Canada Day events return with parades, food, and music in Steveston Village
One of Canada’s longest-running and most popular community events, the annual Steveston Salmon Festival, returns on Tuesday, July 1.
Presented by the City of Richmond, the Steveston Community Society, and the Richmond Agricultural and Industrial Society, the festival offers a family-friendly day filled with food, music, performances, and more in Steveston Village.
This year marks the 78th edition of the festival, which kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with the Kids Bike Parade. The official Canada Day Parade follows from 10:00 a.m. to noon, starting at Garry Point Park and concluding at Moncton Street and Railway Avenue.
A key highlight of the festival is the Salmon Bake, one of many culinary experiences visitors can enjoy. Festivities begin with a pancake breakfast at 8:00 a.m. in the Steveston Community Centre parking lot, and food trucks stationed throughout the festival offer a range of options all day. The festival would not be complete without the traditional Japanese-Canadian Chow Mein.
From noon to 7:00 p.m., two music zones will feature live performances, including Vancouver’s party bands Ten Souljers and Aristo-Cats, along with the renowned six-piece Canadian dance band Dr. Strangelove. The Lolas dance troupe, along with various roving entertainers such as jugglers and stilt walkers, will further entertain festival-goers.
New and returning programs for the festival include the Japanese Cultural Show with demonstrations and performances, Sammy’s Fun Zone for younger attendees with activities like face painting and button-making, a Youth Zone offering music and games, and an Art Show featuring works by local artists.
Visitors can also explore programs and exhibits at the Steveston Museum and Post Office, the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery.
For more details on the festival, visit stevestonsalmonfest.ca.
The Steveston Salmon Festival initially started as a July 1 “Sports Day” event in 1944 to fundraise for a playground in Steveston Park. Over time, it has evolved into one of Canada’s largest non-profit Canada Day celebrations. Significant changes have occurred since 1946, such as the parade route modifications and the festival’s name change from the Richmond Salmon Queen Carnival to Steveston Salmon Festival. Although the Salmon Queen selection ceased in 1986, traditional elements like the salmon bake remain. The festival continues to honor the community’s salmon fishing heritage and relies on the dedication of Steveston’s citizens to produce “Canada’s biggest little birthday party” each year.
General Reporter