Canal Days Marine and Heritage Festival Unveils 47th Annual Lineup

Strategic Insights -

The City of Port Colborne has officially announced the musical and event lineup for the 47th annual Canal Days Marine and Heritage Festival, which will take place from August 1 to 4. This year's festival promises a holiday long weekend of free concerts, fireworks, cruises, and family fun, featuring an all-Canadian sound with rock icons Sloan, Finger Eleven, The Trews, and Big Sugar.

Key Takeaways:

  • The festival will feature a main stage with performances by Sloan, Finger Eleven, The Trews, and Big Sugar, as well as HTZ-FM Rocksearch winners Small Town Strip Club and The Feral Minks.
  • The Saturday lineup will include Ottawa's Boston Levi, Finger Eleven, and The Trews, with classic songs like "Paralyzer," "One Thing," "Not Ready to Go," and "Highway of Heroes."
  • A rooftop concert was relocated to ground level due to logistical hurdles, and U2 tribute band Desire will perform ahead of a 10-piece set by Main Event Music during a fireworks display.
  • The city has taken steps to improve security after issues last year's festival encountered, including increasing capacity at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park to 15,000 and introducing bag checks, no outside alcohol, and a ban on smoking and pets.
  • The festival will also feature a suite of attractions, including the Empire Sandy cruises, Kids Zone and Recreation Zone, artisan market, lighthouse tours, indoor craft show, and classic car show, which saw approximately 900 antique and classic cars last year.
  • The Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum will host historical demonstrations and performances, and the festival will also include a Niagara Diecast Toy Show and downhill race at Vale Health and Wellness Centre.

Statistics:

  • 47 years: The number of years this festival has been taking place.
  • 15,000: The new capacity at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park.
  • 900: The approximate number of antique and classic cars that attended the classic car show last year.
  • 75,000: The sponsorship donation from GIO Rail.
  • 4 more years: The duration of GIO Rail's presenting sponsorship commitment.

Sources:

  • [City of Port Colborne press release]
  • [Article by Dave Johnson, Welland Tribune]
  • [Interview with Mayor Bill Steele]
  • [Statement from GIO Rail's vice-president and chief operating officer Neil Johnson]
  • [Official website of the Canal Days Marine and Heritage Festival]