In East Central Ontario, between March 16th and March 20th, 1980, due to unusually warm daytime temperatures the snow cover was reduced from 12" to zero. Because the ground was still solidly frozen all the runoff occurred on the surface. Then in 24 hours March 20/21 2˝" of rain fell. Massive flooding resulted. Port Hope was hard hit as the Ganaraska River burst its banks and left the town waist high in water. All sorts of household goods were seen floating down the River known locally as the Ganny.

Each year Port Hope commemorates the disaster by staging a race where people travelling on all sorts of crazy craft "float their fannies down the Ganny". Since the water temperature is slightly above zero (°C) and the air temp. about 2 this event is strictly for serious masochists. Enjoy.