The public is invited to participate either with their boat in the afternoon’s sail past event or by coming to Hanna Park before the event to enjoy the historical display, live music by the Grindstone Cowboys,  artisan displays/demonstrations, and corn on the cob and soft drinks supplied by the Girl Guides.  It is a great place to bring a picnic lunch or to follow up the boat parade on the lake with a chicken barbecue (eat in or take out) from the nearby Portland Community Hall. Barbecue begins at 4:30 pm sharp. Be early as they may sell out fast.

The sailpast event will focus on:

• Recognizing Admiral Kingsmill’s achievements in founding the Royal Canadian Navy in 1910, his naval leadership for many years resulting in the installation of his historic plaque near Portland during the naval centennial celebrations last year, and his summer residency on Big Rideau Lake;
• Recognizing Portland’s great local history;
• Recognizing Big Rideau Lake’s fabulous opportunities for boating;
• Encouraging family fun ashore and on Big Rideau Lake.

Admiral Kingsmill was the founder of the Royal Canadian Navy in 1910 and his family summer residence was on Grindstone Island near Portland. Last year as part of the Canadian Navy centennial celebrations, a historic plaque commemorating his deeds was unveiled at his gravesite in the Anglican Cemetery near Portland where he was honored with much fanfare and recognition of his achievements by the site being made an official Ontario Heritage Site. A naval cadet squadron at Dows Lake, Ottawa, is also named after him.

The Admiral Kingsmill Sailpast and Salute will consist of  a long line of a variety of local boats sailing past a dock at Hanna Park in Portland village where a stand-in and costumed Admiral Kingsmill will take the salute from the ”Big Rideau Lake Fleet” as it passes. It is expected that many interesting antique, classic, power boats and sailboats from the area will take part in the sailpast.  They will each dip their Canadian flag or salute in passing to commemorate Admiral Kingsmill’s efforts for Canada, the Royal Canadian Navy and his local link with Portland.

The Admiral Kingsmill Sailpast and Salute on July 30 will take place starting at 2pm from the green channel buoy off  Tower Island in Big Rideau Lake led by a designated boat and proceeding together in a line to Hanna Park in Portland Village. This is a great opportunity for family fun on and off the water and to learn more about the exciting history of Admiral Kingsmill and Portland. All aspects of the sailpast on the lake are FREE (just bring your own boat!). The salute will be taken by Admiral Kingsmill from a dock at Hanna Park provided by Eastern Ontario Docks and Marine in Crosby.

Please note:  the day’s events  (except for the chicken barbecue) are on a weather permitting basis. The public may contact Buzz Boles at (613) 349-5435 or prhs@live.ca with any inquiries prior to the event.

There will be 2-3 rinks on the lake ice for fun hockey games (men vs the women), kids curling and general skating. There will also be a family team relay race.  Snow sculpturing for the kids, horse & sleigh rides, hot chocolate on the ice and food service in the community Hall and shuffleboard for all are some of the many activities.

There is no entrance fee – just bring your enthusiasm! In case of a storm all will move indoors to the Community Hall and it will all work out somehow. Saturday January 30 is a go! 11am to 4pm.

Strap on your skates as Rick heads to Portland, Ontario for the Sixth International Big Rideau Lake Speed Skating Marathon.

Please click here for more photos from Rick’s hilarious visit to Portland.