Seafest Saturday! Downtown is where the action is!

Seafest Saturday is probably the one day of the year that a Census would place Prince Rupert's population at some pretty impressive numbers, the showcase day for the majority of the events not only brings many Rupertites into the downtown core, but as any hotel desk clerk, restaurant or bar server can tell you, the out of town visitors that make the journey provide for a healthy boost to business.

The main event of course on Saturday is the Seafest Parade, a procession of floats, bands, marching groups and more that departs from the Court House at 11 AM and travels along the city's Second Avenue West, turning at Seventh Street and then works its way back to the Court House along Third Avenue West. City Hall marks the location for local officials and the judging panel, with a range of awards ready for those that best exhibit the theme of Canada's 150th Celebrations.

It's the signature event of the weekend and puts into focus the hard work of the volunteers of the Prince Rupert Special Events Society who work tirelessly to bring the three day festival to the streets each year.

After the last float has passed through the intersection of McBride and Third it's time to launch the afternoon events, as a street carnival expands along the entire stretch of Third from McBride down to Seventh Street.

Notes related to parking restrictions during Seafest can be found here.

To fuel the full day ahead, Seafest party hounds probably will have checked out the Pancake Breakfast hosted by Naomi's Grill on Second West, the morning feast of pancakes and bacon or sausages takes place from 8AM-11AM. Meal prices are 7 dollars for Adults, 3 dollars for Children.

Food of course is a main focus through the day, with a range of vendors scattered throughout the Street festival, the popular kebob stands a long time Prince Rupert favourite, mixing with a range of new options to put to the taste test.

As you wander along Third Avenue there are a number of activities to take in:

Dunk Tank and Look Tank -- It's the 18th opportunity for Prince Rupert residents to take aim and dunk a celebrity at the DFO parking lot, with all donations to be forwarded to the CHSS bursary program. Along with the dunking, a chance to explore the popular live ocean critters tank. The exhibit is open from Noon until 3.

Fish Safe Display -- Organized by Fish Safe BC, at the corner of 3rd and 3rd the display provides information from fishermen to help fishermen arrive home safely, the display is open from 1 to 4:30 PM

Quick and Daring construction --  (Update: Event has been cancelled for this year)The first stage of the two day event of Quick and Daring features contestants constructing their crafts for Sunday's sailing showcase. Drop by the City Hall parking lot between Noon and 5 PM to watch and wonder as the boats take shape. The Quick and Daring is sponsored by Prince Rupert Rotary, Tyee Building Supplies and Makita Tools.

See more notes related to the Quick and Daring competition here.

Fast and Furious Art Attack -- The 5th Annual instalment of the popular event finds artists taking part in a twenty minute battle in tents located behind City Hall.  The event goes from 1 to 3 PM and is sponsored by the Prince Rupert Arts Council and Easel Weasels Artist Guild, Art Attack is for those sixteen years and above, you can register at prcac@citytel.net

Pie Throwing Booth -- See the face, take your aim, fire your pies. The event hosted by the Early Childhood Educators of BC will take place at City Hall from 1 to 4 PM. Pies are available for throwing for 2 dollars or by donation

Tupperware Bingo -- The Seniors Centre is the venue for 5 games of Bingo with prizes, draws and fun games for those attending. Event fee is 10 dollars it runs from 1:30 to 3:30 PM

Dr. Von Houligan's Carnival of Calamaties -- Some Free family entertainment is set for the corner of McBride and 3rd West as the travelling show from Alberta provides for an hour and half of magic, juggling, fire-breathing, balancing acts and much more. The event takes place under the Big Tent from 1 to 2:30.  Additional shows take place at3:30 to 5:00 PM and 7:00 to 8:30 PM.

Bubble Soccer Drop In Game -- The Court House Lawn is the pitch as Rupertites don their bubbles and take to the field. Event is hosted by Bubble Trouble, admission is five dollars for fifteen minutes, it is weather dependant.

RBC Games Tent -- Set up at the Rupert Square parking lot beside the Royal Bank participans cane play a number of games for a chance to win a number of prizes, the event runs from 1 to 4:30 PM.

Seafest Street Dreamz Car Show -- Classic cars, trucks and motorcycles, as well as more modern offerings will be on display in the 500 block of Third Avenue West on Saturday, as the Andres' Electronic Experts hosts the annual Seafest Car Show. The cars will be on display from 1 until 4 PM

Soap Box Derby -- The 200 block of Third West is Prince Rupert's version of the Indianapolis Speedway as the Soap Box Derby takes place from 1:30-3:30 PM. Sponsored by the Fellowship Baptist Youth, children six years an up can hop into one of the supplied carts to test the clock on the way down the hill. Participation is by donation, however waiver forms must be filled out by parents before racers can take to their cars.

Cultural Dancing -- The Gitsegulka Gitdahmes Dancers are hosting the event from 2 to 3 PM at the corner of 3rd Avenue and 2nd Street.

Henna designs -- Seafest visitors can sit in for a Henna session as community volunteers provide a glimpse and create henna designs on participants hands. The event takes place at 3rd Avenue and Third Street from 2 until 4 PM.

Yoga in the Garden -- Zikhara Yoga invites you to take a break from the hectic pace of Seafest to take part in a Yoga Session from 3 to 3:45 PM in the Sunken Gardens behind the Court House.  Admission is by donation, you can also drop into their studios at 101 1st Ave East for an Open House. Should the weather prove to be inclement, the Yoga session will shift to the studio.

Seafest Info Booth -- Need directions, a schedule, or wish to buy a tee shirt? The Seafest Information Booth is your destination. Open from 10 AM to 4 PM, located at the fountain at City Hall they offer up Candy floss, Sno-Cones and Nature shades for those dropping by.

Free Swim at the Earl Mah Aquatic Centre -- The First of two Free weekend swims takes place Saturday, as Ridley Terminals picks up the Earl Mah Aquatic Centre fees from 2 until 4PM.

There are also a number of other events, tours, musical presentations and information booths set up for Seafest Saturday, we provided a look at those signature events in our previous Spotlight sessions of earlier this week.

A full overview of Seafest Events can be found here.