RiverFest to put two festivals in one
Artists on the River and FraserFest have been fused into one.
RiverFest will make its debut the last weekend in September to honour World Rivers Day.
It will be “a joyful, artful, soulful and environmentally mindful celebration of the Fraser River” and will be held on the New Westminster waterfront and at the Fraser River Discovery Centre (FRDC).
FraserFest had been put on annually by the Hyack Festival Association in July while Artists on the River was run by the FRDC in September.
According to a press release, RiverFest is intended to celebrate the Fraser River and promote “a modern, vibrant sustainable and livable riverfront in New Westminster.”
“Both organizations were expending significant resources, time and efforts in preparing festivals that celebrated the Fraser River. Combining resources for a better, stronger product simply makes sense,” said Catherine Oullet-Martin, FRDC executive director.
Hyack executive director Douglas Smith said the collaboration will build capacity.
“The community is the big winner with the establishment of a sustainable, signature event with an elevated overall delivery model,” said Smith.
RiverFest will have some of the previous activities such as paddlewheel riverboat tours, the workboat parade, river artists and an artisan market, along with educational booths, activities from conservation organizations, community groups and aboriginal groups to build upon the river and environmental theme.
A new element will be the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up on Sunday, Sept. 23 to launch the festival.
Port Metro Vancouver will be RiverFest’s presenting sponsor.
twitter.com/@lonegrangerbnw
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.