When I think of John Allan I smile and recall the first time I saw him perform. It was '69 or '70 at the Lobster Festival in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. John Allan performed at the harness racing track on a platform just inside the infield rail and across the track from the grandstand.

Unfortunately, the start of his performance coincided with the warm-up laps of the harness racers. As he sang there were hoofs pounding by and great gobs of mud being flung up at him by the ponies. I recall him trying unsuccessfully to suppress his own laughter while attempting to sing.

Certainly not the highlight of his career, but it was indeed memorable moment!