The 2012 Steveston Salmon Festival will mark the country's 145th birthday with a community get-together from sunrise to sunset. The festival is organized by volunteers to honour Canada Day and the diverse culture of the Richmond community.
This year the festival will include all the favourite attractions such as the pancake breakfast, Canada Day parade and the famous salmon bake, which last year served over 2,300 plates of fresh wild sockeye salmon cooked over open alder wood fire pits.
It is a fun-filled day of live entertainment, complete with dance and musical acts, trade and craft shows, and many activities for children.
Other features include the Japanese cultural show, food fair and a youth rock fest featuring local bands.
The day begins at 6: 30 a.m. with a pancake breakfast. The Children's Bike Parade takes off at 9: 30 a.m., the Kajaks Salmon Run at 9: 50 a.m., then the big Canada Day Parade at 10 a.m.
The festival is also bringing back mechanical amusement rides after a threeyear absence, plus a selection of inflatables.
Since July 1 falls on a weekend this year, the carnival rides will be open both days - Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1 - from noon to 5 p.m. Unlimited ride wrist bands are on sale in advance starting June 1 at the Steveston Community Centre for $20 per day.
Juno Award winning musician Bill Bourne will lead the main stage entertainers this year. Also featured is Richmondbased Stone Poets, rising star Joshua Hyslop and Freshh, a hip-hop dance crew who are hot off their appearance on "Canada's Got Talent".
For complete details including a schedule of events, or to find out how you can volunteer, visit the Steveston Salmon Festival website at www.stevestonsalmonfest.ca.
