It is marked with a tradition in Port Colborne that goes back to the early 1970s, a top hat exchange at the Welland Canal
Yet another welcome sign of spring, as the City of Port Colborne prepares to open the shipping season with the Top Hat Ceremony on Sunday.
It'll be at Lock 8 Gateway park, when the first ship, the Radcliffe R. Latimer, comes through the Welland Canal, greeted by Mayor Bill Steele and other dignitaries.
He'll present the top hat to the captain, a tradition that goes back to the early 1970s.
The ceremony starts at 9, to be streamed on social media, with a free community breakfast at 8, hosted by the Port Colborne Fair Trade Committee.
The top hat ceremony takes place at different ports along with St. Lawrence Seaway, including up to Thunder Bay.
Two hats are used, the first is a ceremonial hat loaned by the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum, it was anonymously donated years ago.
The 2nd hat is a keepsake for the captain, embroidered with a special message and the date.
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