Saturday makes for the Spotlight Day for full range of Seafest activities

If there is one day of the three days of Seafest that keeps organizers of the Special Events Society hopping it's Seafest Saturday, which makes for over twelve hours of activities for festival goers to take in as part of the Seafest experience.

The day starts early with a Pancake Breakfast at Naomi's Grill from 8 to 11 AM, the downtown eatery offering up the pancakes, sausage and bacon for 7 dollars for adults, 3 dollars for children.

The Seafest Parade which is one of the signature events of the three days takes to the streets at 11 AM, celebrating it's 40th anniversary, the theme this year is The Way It Was. 

The parade sees participation from local groups and organizations, as well as out of town visitors, the parade works its way down Second Avenue West, before working its way back down Third Avenue West with a turn at 7th Street.

A seven block stretch of the Downtown core serves as the focal point
for Seafest Saturday, with the Parade set for an 11 AM start from the
Court House down 2nd Avenue with a return back up 3rd Ave West.

The Downtown events make for the Street party along much of Third and in other areas of the downtown core following the parade shortly after the noon hour, with a number of exhibits and stations for Seafest goers to explore:

Among some of the activities take in:

Art Gallery exhibits at the Museum of Northern BC on 1st Avenue West

Graffiti Sea, an opportunity for youngsters to learn about the fishing industry and to take to the graffiti wall to create their own art, the exhibit is found at 3rd Avenue and 4th Street.

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation hosts Playing it Forward with a booth set up at 3rd Avenue and 3rd Street, where players can play games, take part in trivia and win prizes.

The Port of Prince Rupert is hosting tours of the Port Interpretive Centre at the Atlin Terminal, with tours taking place at 11 and 3 PM.

The Parking lot at the DFO building will be the host venue for the Marine Safety presentations, where Seafest goers can learn more about the security and safety of Canadian waters.

The DFO lot is also the home for the Dunk Tank once again this year, with your chance to dunk local celebrities with donations directed to the CHSS bursary program.

You can also throw a few pies at the DFO lot with the Early Childhood Educators of BC hosting the Pie throwing booth, you can warm up your throwing arm for a two dollar donation.

Northwest Sea Cadets are hosting the Cardboard Boat Regatta from 1 to 3 in the City Hall parking lot. You watch the Sea Cadets construct their boats with cardboard and duct tape, with the test to come Sunday when they take to the water. An alternative location of Chatham Hall is ready should the weather not cooperate.

The Prince Rupert Arts Council and Easel Weasels Artis Guild hosts the 6th edition of the Fast and Furious Art Attack behind City Hall from 1 to 3 PM

Painting of another kind is set for 3rd Avenue and 3rd Street as the Prince Rupert Punjabi Bhangra Group hosts Henna and Modern Face painting from 1 to 4:30 PM.

The Prince Rupert Rod and Gun Club is hosting some  airsoft target shooting for children from a booth at 3rd and 5th Street from 10 to 4 PM

The Soap Box Derby rolls down the hill from 2nd Street to the foot of 3rd West with participation by donation from 1 to 4:30PM, participants must bring their own helmets.

At the other end of Third West the Arm Wrestling challenge, a part of Seafest for 40 years once again takes place at the Belmont Hotel from 2 until 5 PM, the entry fee is 10 dollars and the competition is for those 19 years of age and over.

A more peaceful experience awaits participants in the Sunken Gardens as the Zikhara Yoga Group hosts a one hour session behind the Court House, with an alternate location of 101 1st Avenue East. Participation is by donation.

You can get a good sample of all the Seafest events through the travels of the B and T Wagon rides which depart from 3rd West and 7th Street from 1 to 4 PM, cost per ride is five dollars.

Music makes for the Soundtrack of Seafest and there will be plenty of beats to listen to in a number of locations. The Bandstand at City Hall is the focal point from 1 to 5 PM with a number of local groups and solo performers set to entertain.

You can enjoy the street music of DJ Julius Watts form 2 to 5 PM at 3rd West and 7th Street. 

While Mariner's Park will also host the One Woman Circus and an Open Mic night from 6:30 to 9 PM.

The annual Beer Gardens can be found at the Wheelhouse Brewing Company at Cow Bay, the Gardens hosted by the Wheelhouse and the Prince Rupert Fire/Rescue department operate from Noon to 9PM, with music from DJ Shamelesson. The proceeds from the Beer Gardens go towards the BC Burn Fund

Later in the evening, Dixie Dead Shake take to the Wheelhouse stage inside, with admission 10 dollars for the show.

And while not listed as an official Seafest Event, a night of music dedicated to the memory of Peter Witherly also takes place on Friday  evening at the Lester Centre, with The Music Lives On performance set for a 7 PM curtain.

The night, falling as it does on Seafest weekend a fitting tribute to the long time music instructor and community musician who spent many a Seafest on a stage sharing his gift of music.

As we outlined yesterday, Seafest Sports make for much of the weekend, with Saturday busy day for participants at locations across the city. 

To learn more those activities See the Sports schedule here.

While you're downtown for Seafest the Information booth hosted by the Special Events Society at City Hall near the fountain can steer you in the direction of whatever event you wish to take in next.

The full three day schedule can be found here.

For a look at the full Seafest package see the Special Events Website or Facebook page.

More on Seafest weekend can be found on our archive page.

To return to the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.