Fraser River Discovery Centre and the Hyack Festival Association are fusing two of the city's festivals together to create an event that celebrates the mighty Fraser.
The two organizations have joined forces to merge FraserFest and Artists on the River into RiverFest, which aims to be a celebration of the Fraser River. RiverFest 2012 will take place on New Westminster's riverfront and at the Fraser River Discovery Centre on the last weekend of September, in honour of B.C. and World Rivers Day.
"Both organizations were expending significant resources, time and efforts in preparing festivals that celebrated the Fraser River," said Catherine OuelletMartin, executive director of the Fraser River Discovery Centre. "Combining resources for a better, stronger product simply makes sense."
In the past, the Hyack Festival Association has overseen FraserFest, and Fraser River Discovery Centre has organized Artists on the River. The groups say collaborating on RiverFest increases their capacity to plan, develop and present a quality festival that will be a true celebration of the river.
Douglas Smith, executive director of the Hyack Festival Association, said the community is the "big winner" because a signature event will be created in New Westminster.
"We are trying to work together with the rest of the city, different groups," said Bill Radbourne, president of the Hyack Festival Association. "If we work together, we can have a better festival than if we do it separately."
Radbourne noted that FraserFest's attendance had dropped in recent years. Organizers hope RiverFest will bring crowds back to the city's waterfront.
RiverFest is being created to celebrate the Fraser River and to promote a modern, vibrant, sustainable and livable riverfront in New Westminster. Organizers will offer the best of both festivals, such as the Paddlewheeler Riverboat tours and workboat parade from FraserFest, and the artisan market from Artists on the River. RiverFest will also include exhibit booths and activities from conservation organizations, community groups, and aboriginal groups to build upon the river and environmental theme, and live music and entertainment.
Another new addition to the festival is the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup on Sunday, Sept. 23. The festival will follow on Sept. 28 and 29.
Port Metro Vancouver has agreed to be the presenting sponsor for the event.
"We look forward to presenting RiverFest and the paddlewheeler tours and appreciate the importance of this event in educating surrounding communities about the working Fraser River," said Laura Strand, manager of community and aboriginal affairs with Port Metro Vancouver. "It is great to be a part of this exciting event."
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