Skip to content
Sponsored Content

Steveston the place to be for Canada’s birthday

The July 1 st celebrations are fast approaching and work on the 74 th annual Steveston Salmon Festival is ramping up to make it the best birthday bash around on Canada Day.

The July 1st celebrations are fast approaching and work on the 74th annual Steveston Salmon Festival is ramping up to make it the best birthday bash around on Canada Day.

This year, the Steveston Community Centre and the City of Richmond have combined their efforts more closely than ever to provide a longer day filled with activities - from the pancake breakfast and parade in the morning to the headline musical performers and fabulous fireworks that close out the day.

“There’s so much to do and experience, as always, at the Steveston Salmon Festival,” says Kirsten Dickson, who along with Brenda Yttriserve as festival co-chairs.

If you love a parade - which starts at 10 a.m. - the Salmon Festival has taken steps to make it even better and more entertaining. “We told the applicants we wanted to see more colour, more Canada and plenty more excitement,” Dickson says.

If you’re hungry, there will be the traditional salmon barbecue and famous chow mein. Plus, a fleet of 30 or so food trucks in the community centre’s parking lot will offer an array of tasty treats.

But if you have your heart set on salmon, the best way not to be disappointed is to arrive early, order your meal and line up to collect it.

“Ticket sales start at 11 a.m., so get it done,” Dickson says.

In Sammy Fun Zone, there will be plenty of activities for youngsters and teens to enjoy - from bouncy castles and carnival games to music and face painting.

There’s live entertainment on multiple stages all day long, including the Salmon Fest Main Stage. Headliners 54-40 will hit the stage at 6:30 p.m.

And what would a Canada Day party be without hockey?

The Hockey Zone ball hockey tournament faces off right on Moncton Street, across from the ball diamond, for youngsters in divisions aged nine to 17.

Starting at 10:15 p.m., fireworks on the Steveston waterfront conclude the celebrations.

With a good weather crowd anticipated to be in the 80,000 range, parking in and around Steveston can be a concern. But the city has set up a shuttle service from surrounding points, and a bike loan service will be available free on the day from the Thompson Community Centre area.

For more information about the Steveston Salmon Festival, including how you can become a volunteer, visit stevestonsalmonfest.ca.