Sunday in the Port: Visitors take in the long weekend by the beach
Smooth waters in the harbour as recreational boaters set sail.
A leisurely stroll along the boardwalk. And lathering up for a day at the beach.
Sunday marked the nicest day so far of the Victoria Day long holiday weekend in Port Stanley — the unofficial start to the summer season.
Londoner Patrick Stolarski was enjoying a day at the beach.
“Oh yeah, it wasn’t too nice earlier this week, but taking it in today, enjoying the sun, getting in those rays,” he said.
Port Stanley, Ont. on Sunday, May 21, 2023. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
Sunday was also picture perfect for a motorcycle drive.
“Well we were at Springwater for a BMW bike rally, saw some old friends, haven’t seen for a year,” said Al Collins, who was traveling with his companion Al Miller.
“Perfect weather, it’s not really cold, and it’s not really hot and muggy, there’s no mosquitoes or bugs, it’s just a perfect day for a spring bike ride,” Miller added.
Meanwhile, in Port Stanley’s main commercial districts, singer/songwriter Franky Fabs could be heard serenading the crowd outside the old fire hall.
Port Stanley, Ont. on Sunday, May 21, 2023. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
Now the Fire Hall Market, the former fire station was repurposed as a farmer’s market last summer. This is the first Victoria weekend it has been open.
Angela Homewood, who owns the market with her husband Dale Homewood, is pleased with the crowds.
“We have been talking to people from all corners of the province,” she explained. “I talked to a couple from Napanee yesterday. People from Leamington, Windsor, everywhere, and so they’re coming in, they’re enjoying walking around, they’re enjoying shopping, everything. The quaintness of the village is really the attraction, which is great.”
The Fire Hall Market features everything for the visitor’s palate, from baked goods to a market butcher, to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Port Stanley, Ont. on Sunday, May 21, 2023. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
Brent Blackman cooks up a storm at the Smokin’ Caboose, the in-house grill.
“It’s been busy down here at the market and we’re waiting for summer to start up, and get going again,” he said.
The Fire Hall Market opens seven days a week the summer season.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
U.S. Postal Service suspends accepting mail bound for Canada due to strike
The U.S. Postal Service has temporarily suspended accepting mail headed to Canada due to the strike by Canada Post workers.
Biden pardons his son Hunter despite previous pledges not to
U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday night, sparing the younger Biden a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions and reversing his past promises not to use the extraordinary powers of the presidency for the benefit of his family.
Kremlin says Trump threat to BRICS nations over U.S. dollar will backfire
The Kremlin said on Monday that any U.S. attempt to compel countries to use the dollar would backfire after U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on BRICS countries if they created their own currency.
Ontario food banks cutting back amid 'unprecedented surge in demand'
About 40 per cent of food banks in the province have scaled back the amount of food they provide each visit amid “record-high demand,” according to a new report by Feed Ontario.
'Devastating': Missing Surrey, B.C. teen found dead, family says
The family of a missing 18-year-old, who was last seen in Surrey over a month ago, says there has been a tragic end to the search.
Elton John says he has lost his eyesight and struggles to see his new stage musical
Elton John says he struggled to watch his new musical because he has lost his eyesight after contracting an infection.
opinion Are you overpaying for subscriptions? It's time for an audit
From streaming platforms and apps to gym memberships and meal kits, subscriptions are convenient, but it's easy to overlook how much you're spending. Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew offers tips on how to audit your subscriptions to save money.
PM Trudeau 'surprised' provinces unanimous on accelerated defence spending: Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his fellow provincial leaders are united in pushing for Canada to meet its NATO defence spending targets ahead of schedule, and that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was 'surprised' to hear it.
U.S. Great Lakes region gets yet more snow after a weekend of snarled Thanksgiving travel
Parts of the Great Lakes region saw new snow Monday and faced the prospect of even more this week after U.S. travellers battled harsh weather to get home after Thanksgiving, forecasters said.