Puckering up to the pickerel

Bayham Deputy Mayor Tom Southwick was the second brave soul to kiss a frozen pickerel to launch a new Port Burwell tradition at the Lighthouse Restaurant on Saturday night, May 16. Bayham Mayor Paul Ens was the first local resident to “pucker up to a pickerel” that night in honour of the upcoming celebration of Port Burwell wooden lighthouse’s 175th anniversary on July 1. The celebration, organized by the Port Burwell Historical Society, will coincide with Port Burwell’s usual Canada Day festivities. Visitors to the lakeside village are encouraged to kiss the pickerel at the Lighthouse Restaurant until Labour Day (Sept. 7) to become honorary citizens of Port Burwell. Those taking the challenge are asked to wear the yellow rain hat, slicker and “Wellies” boots and recite a limerick. An antique brass bell is rung each time before the next pucker session with the pickerel. A portion of all proceeds raised will be donated to the Port Burwell Public School Breakfast Program