After a two-year hiatus in its 40-year history because of the pandemic, plans are underway for the return of Port Hope’s annual “Float your Fanny Down the Ganny” celebration.
The weird and wacky race down the Ganaraska River is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 9th, with an inclement weather date for the following Saturday.
“We are cautiously optimistic about the return of Float Your Fanny and a community celebration to mark the 40th race in our history,” says Port Hope Mayor Bob Sanderson in a media release. “We are keeping a watchful eye on the COVID-19 situation and, after careful consideration and in collaboration with community and emergency service partners, we are able to take the first step in the planning process.”
While the race is a fun celebration of spring, it marks a catastrophic event in Port Hope’s past.
On March 21, 1980, a torrential downpour of rain combined with blocked storm drains and sewers caused the banks of the Ganaraska to spill over into the town of Port Hope. Every bridge on the river was washed out, as well as the board sidewalk and part of Walton Street, damaging buildings, and a child was recorded as having been drowned.
The Port Hope flood was forever recorded in the history books and the commemorative race has become a signature event for Port Hope.
Participants are challenged in a rigorous 10-kilometre race down the Ganaraska River. At the finish line, an outdoor event village called “Fannyville” is set up to host food, drink, and merchant vendors, on-stage entertainment, children’s activities, and a live commentary of the race results, culminating in an award presentation for the race finalists.
“We’ve been hibernating for two years and are ready to celebrate the unofficial start of spring with the return of this much-loved Port Hope tradition,” says Float Your Fanny committee co-chair Barry Adamson. “Our small non-profit organization appreciates the support of the municipality to help us bring this event back to our community calendar. We are excited, cautious, but ready to get back out there and have some good old-fashioned fun.”
Port Hope fire and emergency services are working with community emergency service partners in safety planning and will be on-site during the event. Participants and spectators must follow protocols and remain mindful and respectful of each other along the riverbank.
“The health and safety of the community remains top priority for event organizers and the municipality,” reads a media release.
The event plan has been reviewed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to ensure the municipality remains in compliance with all policies and procedures to support the safety and sustainability of the fish and wildlife habitats in the river.
Participant registration is now open on the Float your Fanny Down the Ganny Race website at www.floatyourfanny.ca, where you can also find the registration fees to enter the race as well as rules and regulations.
