Canada Day at Home returns


09 June 2021

Canada Day at Home, presented in partnership with the Steveston Salmon Festival, returns on Thursday, July 1 to provide Richmond residents with interactive online opportunities to mark the occasion in ways that reflect their own values and beliefs.

The Steveston Salmon Festival, held every July 1, is an annual event rooted in history and heritage that provides an opportunity for thousands to come together in a display of community spirit. The online festival program will incorporate some of the most loved components of the Steveston Salmon Festival while still aligning with the Provincial Health Order on gatherings and events.

“This Canada Day will be a time of reflection for many and we’d like to encourage everyone to share what this date means to them this year,” says Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “The pandemic continues to influence how we commemorate special occasions, so we are honoured to be able to present a platform that highlights community. Now, more than ever, it is important for community members to demonstrate our shared values of respect, inclusion and diversity.”

Following on the success of last year’s virtual program, the Canada Day at Home 2021 line-up includes opportunities for the whole family to participate through programming such as:

  • A Digital Parade at 10 a.m. on July 1
    Streamable from the City of Richmond YouTube channel or Steveston Salmon Festival website, it includes a welcome message from Mayor Malcolm Brodie; a rendition of “O Canada” by members of the all-women Richmond Singers choir; and a Digital Parade that showcases virtual “floats” created by local businesses and organizations from across Richmond.

  • Special online programming available on the Steveston Salmon Festival website and @FunRichmond social media channels.
    Among the highlights are a special presentation about the history of the Japanese Canadian community in Steveston; a special presentation about the history of salmon and canning in BC and the key role played by the Gulf of Georgia Cannery; and several outstanding performances by local artists, musicians and more on a Virtual Mainstage.

  • There will also be a unique Digital Home Parade where the creativity of local residents will be showcased via Instagram in three categories:
    • Digital Children’s Bike Parade
    • Most Patriotic Pet
    • Best Decorated Home/Vehicle/Business

A Canada Day at Home Horticulture Show is also planned. It will be an Instagram competition of “anything goes” horticultural creations from passionate gardeners across Richmond. Finalists will be determined by judges, with winners selected by public poll during the first week of July.

For those longing for the sizzle and smell of beautiful BC salmon, the Steveston Community Society is offering a pre-ordered, ready-to-cook “Salmon BBQ at Home” dinner for four so people can enjoy a salmon BBQ in their own home or backyard. Proceeds from the sale will support the Society. The deadline for pre-orders is Tuesday, June 22 via EventBrite.

To learn more about how to participate in this year’s online programming, including the Digital Parade, visit the Steveston Salmon Festival website or follow @FunRichmond on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.