Families take advantage of day off at Victoria Day festivals in the region

Families spent Victoria Day attending festivals and events in the Hamilton and Niagara region, marking the unofficial start of Summer.

One major event that ran during the statutory holiday was the Binbrook Ribfest, which began on Friday.

Locals were also excited to attend the Virgil Stampede in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where officials say there were close to record-breaking crowds over the weekend.

They were able to enjoy festival rides, activities and performances by Doo Doo the Clown.

“Hi everybody, welcome to the Virgil Stampede – happy long weekend,” said Doo Doo the Clown. “Everybody’s so happy because we’re all cooped up all weekend, and this is the first Spring fair and I’m excited to be here!”

Organizers of the stampede say the crowds could hit close to 20,000 people this year – the 58th year of a stampede that was supposed to last one year to support an arena, and has gone on to become much more.

“Our mandate is sports and recreation,” said Richard Wall with the Virgil Business Association. “We’ve helped fund all of the facilities you see here on the grounds: baseball, soccer, the splash park, this park that you can see here on both arenas – everything has helped pay for this without going into the taxpayer’s pocket.”

Despite the focus on sports, one thing noticeably missing from the crowd were any signs of sweaters or hats with the Toronto Maple Leafs logo, which would normally be common in the crowd.

But not after watching Sunday night’s game go downhill.

“Everyone was pretty pumped up going home last night – second and third periods were a little disappointing, but it is what it is,” said Wall. “Wait ’til next year, right?”

Not just for the Leafs, but for the Virgil Stampede to come around again.

Some families told CHCH News they visit the stampede every year.

“I think it’s awesome,” said one person. “It brings out a lot of people and it’s a great way to spend the long weekend.”

“It’s just a really good time,” said another person.

They said the festival was a good way to kick off the summer.

There will be fireworks set to go off at 9:30 p.m. Monday at the stampede once the sun goes down.

Just one of the many fireworks events in the area to enjoy.

WATCH MORE: Cocktails to enjoy and impress for Victoria day