Taste buds tickled as summer festivities begin

City announces summer lineup

Flavourful food will be on the menu as Port Colborne kicks off a busy summer festival season.

The city has announced its summer festivities including its two main festivals Flavours and Canal Days.

Flavours, the city’s food, craft beer and wine festival runs June 27 and 28 at HH Knoll Lakeview Park. Th e two- day event will feature 14 of Niagara’s chefs and caterers, with five of Niagara’s wineries and six microbreweries.

While enjoying the food and beverages, visitors to Flavours will also have the opportunity to take in some live entertainment. Gaitorbait, Sister Act, Jonesy, Th e Reverend Blues, Groovy Food and BIG JOHN T- BONE LITTLE.

Canal Days run from July 31 through Aug. 3. Slated as the city’s biggest event, which celebrates the marine culture, Canal Days has lots to off er.

Some highlights include the International Kite Festival Saturday and the Canal Days car show Sunday at H. H. Knoll Park; live folk and sea shanty music, Scottish dancers, a remote control boat show, kids zone and giant sandbox at the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum; boat tours of the lighthouses; live music at the Clarence St. connection and Roselawn Centre for the Arts and many activities at Seaway Park, Lock 8 Gateway Park and along Princess St and West St. Th e Market Square evening concert series will also be back with several musical acts and a big fi reworks show Sunday evening.

Port Colborne Mayor John Maloney said Canal Days is a huge economic boost for the city, with a $ 2.1- million impact.

“This event is not just about tourism, it’s about our economy,” said Maloney.

Aside from the two major festivals in Port Colborne this summer, there are several other events to keep people busy in between.

The Port Colborne and District Conservation Club holds its annual Kids Fishing Derby June 14, and its annual 444 International Walleye Tournament from June 19 to 21.

The Port Colborne Downtown Cruisers Association continues its Th ursday evening car shows May through September.

Port Colborne’s downtown Art Crawl will hit the streets on June 27 from 5 p. m. to 11 p. m.

There are many more events that round out the summer months on Niagara’s south coast.

Port Colborne events co- ordinator Allaina Kane said all of the events round out the two main festivals making Port Colborne a destination.

“Port Colborne takes great pride in being a city with a lot of community spirit,” she said.