Drive safe and 'beware of criminal activity' at Port Dover Friday the 13th biker rally, police say

Ontario Provincial Police are asking visitors to Port Dover for the upcoming Friday the 13th biker rally to drive safely, know that "Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs" will be there and beware of "potential criminal activity."

Police said in a newsrelease that while "most people attending Friday the 13th events are motorcycle enthusiasts who appreciate the camaraderie of fellow riders and a chance to admire the motorcycles on display... Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG) members will be in attendance."

Police are asking the public "to be aware of potential criminal activity that can be associated with large gatherings. Displaying gang-related clothing or paraphernalia can increase the risk of being targeted by rival groups."

The Friday the 13th biker rally drawsthousands of bikers to Port Dover, a tradition on every Friday the 13 since 1981, with visitors coming in from all across Ontarioand the U.S..

OPP Const. Andrew Gamble saidby emailthat "last October, Port Dover saw around 50,000 attendees at the peak of the event. With sunny skies and temperatures expected to be in the mid to high 20s this Friday, we're likely to exceed that number this year."

Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin says "this Friday the 13th everything has been carefully planned to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone... We welcome all visitors to Norfolk and hope you enjoy your stay and tour all that Norfolk has to offer, be sure to support our local business and not-for-profit groups, and I will see you there."

Bands including the Hip Experience, a Tragically Hip cover band, will performat astage located at Main Streetand Walker Streetin Port Dover. Performances begin at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday and again at 11 a.m. on Friday.

For more information on area road closures, visit the Norfolk Countywebsite.

OPP also said the airspace will be closed and no one should be flying a drone or an aircraft in the area unless they're authorized by Transport Canada.