The 75th Steveston Salmon Festival will go ahead this year, with many in-person events.
However, one of the most treasured - the traditional Canada Day parade - has been canned for COVID-related safety reasons, according to the Steveston Community Society, which runs the festival along with the City of Richmond.
Instead, the Salmon Fest parade – which usually attracts thousands of spectators and participants – is being “replaced with a number of festival zones spread across the village of Steveston,” according to the organizer’s website.
The festival has been held virtually for the last two Canada Days due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Re-imagined Steveston Salmon Festival
“While the parade has long been an integral component of the event, we're excited to offer an re-imagined festival experience that can be delivered safely and respects the range of comfort levels in the community and of all the volunteers and staff in returning to in-person events,” said society president Alan Sakai in a statement to the Richmond News.
“Moving away from the parade this year opens up new possibilities in programming that will engage the community for the week leading up to and on July 1.”
Sakai added that applications to participate in this year's festival program and activities are now open on the event website.
The 75th Steveston Salmon Festival will takes place July 1, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Explore the Salmon Fest on bike
Visitors are being encouraged to “explore the re-imagined, accessible festival format on foot, bicycle, scooter, or wheelchair! Live music, exhibitions, and more will stretch from Garry Point Park to Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site.”
Leading up to the big day, visitors can also spot Steveston Salmon Festival programming at the Pacific Rim Kite Festival on June 25–26.
And those planning July 1 neighbourhood cookouts might be pleased to hear that Salmon BBQ at Home will return this year.
This ready-to-cook meal kit will feature fresh salmon and sides and orders will open from May 16, and pick-up will be on June 30 at the Steveston Community Centre. More details to come on the festival website.
