Where it began: Port Colborne historical museum celebrates 45 years of Canal Days
In 1979, the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum held the very first Canal Days, a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the first Welland Canal. More than 400 visitors across Niagara communities enjoyed the nautical-themed festival which featured exhibits, music, model boats – and an actor portraying William Hamilton Merritt, who was instrumental in the construction of the canal and its original general manager.
Its success turned Canal Days into an annual event, with people invited to step back in time and explore the heritage of the museum.
In subsequent years, the festival grew larger, becoming part of Port Colborne’s four-day civic holiday tradition where more than 300,000 arrived to experience the city and enjoy events around its downtown core.
But for the museum, each summer is a chance to remember how and where it all began. Thinking back to the 1979 festival, assistant curator Tami Nail wondered if they thought it would continue for another 45 years and “turn into a signature event that draws people from all over.”
“It’s this wonderful little town that has community feel and we have this heritage and we’re proud of it,” she said.
Both Saturday and Sunday the museum opened its doors, holding onto traditions that began back in 1979 while continuing to add and grow.
For the first time, Nail said it welcome HMS Psyche, their 19th century sailing reenactors on the Great Lakes, who brought their boat and camping equipment instead of just a booth. They also invited Strong Water Singers, a female Indigenous group who performed on the museum lawn.
Canal Days also saw the return of Blackthorn, its medieval reenactors as well as other “fan favourites” such as model boats, tea room and family activities – with the giant sandbox remaining atop choice – plus a dress-up section, prizes and many games.
“Its really when our historic village comes alive. We have spinners who ware there showing how the loom words, and we have our blacksmiths in the blacksmith shop,” said Nail.
On Saturday, the museum had a crowd before it opened its doors and over two days saw more than 6,000 visitors come through. Last year, there was about 3,500 to 4,000 people in total.
“Everyone seems really happy and we’re getting positive comments,” said Nail. “Just seems busy earlier and a lot more families are out this year too and all the bands brought in a big crows. I feel like people are more excited and happy to be out this year.”
From Port Colborne themselves, the Graves family come out to Canal Days each year. On Saturday, parents Jen and Steven were out-and-about with their four children, enjoying the carnival and the numerous activities across the grounds.
“It’s super fun with the kids and they learn a lot, especially my older ones but then it’s really inclusive for all ages,” said Jen, who added it is the environment that keeps them coming back.
Their two little girls, Brooke and Maddie, particularly enjoyed the dress-up bin, and their oldest son Steven said he noticed “a couple hundred years ago people liked to dress up very formal.”
Open throughout the year from May to December, the long weekend is a time to bring people from across the region, and beyond, to remember and honour the heritage of the Welland Canal and Port Colborne.
“People celebrate it and it’s without them realizing they’re celebrating it. But none of us would be here if it wasn’t for the lake and the canal,” said Nail. “It’s a way for us to celebrate the importance, the significance and the history of the canal.”
