Thousands flock to Pottahawk

They say nothing good comes easy, and Norfolk’s biggest party of the summer fits the bill.

Article content They say nothing good comes easy, and Norfolk’s biggest party of the summer fits the bill. Thousands of party-goers from near and far flocked to the shores of Lake Erie for Sunday’s Pottahawk boat bash. Recommended Videos For many years, the small, shallow island about 10 kilometres from county shores has become the place to be on the second Sunday of July for a blowout that few communities can match.

Though attendance requires a truck, trailer, and boat, most will tell you the rewards far outweigh the obstacles. “It’s nice to be able to grab some friends who haven’t been out before and have them experience everything,” said Kyle Stenclik. “It’s always a good time.”

Stenclik and his wife Lindsay recently purchased a Rinker Captiva 282 and were jettisoning a pair of couples to the island via Booth’s Harbour for a day of fun in the sun. “We don’t go every year, but when we can and it works out with our work schedules, we try to come,” Kyle added. Knowing they’d be joined by hundreds of other vessels headed to the same tiny plot of land, the Stencliks weren’t about to cut any corners when it came to safety.

“We’re going to go past where the majority of people are going, but you’ve always got to watch out today,” Kyle said. “Be smart, pay attention, no drinking and driving and have all your safety equipment and life jackets,” Lindsay chimed in. As of 3 p.m., Norfolk County OPP reported no major incidents.

Police estimated between 400 and 500 boats attended at that point, with numbers still rising. The festivities aren’t just reserved for locals either. Maria Matsiborko travelled from Mississauga along with her daughter Isabella and two friends, plus their dog Teddy, in tow.

“We wanted to bring the girls out just to see it,” she said. Those using the ramp at Booth’s Harbour Marina were treated to a food truck provided by The Copper Mug in Tillsonburg. “We just reached out and asked if they had anything lined up or wanted anything and set it up that way,” owner Kim Sage explained.

Though business was a little slow early in the day, Sage expected plenty of customers by mid-afternoon. “I feel like after (boaters) have a couple pops and have their sea legs on, they’ll be hungry,” Sage smiled.