Richmond salmon festival returns Monday

The Steveston Salmon Festival returns to Richmond Monday. 

Billed as “Canada’s biggest little birthday party,” the July 1 event is a Richmond tradition that goes back 80 years.

Seventy-thousand people are expected to descend upon Richmond’s historic fishing village for the day’s festivities.

The festival boasts a parade, live music, family-friendly activities, and plenty of food, including a salmon bake, hand-cooked chow mein, and 20 food trucks on site. For the early risers, pancakes will be for sale in the morning.

The president of the Steveston Community Society, Alan Clark, tells CityNews he’s excited for the annual traditions.

He said the Japanese Cultural Centre has a venue within the festival — and has since its beginning — to demonstrate origami, kimono making, Japanese tea service, and other traditions.

“The whole point of us putting it on is all about community and bringing all the people together. And it’s always been that way,” said Clark.

The festival has been running since 1944. This year would have marked the 80th festival, if not for interruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clark says you’ll want to get there early, adding it’s worth parking near Richmond City Hall and taking a shuttle bus into the village.

“Come early and stay late. Come and enjoy the whole day.”

The festival kicks off with a Canada Day parade at 10 a.m.