2018 Steveston Salmon Festival organizers have released initial details of the big day:
The 73rd Annual Steveston Salmon Festival, presented by Keltic Canada Development, will celebrate the rich heritage of Richmond’s historic Steveston village and our nation’s 151st birthday on Canada Day, Sunday, July 1.
“We are so excited this year to once again offer our licenced Spirit of Steveston Zone in the Easthope parking lot that will also include a fantastic array of music and several food truck choices,” said Kirstine Dickson, Festival co-chair.
“Salmon Festival will also have all the traditional favorites including a pancake breakfast, chow mein, and of course our famous salmon bake that sells out every year. Make sure you come hungry as there will be plenty of food vendors to choose from.”
The biggest change this year will see the children’s festival move from the west side playground area to the east side of the park into the baseball diamond.
“We made the decision to move the children’s area this year as the previous space was getting too crowded. The ball field behind the RCMP office provides much more space for children and their families to enjoy the stage shows, and access all the amenities in a wider area”, said Dickson.
The children’s festival will include inflatables and mini carnival games, face painters, clowns, and other fun activities for the kids, and a full afternoon of entertainment featuring Steveston’s own Charlotte Diamond and the Hug Bug Band at 2 p.m.
Other attractions include a youth festival, Japanese cultural show, martial arts demonstrations, trade show, horticultural show, artisan gallery, pie and ice cream parlour and, the car show will return to the east field after a one-year absence.
The day starts early at 6:30 a.m. with a pancake breakfast. The children’s bike parade takes off at 9:30 a.m., followed at 10:00 a.m. by the big Canada Day parade which includes marching bands, decorated vehicles, community groups and plenty of pirates, plus parade floats from the City of Kelowna, New Westminster’s Hyack Festival, War Amps and the award-winning “Spirit of Steveston” float with Sammy the Salmon aboard.
Immediately after the parade ends, the festival is officially opened at noon with the singing of O Canada and a rousing invitation to celebrate the day by Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
Following the opening ceremony, the Main Stage will have a full day of entertainment including iconic Canadian rock band Honeymoon Suite who will take the stage at 5:00 p.m.
This year’s emcee is Drew Savage, morning show host of 103.5 QM/FM. The Steveston Salmon Festival is part of Richmond Canada Day in Steveston, a full-day celebration stretching across Steveston Village. Don’t miss the huge Street Party in Steveston Village with 50 performances on eight stages, featuring Canadian rock legends Big Sugar.
An artisan village, marketplace and food trucks are also part of the fun, along with free admission and activities at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery
