Boat building and puppets were the big hits over the weekend at the annual Maritime Festival held at Britannia Shipyards.
Ted Townsend, spokesperson for the City of Richmond, said the event was successful, with the unofficial tally sitting at 35,000 to 40,000 attendees — similar to last year’s numbers — over the three-days.
Along with a chance to board historic vessels, visitors were presented with a host of interactive activities, from jigsaw puzzles to small craft projects, such as knitting and giant net sculpting.
Local artists and artisans were also on hand, offering an authentic learning experience for all ages.
While initially thought of as a children’s activity, the wood boat building activity developed into something enjoyed by teens and adults, Townsend added.
“It was so popular that the event ran out of supplies at one point,” said Townsend.
A new attraction, Rikky the Rat, was another festival hit, noted Townsend.
Kids flooded the site that housed the grey sock-puppet and his puppeteer master.
