An over 90-year-old Goderich tradition is getting a wardrobe upgrade, as Town Council approved purchasing a new lid for the annual Top Hat ceremony.
The Top Hat is worn by the first captain to dock in the Goderich port each spring, but a recent report from staff said it's no longer in stable condition. The tradition dates back to 1932.
The Huron County’s Museum has agreed to display the original hat, as Goderich purchases a new one to carry on the ceremony.
Mayor Trevor Bazinet said the change needed to be made.
"It's time for a new hat, for sure. Ninety-three years, right? It's a good spot for it to be, go to the museum and it can be viewed there," he said during council's March 20 meeting.
The new top hat will cost the town over $400. It will also purchase an archival acid-free box to display the original for around $200.
Captain Abhijit Menon is the final captain to wear the original hat, as his boat the Federal Asahi docked in Goderich on March 31 this year.