On Saturday, March 29, 2025, motorcycle enthusiasts and community members gathered in full force to mark an extraordinary milestone—Clare’s Harley-Davidson’s ® 70th Anniversary Party!
With hundreds in attendance, it was a day packed with energy, laughter, and heartfelt memories, celebrating seven decades of Clare’s presence in the motorcycle business, excellence in riding and their legacy in the Niagara community.
The event also honoured the life and impact of founder John Clare, who sadly passed away earlier this month, making the celebration even more meaningful.
Local Dignitaries Show Support
The event was emceed by the town crier, adding an authentic Niagara-on-the-Lake flair to the announcements. Dignitaries like Lord Mayor Zalepa and MPP Wayne Gates lent their presence to the occasion, further underscoring Clare’s impact on the local community. The anniversary announcements and cake-cutting ceremony created unforgettable highlights for everyone present.
ABOVE: Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates presents the Clare family with a 70th Anniversary Plaque from the province with the Town Crier, Tom Pekar who officiated the event.
ABOVE: Gary Zalepa Lord Mayor of NOTL addresses the crowd at the party.
ABOVE: Adam Kostanowicz, Managing Director of Harley-Davidson® Canada honoured the Clare’s legacy with a speech.
A Day of Fun, Celebration, and Tribute
The party held at the Niagara-on-the-Lake location, was nothing short of spectacular.
Guests were treated to mouth watering pull-pork sandwiches, a celebratory cake and lots of great opportunities to mingle with fellow biking enthusiasts while browsing tons of floor merchandise.
Every moment reflected Clare’s dedication to its loyal patrons and door prizes and draws kept the atmosphere electric.
Honouring John Clare: A Visionary Leader
Amid the festivities, attendees paused to reflect on the legacy of John Clare, whose vision and passion established Clare’s as a cornerstone of the Niagara community.
An opportunity to write special memories in a tribute book for John Clare was also on hand at the event.
John passed away March 1, 2025, just 5 months after his bride of nearly 65 years, Donna.
Above John and Donna Clare shared a passion for motorcycles together.
The Early Day’s of Clare’s
It all began when John received his first motorcycle a 1932 Harley Davidson in exchange for a plumbing job from his brother- in- law, Ed Givens. John’s plumbing career ended when he became the founding partner of Clare’s Cycle & Sports, still at its current location in Fenwick.
Known as a motorcycle sportsman, he was the recipient of the Ontario Sportsman of the year award, the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of fame, Welland Sportsman Hall of fame and the Trev Deeley Lifetime achievement award. Active in racing and enduros as a passion, he quickly became an active motorcycle retailer when there were none in Canada. Selling just about all brands of motorcycles through the years, John was able to develop and grow the Canadian motorcycle market.
Heartfelt Memories Shared at 70th Anniversary Party
Stories were shared, laughter and tears blended seamlessly, and memories of John Clare’s dedication to his craft and his customers filled the air at the 70th celebration.
The influence of John and Donna lives on through the unwavering support of customers and family who continue to uphold their values of loyalty and excellence.
Looking Ahead: Clare’s Cycle & Sports Joins the Celebration
If you missed the party in Niagara-on-the-Lake, don’t worry—Clare’s Cycle & Sports will host its own 70th Anniversary Party on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Located at Hwy 20 W., Fenwick, the celebration will feature an incredible line-up of entertainment, door prizes, food, and community spirit. Clare’s legacy is thriving, not just in one location, but across the Niagara region.
Thank You for 70 Remarkable Years
As Clare’s Harley-Davidson® turns the page into its next chapter, it does so with immense gratitude to its loyal customers and community members who have made this journey possible.
With seven decades of history to celebrate and a promising future ahead, Clare’s Harley-Davidson® and Clare’s Cycle & Sports remain committed to serving as more than just a business—it’s a family, a community, and a testament to the power of dreams on two wheels (and sometimes more)!
Being a family owned and operated dealership for 70 years is something they have taken pride in. Building friendships with thousands of customers, businesses, charities, and organizations over the years.
The family are thankful to the community for being part of this incredible legacy. Here’s to the past, the present, and the endless roads ahead. Ride on, Clare’s!
ABOUT CLARE’S
A family owned business for over 60 years, CLARE’S Cycle & Sports Ltd. began as a small shop in Welland, Ontario, Canada in 1954 where John Clare was the sole proprietor and eventually moved to Fenwick where over the years it has grown to be the large and successful business that it is today.
Over the years CLARE’S has added many brands to the dealership. Currently, Clare’s supplies sales, service, parts and accessories to Harley-Davidson®, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki & KTM lines lines to the dealership and in 2008 CLARE’S Harley-Davidson® of Niagara came into being at 590 York Rd Niagara on the Lake.
CLARE’S Cycle & Sports Ltd. & CLARE’S Harley-Davidson® of Niagara have established themselves as one of the premiere motorcycle dealers in Ontario.
For more information, visit the link here: Dealership Information | Clare’s Harley-Davidson® of Niagara | Niagara on The Lake Ontario
CLARE’S Harley-Davidson® of Niagara
590 York Road
Niagara On The Lake, ON L0S1J0
Phone: 905-684-4647
Website: www.claresharleydavidson.com
Be sure to follow Clares on Facebook , Instagram, and Youtube as well.
