By early afternoon, OPP reported upwards of 140,000 visitors to Port Dover for Friday the 13th celebrations and the crowd is expected to keep growing.
Main Street is completely closed to vehicles due to the traffic and crowds while other streets have been changed to one-ways and traffic barricades are up in other areas.
Motorcycle enthusiasts converge in the community on Lake Erie each Friday the 13th, in a tradition that goes back to 1981 when a Port Dover motorcycle shop owner got together with some friends. When a Friday the 13th falls in the summer months, the crowd tends to grow exponentially.
Attendee Cliff Rhodes believes the crowd could reach 200,000.
“It’s nice to see all the different bikes and people’s own personal styling to each bike.”
OPP, meantime, are asking revellers to stay safe.
“You can anticipate some delays here in Port Dover,” said Const. Ed Sanchuk.
“Make sure you have a plan in place if you’re coming down to enjoy the festivities. It’s a great crowd, there’s lots of things happening. But more importantly, we want everyone to put safety first.”
With files from The Canadian Press.