Parting Shot: The Steveston Salmon Festival
Photos Courtesy: ©2017 Richmond Agricultural and Industrial Society.
Every year since 1945, the people of Steveston, in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia, put on quite a celebration to honor the country’s birthday, known as Canada Day. It’s one of the largest gatherings in the country, attracting upwards of 80,000 people from across the Pacific Northwest.
Following an early-morning pancake breakfast, the parades begin, with floats, marching bands, celebrities, politicians (of course!), vintage vehicles, mascots, four live musical groups, and much more. After a few speeches, everyone joins in singing “O, Canada.”
But the main attraction is none of the above. It’s the town’s famous salmon barbecue when over 1,200 lbs. of wild salmon filets are grilled over open fire pits. Cost to participate in the meal – $16, but it’s only $13 if you pay in U.S. funds!
Steveston was originally a small town founded in 1880 by William Herbert Steves near Vancouver, British Columbia. It has since been absorbed into the city of Richmond.
Steveston village is a historic salmon canning center at the mouth of the South Arm of the Fraser River, on the southwest tip of Lulu Island in Richmond, British Columbia. Since 1945 it has hosted an annual Steveston Salmon Festival on July 1, Canada Day.
The Steveston Salmon Festival, 4111 Moncton Street, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada V7E 3A8; (604) 238-8094; www.stevestonsalmonfest.ca.
