Local Top Hat Ceremony taking place at Port High
By MARYANNE FIRTH/Tribune Staff
Updated 2 days ago
PORT COLBORNE — It's full steam ahead for the opening of the Welland Canal on Tuesday.
This marks the 52nd anniversary of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
To start the 2011 season off right and offer hopes and prayers for local mariners and the marine industry, Port Colborne is hosting a mariner's service and celebration on Sunday at St. James/St. Brendan Church, 55 Charlotte St., beginning at 7 p.m.
The ecumenical event will feature music by the Ancient Mariners — a choir comprising members of various churches in Port Colborne and Wainfleet. Music and refreshments will be provided after the service at the Guild Hall.
The mariner's celebration is not only an opportunity to wish well the people heading out on vessels, but also a chance to "say thanks" to an industry that has a prominent presence in both Port Colborne and Niagara, said Mayor Vance Badawey.
All hands will be on deck Tuesday at Port Colborne High School, where the city's traditional Top Hat Ceremony is being held.
The event will begin with a light breakfast prepared by the school's culinary students, served at 8:30 a.m., followed by the ceremony in the school's auditorium at 9 a.m.
"It sends a strong message to the (marine) industry that Port Colborne is still a port, we still stand behind the industry," Badawey said of the celebration, encouraging the public to attend.
The ceremony also sends a message to Port Colborne youth, and school boards, that there are countless career opportunities in the marine industry that can and should be considered when planning a path for the future, he said.
Having that message alive in local schools allows youth to see "there's an opportunity for them so they can stay in Port Colborne and Niagara and work here within this very industry," Badawey said.
Though it's not confirmed, the Algoeast is anticipated to be the first ship to make its way into Port Colborne on Thursday.
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