The party started on Thursday when the first of 26 tugboats started showing up in our harbour. This is a few more than last year and, as you can see, it caused a little congestion dockside.
Friday night the party started in earnest. The Pescotont, captained by Paul Gaynor and his lovely wife Carol, hosted the captain's party on the rear deck. The event really kicked into high gear with the arrival of the Legion Branch 80 Pipes and Drums.
Then it was time for the main event, the "Parade of Lights". Each of the tugboats set off into the harbour to show how well decorated she was. With the cacophony of water cannon, fireworks, and a lot of boat whistles, the job of the judges was far from easy. Those who stayed ashore appreciated the colourful spectacle.
Saturday was even better! The tugboats were at it again with "tooting" contests and tests of speed and who could push the Midland town dock the farthest (it was a tie). And when things were a bit slow, the boats engaged in a bit of water horseplay.
Not to be outdone, the citizenry of Midland decided to build their own tugboats and take the to water. This year there were three competitors. Not surprisingly, the Power Squadron entry was the fastest tugboat over the course. But there was a lot of sympathy for the fellow who just made it past the start line.
My sincere thanks to the event organizers and the boats and crews from all over Ontario who made this wonderful day in the Midland Harbour possible. Rick Laney and his harbour staff are to be commended for making it all come together.
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