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2008 News and Information

Richmond’s 5th Annual Maritime Festival Sets Sail August 15-17

11 August 2008

What began as a small maritime celebration at Richmond’s Britannia Shipyard National Historic Site five years ago has now swelled into a three day festival teeming with activities for the whole community. From Friday, August 15 through Sunday, August 17, Richmond's traditional connections with the sea will be celebrated in picturesque Steveston with a classic wooden boat show, sea shanties, children’s maritime-themed crafts and activities and more.

A highlight of the festival will be free musical performances by Tom Lewis on the Britannia Shipyard Main Stage both Saturday and Sunday at noon and 3:00 p.m. and again for a special Saturday evening performance at 6:30 p.m. His repertoire – from traditional shanties to songs fashioned out of his own seafaring background – recruits his audience for a reflective, dramatic and humorous voyage. Lewis brings to the stage wry humour, a button accordion, a ukulele, a great voice and his unique experience of more than 40 years bridging the sea-going and folk-singing communities.

In addition, there will be some outstanding activities such as an opportunity for the public to try rowing the "Juanita," a replica of an 18th century Spanish long boat, and to view the many boats at the shipyard docks, including a 1930's rum-runner, historic fishing boats and classic power and sail boats.

There will also be hands-on demonstrations such as knot tying, rope making and children’s model boat building. Children can try fish printing, face painting and the Captain's Challenge Scavenger Hunt. Displays include Port Metro Vancouver, RCMP Underwater Recovery Team, Gulf of Georgia Cannery, Richmond Carvers Society, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Water Wise, Boat Smart, Adventure Smart and Sea Dragons Sea Scouts.

Festival hours are: Friday, August 15, noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, August 16 and 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The festival sponsors are Port Metro Vancouver, BC 150, Britannia Shipyard National Historic Site and M & M Meats.

For more information about the Richmond Maritime Festival, call 604-718-8050 or email britannia@richmond.ca.