Feel the warmth at Canadian Appreciation Days in Port Huron and St. Clair County, Michigan

   One-Tank Trip for May 14-16

   (c) By Jim Fox

   It’s nice to be appreciated and Canadians will feel some love on the Victoria Day Weekend across the border in Port Huron and St. Clair County, Mich.

   The businesses and neighbours in the U.S. adjoining Sarnia are rolling out the red, white and blue carpet for visitors during Canadian Appreciation Days.

A lake freighter passes by bicycle art at the Palmer Park Recreation Center in Port Huron.

   The fourth-annual event runs from May 21 to 23 and is ideal for a one-day visit or a weekend getaway.

   “This is a celebration honoring our border friendly neighbours and a thank you for their significant contribution and impact on our local economy,” said David Haynes, Port Huron’s director of planning and community development.

   Canadian visitors contribute $60 million US annually to the local economy, “helping our existing retailers and restaurants to thrive and boosting our ability to attract new business to the region.”

   Prepare to be appreciated with some “amazing hotel, dining and entertainment packages.”

   Activities include shopping, the arts and markets, museums and historical sites, waterfront dining, golf courses, theatrical plays and more.

   Among the accommodation deals is the historic Heather House bed and breakfast in Marine City on the St. Clair River.

   The 1885 Victorian-style mansion offers a half-price deal for the second night’s stay.

   Cash and prize machine

   There will be a “Money Machine” at the Port Huron Duty Free store from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. over the three days for Canadians to try to win U.S. greenbacks and prizes.

   For anyone arriving on Friday evening, May 20 there’s an Art Hop in downtown Port Huron from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

   Merchants are turning their storefronts into art galleries and there are opportunities to dine and enjoy some craft beer at the bars and restaurants while enjoying the art scene.

   The 13th annual St. Clair River Marbleye Classic takes place in St. Clair from May 20 to 22.

   That’s when hundreds of people challenge the swift currents of the river in hopes of landing the Hog – the biggest walleye – during the tournament.

The Heather House bed and breakfast in an 1885 Victorian-style mansion, offers deals to Canadians.

   The ​Farmer's Market at Vantage Point on the Port Huron waterfront near the Maritime Center is on May 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and showcases Michigan-grown produce, food products and flowers.

   There are discounts for Canadians at the Riverbank and Snug theatres in Marine City of $4 off $22 tickets.

   The Beach Fun Raiser, a fun family event, will be held at Nautical Mile Park, near the ferry in Marine City on May 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

   There will be “free kid-friendly games,” raffles, music and food.

The Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron provides information about the history and current events of the Great Lakes.

   Area attractions include the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse; Thomas Edison Depot Museum; Carnegie Museum; Maritime Center and River Walk; Sanilac County Museum and Village; Huron Lady Cruises; Huron Lightship; and the Knowlton Ice Museum.

   Getting to Port Huron is via Highway 402 across the Blue Water Bridge over the St. Clair River.

   Another option is to take the Bluewater Ferry carrying people and vehicles between Sombra, Ont. and Marine City, Mich.

   Details: canadianappreciation.com/home.html; facebook.com/canadianappreciationday

   Fox trot

   For anyone planning to do some shopping in Toronto, the Sherway Farmers’ Market has opened for the season.

   “Find fresh, seasonal and local produce and locally made food products from the market’s vendors at a great price,” said publicist Peter Ashworth.

Get it fresh at the Sherway Farmers’ Market. (Photo by Peter Ashworth)

   The market is open Fridays, rain or shine, now through Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

   It features Ontario-grown fruit and vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, fresh baked goods, honey, deli meat, cheese, locally grown mushrooms, artisan soaps, VQA wine from Coyote Run Estate Winery and much more, said founder William Blyleven.

   It’s in the far northeast parking lot of Sherway Gardens, bordering on the Queensway and Sherway Gardens Road, just east of Highway 427.

   The associated Oakville Farmers’ Market at 115 George St. will open on June 4 and continue Saturdays until Oct. 29 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

   For seasonal updates on vendors, produce and product availability: farmfreshmarkets.ca

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca