kite display can be observed throughout the festival at H.H. Knoll park.
Fans of
big band music can enjoy "Jazz on the Lawn" at the Roselawn Centre for the Living Arts. Nightly concerts in the fully licensed "Market Square" are also a big part of the festival:Classic rock headliners, tribute bands, and local favorites provide something for every musical taste in this great outdoor venue.The festival culminates with a boat parade along the Port Colborne canal corridor and a massive
fireworks display over the water.External links
* [http://www.experienceportcolborne.com Port Colborne]
* [http://www.pcetdc.ca Port Colborne Economic and Tourism Development Corp.]
* [http://www.canaldays.ca Canal days homepage]
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