Community of Port Dover celebrates Friday the 13th event

The community of Port Dover welcomes the arrival of thousands of motorcyclists for the notorious Friday the 13th event.

Motorcycles lined up near the shoreline and in and around the Main Street area as Port Dover was flooded with traffic and vendors.

Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin said the Friday the 13th event is like no other, and it brings a significant benefit to the local economy.

“I encourage everyone enjoying the festivities to put safety first, don’t drink and drive, and ride with caution,” Martin said.

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The Ontario Provincial Police say those in attendance should be aware of the potential for criminal activity associated with large motorcycle gatherings of this nature.

Police say the open display of any gang-related clothing or paraphernalia can put you at risk of being targeted by rivals.

“The OPP is committed to ensuring a safe, friendly, family-oriented event and ask the public to do their part to help keep people safe,” the OPP said.

It’s #Friday13th, and it looks like it’s going to be a busy day in #PortDover. Constable Andrew Gamble from the #NorfolkOPP has some safety tips if YOU are travelling today! @NorfolkCountyCA #NorfolkOPP #WROPP ^es pic.twitter.com/ANg062rDhU

— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) October 13, 2023

READ MORE: Wintery Friday the 13th in Port Dover draws smaller crowds

Norfolk County has announced road closures in the area in compliance with by-law 2019-58 to allow for public safety.

The following roads will be closed from 4 p.m. on Thursday until 4 a.m. on Saturday:

• Main St., from Clifford St. to Walker St.
• Market St. East, from Main St. to St. Andrew St.
• Market St. West, from St. George St. to Main St.
• Park St.

And the following roads will be closed on Friday from 3 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.:

• Nelson St. East, from St. Patrick to Hwy. 24
• Greenock St. West, from St. George to Richardson Drive
• Richardson Drive, from Nelson St. West to Greenock St.

To help people get around, the Port Dover Kinsmen are offering shuttle service for the event, with pickup and drop-off points at the Port Dover Kinsmen Hall and on Chapman Street between Main and St. Andrew.