The honouring of a beloved tradition is set to be a part of the Canada Day celebrations this year. At 2 o’clock on Saturday, July 1st, a ceremony celebrating the unveiling of a new plaque featuring the “Kincardine Lighthouse and the Phantom Piper” will be at the Kincardine Lighthouse at the corner of Harbour Street and Huron Terrace.
The ceremony, which is open to all, includes comments from both Mayor Kenneth Craig and Keith Davidson, as well as a unique daytime performance by the Phantom Piper, and the unveiling of the new plaque installation.
Mounted on the lakeside of the Huron Terrace bridge, the new plaque sits just far enough south so that viewers can learn the history while enjoying a full view of the Lighthouse. The legend of Donald Sinclair is on the bronze plaque mounted on the shore stone at the north end of the same bridge.
Davidson pitched the idea for the plaque to the Municipality of Kincardine Council in 2022, wishing to recognize the instrumental role of Eldon Humphreys in creating a long-standing tradition spanning almost 30 years and counting.
Humphreys inspiration for the Phantom Piper came after seeing a similar ritual in Key West, Florida. He believed the Lighthouse, pipe band, and beautiful sunsets would make the Phantom Piper a tourist attraction.
Phantom Piper performances for the 2023 season begin on July 2nd and run every evening, except for Saturdays, beginning just before sunset.
