Steveston cooks up massive salmon fest
There are plenty of Canada Day celebrations in B.C. this year, but how many of them can boast having more than 1,200 lbs. of delicious salmon barbecued to perfection?
If you are looking for a fun-filled way to celebrate our nation’s 148th birthday while indulging in one of our signature foods, head out to Steveston for the 70th annual Salmon Festival.
For early birds, the community celebration starts with a pancake breakfast from 6:30 to 11:30 a.m.
You and your family can get a tasty start to your day for $8 per plate, and you’ll need a big breakfast to ensure you are properly fuelled for a day jam-packed with events.
At 10 a.m. the festivities begin with the Steveston Salmon Festival Parade. This entertaining march through the streets of Steveston starts at Garry Point Park and has so many attractions and participants it takes nearly two hours to complete.
The many things you’ll see along the route include marching bands, vintage vehicles, beautifully decorated floats, military colour guards as well as several community and cultural groups. No matter what the occasion, a parade is an awesome way to start the day, so be sure to arrive early and get a good spot.
After the parade, the main stage will be buzzing all day with entertainment. The official kickoff starts at noon with the opening ceremonies featuring a massive singalong of O Canada.
Following the singalong, the main stage will be the centrepiece for events throughout the day, with performances from Canadian recording artists and local community groups.
Apart from the main stage, there is plenty to see throughout the festival grounds. The Japanese Cultural Show highlights one of the diverse cultures that makes Canada an amazing place to live.
Check out the displays and demonstrations of traditional Japanese arts such as origami, doll making, bonsai tree trimming and martial arts including Judo, Kenpo and Karate.
For car enthusiasts, one of the can’t-miss attractions will be the custom car show hosted by the Richmond Lions Club.
Up to 100 custom cars, hot rods and classics are on display at the baseball diamond behind the RCMP station.
Another huge draw at the Salmon Festival is the popular craft fair. Featuring everything from jewelry, woodwork, textiles, baking and photo art, the craft enthusiast in you will be in heaven.
For the kiddies, Steveston Park will be transformed into the ultimate activity centre. There will be facepainting, carnival games, prizes and mascots. There will also be a special children’s stage with shows and performances from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Although there will also be a food fair at the Salmon Festival, be sure to save tons of room for the ultimate salmon barbecue.
Throughout the day (starting at 11 a.m.), $15 gets you a plate, and on that plate will be a bun, a salad and fresh-caught salmon expertly barbecued over an alderwood fire.
You owe it to yourself and this great nation of ours to enjoy the most delicious food Canada has to offer. And the performances, attractions, games, classic cars and parades all make a pretty amazing side dish.