Salmon Stomp at the Cannery a Success

by Dave Davis
(Steveston, BC Canada)

This past Saturday - 2008 BC Day long weekend - at the Cannery, my friend Catherine and I enjoyed parts of the first-annual Salmon Stomp. So, what's the Salmon Stomp, you ask? Well, it has nothing to do with animal abusers wearing rubber boots stomping on poor hapless salmon... Noooooooo! The Salmon Stomp was a fun, family event which included the music of Tom Larson and Dean Wallis, Will Stroet, a new addition to the childrens' music scene in Canada, Fraser River Fiddlers, directed by Lorraine Grescoe, Holly Arntzen, Greg Meloche, perennial favorites, Tiller’s Folly, Betty Berda, and Doghouse. The musical acts were divided between the deck and the indoor theater.

We were able to take in the sunshine on the deck with Tiller's Folly during mid-afternoon, followed by Doghouse at 6:30. The musical lineup covered everything from Celtic to waltzes; Jazz to children's music. During the Doghouse performance, Natalie McHaffie, the Cannery's new Public Program Manager, lead the crowd through various square dance routines, some resembling fair bumper cars than dance, but hey, fun times were had by all, which brings me to little Lauren. After the more structured dance activities ended with the band playing on, little Lauren decided the music too good to just sit there, so, for an hour or more, this young las danced and danced as only a two- or three-year-old can, as her beaming parents sat on the sidelines.

Little Lauren's dancing proved to be infectious, as eventually a slightly older Mandy joined her, then Kyana then still more... Way to go, Lauren.

Anyway, a great time was had by all, and thanks to G & F Financial Group, as all events, including admission to the Cannery, were free thanks to their generous sponsorship. So, when the next annual Salmon Stomp rolls around next year, come on down to Steveston and have some good, old fashion family fun.