Steveston Salmon Festival Hosts 2010 Preview

by City of Richmond
(Richmond, BC Canada)

The excitement of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games is coming to the Steveston Salmon Festival on Canada Day, with a chance to meet some of Canada’s Olympic speed skating hopefuls and to win a VIP prize package for opening night festivities in the O Zone, Richmond’s official 2010 celebration site.

With just over seven months to go, preparations are well under way for Richmond to host the world as an official Venue City for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The City and its partners will offer a sneak preview of what the Games will bring to Richmond at the 64th annual Steveston Salmon Festival, one of Canada’s longest-running and largest Canada Day celebrations.

Olympic silver medallist and current world champion Canadian speed skater Christine Nesbitt and Richmond’s own Olympic snowboarder Alexa Loo will help lead it all as participants in the Festival’s annual parade, beginning at 10 a.m. in Steveston Village. Alan Sakia, Steveston Judo Club’s own 1972 Olympian, will serve as the parade’s honorary grand marshal.

Mayor Malcolm Brodie and members of Richmond City Council will be on board a Games-themed float and will be accompanied by large walking contingents from the Richmond Olympic Oval, and the City’s 2010 community partners, including the Richmond Spirit of BC Committee and Volunteer Richmond.

The fun continues with a salute to 2010 in the Festival’s trade show area, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Steveston Park, featuring autograph signings by members of Canada’s national speed skating team, a chance to get your picture taken with authentic Olympic torches, plenty of free giveaways and much more:

• Visit the O Zone booth to learn about our 2010 celebration site, get free giveaways and enter to win a 2010 VIP prize package.


• Check out the Richmond Olympic Oval’s exciting summer programs and pick up your free Oval souvenirs.


• Enjoy free sampling offered by Hain Celestial.


• Buy official 2010 Games merchandise at The Bay’s Olympic booth.


• Sign up for 2010 volunteer opportunities in Richmond at the Volunteer Richmond booth.


• Learn about the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, which comes to Richmond on February 9, 2010.


• Find out more about the 2009 BC Seniors Games, coming to Richmond this September.

Kids of all ages will want to keep their eyes peeled for a special visit to the festival by the Olympic mascots, Quatchi, Sumi and Miga.

Nearly 80,000 people attended the Steveston Salmon Festival last year, which is known as “Canada’s biggest little birthday party.” This year’s festival will feature all the main favourites including the popular salmon bake, parade, live entertainment complete with dance and musical acts, carnival, cultural displays, trade and craft shows, as well as activities for children.

For complete details including a schedule of events, parade map, road closure notice and parking information, please visit the Steveston Salmon Festival website at stevestonsalmonfest.ca.