Wednesday, May 30, 2018

MLA Rice shares the word on Seafest at Legislature

MLA Jennifer  Rice highlighted Prince Rupert's annual Seafest
as part of a presentation to the Legislature on Tuesday

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice served as the city's vacation ambassador at the Legislature on Tuesday, delivering a short overview of the annual SeaFest that Prince Rupert hosts, offering a glimpse of some of the fun that can be found on the North Coast through a range of events scheduled for the second week of the month.

In her short commentary for the Legislature Ms. Rice touched on a number of the popular activities that make for the launch of summer celebration in the community, from Sports and water activities to the range of social events that Prince Rupert has become famous for as part of the annual event.

During every second weekend in June since 1978, the people of Prince Rupert have come together for three days of music, dancing, parades and activities for the entire family. I'm speaking of Seafest, and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this great event, the Prince Rupert Special Events Society is revisiting their inaugural theme: "The way it was." 

 While I did not live in Prince Rupert for the first Seafest, I'm told by longtime residents that the way it was in Prince Rupert is the way it still is. What I mean by that is that the community spirit that prompted the first Seafest is still alive and well. People from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds show off their talents, music, food, and because of the diversity in my home community, there is truly something for everyone. 

Sports enthusiasts can participate in three-on-three basketball, four-on-four hockey, drop-in soccer or rugby. Car enthusiasts are invited to Saturday's show-and-shine or to cheer the kids racing in the soapbox derby. Artists are invited to show off their skills during the fast and furious art attack, where they have 20 minutes, three colours and one easel to create their latest masterpiece. The quick and daring tests our carpentry, boat-building and navigational skills. Thankfully, Marine Search and Rescue are there for those crafts that don't float. 

The seniors tea recognizes 75/50 club members for the contribution of those seniors who are 75 years of age and have lived in Prince Rupert for more than 50 years. Music fans can attend numerous performances. Children will have fun activities to participate in, like face painting, bouncy castles and games. 

 Another fan favourite each year is the Seafest parade. Last year 55 community groups and individuals filled Second and Third avenues with bagpipes, marching bands, bhangra dancers, First Nations drummers, music, candy and laughter. 

 Yes, the way it was in Prince Rupert is the way things still are — a diverse and resilient community that comes together when things are tough and when it's time to celebrate, recognizing our past and future revolves around the sea. Congratulations and many thanks to Prince Rupert Special Events for hosting the 40th annual Seafest.

You can view her look at the annual festival from the Legislature's Video Archive starting at the 10:50 AM segment of the Tuesday House session.




This years Seafest takes place from Friday June 8 to Sunday June 10.

More items of interest related to this years Seafest, which is organized by the Prince Rupert Special Events Society, can be found from the Seafest website and Facebook page.

For a wider overview of Ms. Rice's work at the Legislature see our archive page here.

More background on Community events in the region can be found on our archive page here.


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