Some of Kirstine Dickson’s fondest memories growing up revolve around the tastes and sights of the Salmon Festival.
Dickson recalls heading to Minoru — years ago when the boulevard marked the start of the parade — for a pancake breakfast.
“Then [we would head] to Steveston to watch the parade filled with floats and marching bands,” Dickson said. After the fanfare of the parade, she would line up for “amazing” chow mein.
Dickson’s traditions surrounding the festival took on new forms as she grew up. Before she joined the Salmon Festival committee 10 years ago, Dickson would invite friends and family over for breakfast before the parade.
“We would decorate our kids’ bikes and wagons and then walk to Moncton Street to save our seats to watch the parade. We had to get there early to save seats in the blazing sun, but it was so worth it,” Dickson said.
It was these lifelong memories that inspired Dickson to work on improving the 74-year old celebration.
“I’ve been watching [the festival] since I was little and wanted to make some big changes and have it grow and do what the public is asking for,” Dickson said, adding that she is “very passionate” about the community where her children have also grown up.
Three years ago, Dickson became one of the festival’s co-chairs along with Brenda Yttri. She said people were looking for more things to do.
While Dickson said she loves the traditions, the festival draws up to 100,000 people to Steveston and more activities and places to eat were needed.
The festival will feature more than 30 food trucks, plus a licenced outdoor area serving local beer, wine and cider. There’s more music, all topped off by Canadian Hall-of-Famer’s 54-40 and fireworks.
There will also be more floats, marching bands and local businesses in the parade.
Dickson helps to promote the parade throughout the year, taking the Spirit of Steveston float on the road. Last August, said Dickson, they travelled to Penticton’s Peach Fest.
“We want to take it to Washington State this year and all over the place,” Dickson added. She hopes the float will one day make it to the Calgary Stampede. The committee fundraises to send the float off on its travels.
