The New Year's Ball is a Semi-Formal event involving an adult dance at the Royal Canadian Legion and a cold plate meal served at 12:00 midnight. Tickets are sold in advance. Contact a Legion Representative or Vida at the Town Office.
Every February the Port Blandford Fire Department organizes a Snowmobile Poker Run as a fundraiser for the Department. Participants pay an entry fee to participate in a snowmobile run. During the run they stop at various places to pick a playing card, the value of which is recorded by a member from the Department. At the end of the run, back at the fire hall, each participant has a total of five cards recorded. The participants with the best poker hands made from the five cards wins. They also enjoy soup and sandwiches and hot chocolate during and after the run.
The Port Blandford Janeway Telethon is held on the 1st Sunday in May by the Port Blandford Fire Department and other volunteers. 2005 marked the 15th annual Telethon as we reached our $50,000 goal. The Telethon runs from 1:00 P.M. to 7:00P.M. on the local community channel during which time local residents provide entertainment at various segments and present their donations on-air if desired. All funds raised from the Port Blandford Janeway Telethon are forwarded to the Janeway Children's Hospital Foundation.
Canada Day activities include a Flag Raising and Cake Cutting Ceremony at the Town Office & Fire Hall as the community gathers in front to sing O Canada and to celebrate our country followed by a hot dog barbeque. Also at this time prizes are awarded for the Children's Colouring Contest and other draw prizes. All in attendance receive hand flags, temporary tattoos, pins, and stickers.
Targa Newfoundland is known as the ultimate North American Tarmac Adventure. Targa Newfoundland is the first and only event of its kind to be held in North America. It is an annual event and forms a 2200 km long, high quality automotive adventure. It is held over a seven-day period in September of each year on the paved roads of the eastern and central parts of the island of Newfoundland.
Right here in Port Blandford, the rally races through our streets. It is surely an exciting event to watch!
The Annual Bobber Race is a fundraiser conducted by the Volunteer Fire Department every September. Purchase a Bobber at any local store or the Town Hall and see if you win! The Fire Department Members let the bobbers float down Middle Brook from the Swimming Hole to the Bridge. The first three bobbers to reach the finish line indicate the winners of three great prizes!
Bonfire Night is traditionally celebrated on November 5th. It was on that day in 1605 Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament in Britain. Many residents of Port Blandford celebrate this event every year in memory of our historic ties to Britain and the events that led to this celebration. Throughout town you can find many little bonfires burning, as residents gather around the fire for warmth and to roast marshmallows.
Each year on October 31, the children of Port Blandford dress up in costumes and Trick or Treat from door-to-door.
The Annual Halloween Dance is an anticipated event all year long as the adults have an opportunity to enjoy this traditionally childish holiday. The Royal Canadian Legion hosts an adult dance and sponsors a Halloween Costume Contest. Groups of adults get together in the preceding months and plan and create their unique Halloween Costumes, keeping the ideas as secret as possible. The groups then make a grand entrance, usually to themed music, one group at a time, to display the ingenious, creative and, many times, hilarious Halloween Costumes. Prizes are awarded in three categories: Groups of 5 or more, Groups of 2 -4, and individual. Great fun guaranteed - dress up or come just for the entertainment!
The Parade forms at 10 A.M. on Main Street and proceeds to the War Memorial Site. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, 310 RCSCC Clode Sound Sea Cadet Corp, Port Blandford District Girl Guides, Brownies, and Sparks, as well as other community members participate in the parade. At the War Memorial Site various individuals and groups place wreaths and poppies in memory of those who served their country at war. Following the ceremony at the War Memorial Site, there is a church service at either Alton United Church or St. Adian's Anglican Church.
The Annual Christmas Parade is a long standing tradition in Port Blandford. Held on the 2nd Saturday of December, many community groups, as well as individuals and families, get into the holiday spirit by participating in the Royal Canadian Legion sponsored Christmas Parade. The Parade travels from southwest Port Blandford to Muddy Brook. Along the route Santa Claus and his Port Blandford Volunteer Firefighter friends pass out goodie bags to the children watching on the road side. Also along the route are Parade Float Judges watching as each group parades through town showing off their unique Christmas themed creations, having fun, and hoping to win 1st prize in the float decorating contest. The Parade is followed by a social at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #48 for drinks and a lunch with a surprise visit from Santa Claus!
Later in the evening everyone meets at the Royal Canadian Legion for an adult dance with a DJ for entertainment. Chance to win a door prize. What a great way to kick off the Christmas Season!
The Christmas Tree Lighting and Carol Sing is an excellent example of how a community unites during the holiday season. Held at either the Alton United Church or the St. Adian's Anglican Church, the community gathers together for the lighting of the Christmas Tree and to sing carols during a Christmas service.
