STEVESTON SALMON FESTIVAL

Although summer begins on June 20, the arrival of the Steveston Salmon Festival feels like the true kickoff to the season. For the past 77 years, this well-loved event has drawn people to the village to celebrate Canada Day as they watch the two-hour parade and enjoy the day-long program, which features live music, food, exhibitions, and plenty of fun for the whole family.

The Steveston Salmon Festival began as a July 1 sports day-themed fundraiser to build a playground in Steveston Park in 1944. Today, it is one of the country’s largest non-profitdriven Canada Day celebrations. Each year, the Steveston Community Society decides on a project that the Salmon Festival will fund; this year, it will be the new community centre.

Steveston Community Society (SCS) President Alan Clark, Festival Coordinator Mary Ann Pizzinato, and this year’s Honourary Parade Marshal Hap Hirata, met with me to discuss this year’s event. Alan has been involved with forty Salmon Festivals. It is Mary Ann’s second year as Festival Coordinator; she also emceed the parade in 2019.

Last year’s Salmon Festival was the largest to date, with an estimated 80,000 people in attendance.

Before the floats set off, children can cycle the parade route in the Kids’ Bike Parade. This event begins at 9:30 a.m. sharp from the Gulf of Georgia Cannery parking lot at the corner of Chatham and 4th Avenue. Pre-registration is not required; simply arrive at 8:30 a.m. and no later than 9:15 a.m. with decorated bikes, wagons, and scooters and be prepared to have fun. Helmets are mandatory, and a responsible adult must accompany all children.

Undoubtedly, the parade is one of the biggest highlights of the Salmon Festival.

Alan says, “People were thrilled to see the parade return after three irregular pandemic years.”

Round up your red and white clothing, grab your Canadian flag and prepare to wave it high and proud. Spectators arrive early to stake out their favourite spot along the parade route. The two-hour parade begins at 10:00 a.m.

Watch for everyone’s favourite Steveston mascot, Sammy the Salmon, who measures a whopping 7’2” tall. He will be aboard the Steveston Community Society’s float. Give a big wave to Hap Hirata, who will ride in a vehicle leading the parade.

It’s an honour to be this year’s parade marshal, Hap says.

It will be the first parade Hap has watched since 1972. For 52 years, he has dedicated his time to setting up and taking down the event. He says, “There are so many good memories and good people associated with the Festival.”

Construction of the new community centre is underway at the east end of the parking lot, which means the site will undergo some changes. However, all the tried-and-true attractions will be offered.

Breakfast is served! Get an early start on the day with fluffy pancakes hot off the griddle. The Rotary Club’s Pancake Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m. in the community centre’s parking lot. The Rotary Club proudly serves early risers and Salmon Festival volunteers.

The always popular Chow Mein Booth is returning. The west side of the parking lot and the Hope Street parking lot (across the street from the community centre), will be bustling with a variety of food trucks on site. In addition, there will be a multitude of dining options in the village.

The Salmon Bake is a perennial favourite and always attracts a huge crowd. Sales begin at 11:00 a.m. and continue until the salmon sells out! The Salmon Bake is located east of the Steveston Community Police Station.

The Spirit of Steveston (SOS) Zone will be in full swing from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Here you will find adult beverages, along with the main stage where audiences will enjoy a wide range of genres. Dr. Strangelove has been confirmed as the headlining band.

Sammy’s Fun Zone, the Japanese Cultural Show, the Salmon Bake and Chow Mein Booth, Art Show and other performances take place between 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

There is plenty of entertainment to take in throughout the day. Check out The Catch of the Day performance stage located near the Community Police Station, as well as other acts located at the Bayview tower (foot of No. 1 Road), Steveston’s Town Square Park (next to the post office), and First Avenue and Moncton Street. In addition, watch for roving performers who will circulate throughout the village.

New this year! An inflatable carnival in Steveston Playground promises plenty of fun with games, colouring, and face painting.

Visit the village’s shops as you head down to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, where Parks Canada will sponsor entertainment, games, and face painting. Watch for the Gulf of Georgia’s mascots and festival sponsor SaveOn-Food’s mascot on the parade route. The Hub, on Moncton Street and Second Avenue, will be open as a quiet zone.

Other festival highlights include the Japanese Cultural Show, the Youth Zone, Martial Arts Demonstrations, and the Trade Show and Marketplace in the Net Shed; all take place between 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Steveston Community Society has organized an art show for festival visitors to admire and purchase works by local artists.

Secure, supervised bicycle parking will be available near the community police station and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. Due to limited parking, people are encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transit and shuttle services.

Call out for volunteers! The Salmon Festival always needs extra people to lend a helping hand.

President Alan Clark and the Board of Directors are excited to welcome the community to Steveston for another July 1 celebration.

He says, “The Salmon Festival is more than just an opportunity to celebrate Canada’s birthday. It recognizes the importance of coming together as a community to share our gratitude and appreciation to and for our fellow citizens.”

www.stevestonsalmonfest.ca

Story by Sarah Gordon (May 2024). PALLA MEDIA