Derek Miller, the Town Crier for the City of Port Colborne and also for the Township of Wainfleet is pleased to announce that the 3rd Annual Canal Days Meet and Greet will celebrate the 30th Annual Canal Days Celebrations in the City of Port Colborne. The event will take place on Saturday August 2nd, 2008 starting at 1 PM and ending around 5 PM.
The event will feature two cries (both non-judged, two short parades and an audience with the Mayor and other dignitaries at the Canal Days VIP Lounge (where the Criers will also be fed!)
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This article and photo appeared in “Niagara The Week” on August 31, 2007
Port Colborne Home to Crier Champ
Two third-place finishes in competition
by: Shella Gardezi, Port Colborne
PORT COLBORNE – Port Colborne Town Crier Derek Miller enjoyed a successful season as an ambassador for the city with two third place wins in crier competitions.
His most recent third-place win at the Ingersoll Harvestfest Town Crier’s competition last weekend, caps a season of activity, which included “cries” in Holland, MI, Barrie, Petrolia and Muskoka.
Competitions are an opportunity to promote Port Colborne throughout the province and beyond, he says.
“It’s a chance to promote Port Colborne as a wonderful place to visit and tell people about all the great things in this town,” he said.
His first third-place win this season was in Holland, MI, The trip also happened to be his favourite of the season because it gave him an opportunity to participate in an American festival. Everyone in town got involved and put their heart into the festivities, he said.
As a Town Crier, Miller is never really “off duty” on his trips to other towns. When he sight-sees during an event he remains in uniform. People feel free to approach him and ask him questions. He hands out pins and information.
Miller became a Town Crier after participating in a competition organized by the museum about five years ago.
“I really didn’t want to win,” he said.
However, having a theatrical background made him a natural for the job.
Later, he also became Town Crier for Wainfleet.
Competitors in Town Crier competitions are judged on more than just “crying”, says Miller. They are judged on their uniform and its condition, their entrance and exit onto the staging area, their diction, volume and attention-getting device. The uniform must represent the municipality and its heritage in some way. Miller’s Port Colborne uniform leans toward a military style of dress, but when he’s representing Wainfleet, he wears a more “country-style” uniform. During competition, deportment must match the uniform. He’s a little more formal in his walk and mannerisms while representing Port Colborne.
Learning to be a Town Crier was mostly trial and error, says Miller.
At 40, he’s one of the younger Town Criers on the scene. One of his challenges was learning not to deviate from the script. Competitors must give a copy of their “cry” to the judges and if one word is added or missed they’ll receive a penalty.
“I had to learn to write as I talk,” he said. “I used to use very flowery 19th Century language, but now it’s more straightforward.”
Another challenge is writing humour into the script. Although not a requirement, this type of “cry” tends to be more successful in competition.
“It’s a lot of trial by fire,” he said. “However, occasionally some senior criers will take me aside and give me some tips.”
Miller says he spends an average of about 15 hours per week on his two volunteer Town Crier positions with summer being the busiest time of the year in Port Colborne.
It’s a great way to serve one’s community, he says.
“It’s a highly visible position, that can help bring a lot of life to the town in terms of tourism and culture,” he says.
Guild members were joined by other area criers for the Saturday morning friendly get together. Throughout the entire five days Guild members Brent McLaren (Perth), David Boyd (Rideau Lakes) and Paddy O’Connor (Central Frontenac) volunteered their services and kept the massive crowds, approaching 20,000 each day, informed and entertained. Special thanks has to be given to Jan Gravelle, pictured between Bruce Bedell (Belleville), and Steve and Linda Travers (Barrie). Jan looked after the many entertainment venues at the IPM. She treated the Criers royally and always with the friendliest smile all week!
Members of the Guild are once again welcome to join in the fun and celebration of the annual Oktoberfest by being part of the parade that will leave downtown Waterloo at King and Erb Streets at 8:30 A.M. Scott and Anne Marie Fraser have once again offered to host the Criers who will be attending and provide burgers and sausages after the parade at their home.