The Steveston Salmon Festival returns for its 76th year on Saturday, July 1, and it’s set to once again be a grand celebration of the spirit of the community. Spanning from Britannia Shipyards to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, festival-goers are invited to enjoy the day-long program which will feature live music, exhibitions, demonstrations, hands-on activities and the return of the popular Canada Day parade.

“The Steveston Salmon Festival is one of Richmond’s most popular and enduring events,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “We are delighted to have it return to a full program and parade for the first time since 2019. The festival has been popular for over seven decades. We encourage the community to come together once again to celebrate the spirit of Steveston and its rich fishing history.”

The longstanding tradition of the Salmon Bake is also back with limited pre-order tickets available now. Orders can be placed through Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/3oXnRWy. Also returning will be the Chow Mein Booth, Japanese Cultural Show, Art Show and Sammy’s Fun Zone where there will be plenty of kid-friendly activities and performances to enjoy throughout the day. Celebratory fireworks will conclude the night at Imperial Landing at 10:15 p.m.

“We’re so excited for the return of the popular Canada Day parade this year,” said Alan Sakai, Chair of The Steveston Salmon Festival Committee. “Richmond residents will be in for a treat as there will be more than 70 floats on display, making it the largest Canada Day parade in the region. The festival is all about community and we’re looking forward to bringing everyone together to celebrate with a range of cultural activities, delicious food, and entertainment for all ages.”

Highlights of the 2023 Steveston Salmon Festival include:

• Kids’ Bike Parade: a fun opportunity for children to cycle the big parade route to the cheers and encouragement of the waiting crowds before the floats take off. Starting at 9:30 a.m
• Canada Day Parade: returns for the first time since 2019 starting at 10 a.m.
• Salmon Bake: held on the festival grounds, with tickets available by pre-order from June 9 to June 20 (https://bit.ly/3oXnRWy).
• Community Food Stations and food vendors: featuring an array of locally-made cuisine for all tastes including food trucks and participating Community Food Stations from the Steveston Japanese Language School, the Steveston Judo Club and the popular Chow Mein Booth. 
• Japanese Cultural Show: representing and celebrating the Japanese community’s contributions to the fabric of Steveston.
• Marketplace: featuring local vendors and goods. 
• Spirit of Steveston Entertainment Zone: with live performances by Orchard Sky and Warren Dean Flandez, food vendors and local beer and wine. 
• Sammy’s Fun Zone: featuring family-friendly performances and hands-on activities in Steveston Park.

For a full list of activities, visit www.stevestonsalmonfest.ca/things-to-do/.

Festival goers are encouraged to use public transportation, walk or ride their bike to the Festival. Parking is limited throughout the day and road closures will be in effect in and around Steveston Village from 8 a.m. to until 6 p.m. A complimentary shuttle and wheel watch (bike storage) will also be available. Visit www.stevestonsalmonfest.ca for more information.

About the Steveston Salmon Festival

The Festival is presented by the City of Richmond and Steveston Community Society, with support from the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada. Spirit of Steveston Main Stage Diamond Sponsor is TD Bank, Silver Sponsor is Royal Bank of Canada, Bronze Level Sponsors include: Steveston Waterfront Hotel, Moxies, Coast Capital Savings, Canfisco Fishing Company, Save On Foods and Gulf & Fraser Financial. With support from Friends of Steveston: Britannia Brewing Company, Ladies Auxiliary of Steveston ANAF UNIT 284, Shafik Team, Sinfully The Best, VanCity of Richmond, Steveston Insider, United Rentals, Imagine That Events, Steveston Harbour Authority, Richmond News, Oasis Event Services, Sysco and CHMB radio.

To learn more about the 76th anniversary Steveston Salmon Festival, visit www.stevestonsalmonfest.ca.