RiverFest: Inspired by the Fraser takes place this weekend in New Westminster, and we hope to see you at the activities at the Quay.
This is an excellent revision of FraserFest that sees it combined with the annual "Rivers' Days" and "Artists on the River". There have been many announcements about this in the papers.
The Fraser River has been integral to the story of New Westminster and so many aspects of the Royal City, from industry and business, to recreation and culture.
The river has played a vital role from the very first days of this town.
Of course, we must always remember that the river and the hillside overlooking it were major influences in the selection of this city's site.
Over all the years that we have been telling tales related to the Fraser River or a broader maritime theme, a number of stories stand out as favourites. At RiverFest we will once again be offering all sorts of information on the harbour tours, from port facts and figures to historical anecdotes.
But back to the favourites, what draws the greatest interest?
Stories of First Nations and their connection to this major waterway are important, as well as stories of early steamboats, sternwheelers, their captains, passengers, cargos, destinations, mishaps, and even vessel specifications - how long, how fast, and so on.
The more popular general topics requested include "everyday" descriptions - what was a voyage like from Victoria to Yale in 1863?
What did they eat? Where did they sleep? How long did it take?
And there is always interest in stories that take place during floods with fast high water, or winter tales with ice in the river and deadly cold temperatures.
And of course, accounts of a paddlewheeler sinking or a ship explosion are always in demand.
People like to learn of the early excursions on the river - not the current ones on the MV Native, but rather the ones in the 1800s when people gathered for fun as a fundraiser or just for a specific group's day outing to, for instance, Pitt Lake or Derby Reach.
There is always amazement when people hear of band concerts on the river as the passengers travel to a destination for a supper or an event.
Examples that are great fun to hear about feature a dance, dinner and program at a town hall in Port Haney while another has a full evening's entertainment on the way to and from the Steveston Opera House.
The list of stories is very long and the topics range widely. They might feature the river, the Gulf of Georgia, or perhaps a run through the Gulf Islands to Victoria. Maybe that's why we enjoy our trips on the B.C. ferries and the MV Native - so many stories come to mind. See you at RiverFest: Inspired by the Fraser.
