This year’s Steveston Salmon Festival parade on July 1 will honour one of its longtime, community volunteers who passed away earlier this year.
The Grand Award for Best Community Group has been renamed the Ted Lorenz Award — Best Community Group.
Lorenz was a former fire chief with Richmond Fire Rescue who lent his time and efforts to the Stevston community for more than 60 years.
He passed away Feb. 20 at age 81.
“Ted was a major part of the salmon festival for more than 60 years, and his absence is felt, especially right now as we make final preparations for the July 1 event,” said Janice Froese, executive director of the Steveston Community Society. “He was invaluable in his efforts and mentorship, so it was decided to rename the award.”
Froese added Lorenz was heavily involved in many aspects of the festival, especially the parade.
“He was so much about the value and importance of community that changing the award signifying the best community based float in the parade is very fitting,” Froese said.
A banner for the award winner will precede the float.
“Ted was the heart and soul of our community for so many years,” added Beth Ovenden, president of the Steveston Community Society. “And we wanted a special way to remember him.”
This is the first time an award in the parade bears the name of an individual.
One of the largest community-based events in the country, the parade starts at from Garry Point Park at 10 a.m. and winds its way through Steveston Village and ends at Railway Avenue and Moncton Street.
