River-related trivia and a workboat parade on the Fraser River are part of the fun of RiverFest 2023.
Presented by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, RiverFest 2023 returns to New Westminster from Sept. 20 to 24. It features a variety of free event for folks of all ages, all aimed at celebrating the environmental, economic and socio-cultural importance of the Fraser River.
“We always look forward to RiverFest, which is our biggest event of the year,” said Stephen Bruyneel, director of external relations and development at Fraser River Discovery Centre. “This year there will be a wide range of free events and activities for the whole family to enjoy.”
RiverFest 2023 kicks off with Fraser tRIVERia Night at the Paddlewheeler Pub, where folks will have a chance to test their knowledge of British Columbia’s biggest river. It’s happening on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.
Live entertainment and a family fun zone are among the activities taking place on the waterfront on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Performers include: Tamami Maitland Trio at 11 a.m.; Mozaico Flamenco at noon; and Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack) at 1 p.m.
During the day, visitors will also be able to enjoy an exhibitor expo and tour the Samson V Maritime Museum.
Boats participating in the popular Lucille Johnstone Workboat Parade will put on a show on Saturday at 2:15 p.m. on New Westminster’s waterfront.
While many of the RiverFest activities take place along the waterfront esplanade and around Fraser River Discovery Centre, folks are invited to board the Q to Q ferry and head over to Sapperton Landing Park for the Vancouver Wooden Boat Society’s Small Boat Rendezvous. It features a kid’s boat- building area and hands-on demonstrations.
Fraser River fun continues on Sunday, Sept. 24 – which is BC Rivers Day. The free Family Fun Zone returns for Day 2 inside Fraser River Discovery Centre, where visitors can see enjoy assorted activity stations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More information about RiverFest (and ongoing activities related to the Fraser River) can be found on Fraser River Discovery Centre’s website.
World River’s Day – also celebrated on Sunday, Sept. 24 – features events in countries around the world, including Canada, Austria, Mexico, India, Kenya and Italy. Events include stream and community cleanups, workshops, and arts and entertainment events.
