When the smell of BBQ salmon and chow mein hits the air in Steveston, locals know it’s time to celebrate Canada’s biggest little party.
The 71st annual Steveston Salmon Festival is on July 1 and will attract more than 70,000 people to the Steveston Community Centre to take in the parade, entertainment, attractions and, of course, the food.
The pancake breakfast kicks off the festival at 6:30 a.m. and, for lunch, the popular salmon BBQ and chow mein will be served. Both items sell out fast every year, which is why this year’s salmon BBQ sponsor, Canada Fishing Company, has made a slight and welcomed change.
“In the past, we served 2,000, 2,500 pieces but we’ve decided to ramp it up to 3,000,” said Canfisco president Dan Nomura. “It sells out every time and it’s going towards a good cause.”
Proceeds from the food sales will go towards replacing the ageing Steveston playground, explained Janice Froese, salmon festival executive director.
“There will be plenty to see,” Froese said. “We have the parade starting at 10 a.m., there is the swearing in ceremony, Japanese cultural show, martial arts, a car show, trade show, a youth area and lots of entertainment.”
Folk singer Shari Ulrich and her daughter Julia Graff are headlining the main stage and and for the first time, long-time Richmond resident Charlotte Diamond will entertain on the children’s stage.
