The Town of Goderich has welcomed the first vessel into harbour for the warm season.
The Town’s Top Hat ceremony was held Friday, where captain John Lavery of the Algoma Innovator was welcomed by elected officials.
Captain Lavery explains how his job has changed during the pandemic.
“It’s coming back to almost the way it used to be,” Lavery tells Country 104.9 News.
“You basically go ashore, and even go for a walk somewhere, but basically you’re on the ship.”
Lavery and the crew of the Algoma Innovator sailed into the Goderich Harbour from Owen Sound, with salt being the vessel’s main cargo.
Goderich Deputy Mayor Trevor Bazinet says the longstanding ceremony is an important one for the town.
“It’s very important, especially when you have a port, and the port that we have,” Bazinet tells us.
“I even looked at social media this morning, and people were talking about knowing that the first ship was about to come in.”
As part of the Top Hat ceremony, Captain Lavery signed the town’s historic top hat, and was treated to a complimentary breakfast by Town Hall.
Bazinet says the captain will also receive some Goderich-branded merchandise before returning to the waters of Lake Huron.
