Excitement is building in Norfolk County as the 7th Annual Dogs Nest Day approaches.
On Sunday, with this year’s celebration set to take place at the Port Dover Legion.
The event is not just a lively summer gathering—it’s a powerful tribute to the rich local history of a once-thriving community called Dogs Nest, and the dedicated volunteers who brought its legacy back to life.
The story of Dogs Nest begins in the 1800s, when it was a bustling rural settlement complete with several inns, a post office, a church, and various small businesses that served the surrounding farming community.
The area was a key stopover for teamsters—drivers of horse-drawn freight wagons—who needed rest and stabling for their horses during long hauls.
Hunters were also drawn to the area, bringing their dogs and giving rise to the community’s distinctive name.
For years, Dogs Nest was marked along Highway 6 by wooden signs, which often went missing—rumoured to be stolen for use in “man caves.”
Eventually, by the mid-1980s, the Department of Highways stopped replacing them, and the historic corner faded from public recognition.
That changed thanks to the grassroots efforts of the DogsNest 1851 Committee, a group determined to preserve and celebrate the memory of the area.
Their goal was to install a permanent sign to mark the site, and after navigating a lengthy approval process and rallying community support, they succeeded.
Today, a one-of-a-kind 7.5-ton engraved rock proudly identifies the historic Dogs Nest corner once again.
The sign has already become a local landmark, drawing visitors who stop to snap photos and reflect on a chapter of Norfolk’s past that was nearly forgotten.
With the sign now fully funded through past community events, the committee has pledged to direct future fundraising efforts toward important causes in the region.
This year, Dogs Nest Day will support the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice, and visitors will have the opportunity to contribute through a free-will offering during the event.
Sunday’s festivities promise a full day of family-friendly fun and local pride.
The celebration kicks off with a parade at 12:30 p.m., featuring the North Shore Highlanders and the Legion Colour Party.
Live music will keep the party going all afternoon, with performances by Old Barn Doors right after the parade and Whiskey Chasers hitting the stage at 4:00 p.m.
Guests can enjoy hot dogs in the afternoon, a mouth-watering pig roast starting at 4:00 p.m., and a variety of cold drinks and great company throughout the day.
Organizers are also encouraging the public to contribute to the ongoing historical preservation efforts.
Anyone with old photos, documents, or family stories related to Dogs Nest is invited to dig through their archives and share labelled materials to help expand the community’s collection.
With deep roots, strong community involvement, and a lively lineup of events, Dogs Nest Day 2025 promises to be a meaningful and memorable celebration for locals and visitors alike.
Mark your calendar for Sunday, July 20, and head to the Port Dover Legion to honour the past, celebrate the present, and help support a brighter future in Norfolk County.