In the fishing village of Steveston, history lives just around each corner. Founded at the end of the 19th century, the village's treasure trove of stories can be discovered by joining the Gulf of Georgia Cannery's "Strolling Through Steveston" walking tour.
Led by one of two escapees from the 1920's, either lost fisherman "Chet" or canning line worker "Sally," the tour departs every day at 2 p.m. until Aug. 31. Either character, portrayed by one of the Cannery's heritage interpreters, regales participants with tales from Steveston's heyday as Salmonopolis.
A time when the boisterous town was not just home to Canada's largest fishing fleet but also to opium dens and assorted unsavoury denizens.
The tour begins outside the cannery and the cost is $7.80. Reservations are required for groups over 10. Call 604-664-9009 to book.
It's about the hair
Hair ... we perm it, we colour it, we cut it. We love our hair.
The Steveston Museum celebrates the connection between hairdos throughout history and how they have styled our culture, this Saturday, July 9 from noon to 4 p.m. Styling the Past is in conjunction with the first installment of the annual Summer Music Series.
"Hairstyles have an extremely strong connection to history," said Gabrielle Sharp, coordinator of the Steveston Museum. "For example, women bobbing their hair was so shocking in the 1920s that some were fired from their jobs and doctors warned it could lead to health problems."
Devon Baker, a theatre hairstylist and makeup artist, along with three professional hair stylists, will offer people free retro hairstyles in the Steveston Museum Park. Choose between the pin curls, beehives or 1980s big hair. Men, how about an Elvis pompadour or a 1930s slick back hairdo?
Along with that, beginning at 12:30 p.m., Latin group Sangre Morena, local youth talent and the Squares Barbershop Quartet will be entertaining the crowds.
There will also be free kids crafts such as decorating cardboard 1920s-style headbands and paper sailor hats. Children can also enter a colouring contest.
Hairstyles are on a first come, first serve basis from noon to 4 .m.
The Steveston Museum is located at 3811 Moncton St. For more information, call the museum at 604-718-8439 or visit online at www.richmond.ca/stevestonmuseum.
