After two year Seafest absence from Downtown streets … Prince Rupert and area is ready to party like its 2022

The 2022 return to in person Seafest activities is underway today, with the community set to party in the downtown core all day Saturday for the first time since the 2019 event.

COVID of course is the reason for the interruption to our annual preamble to the summer, with the last two years a challenge for Seafest organizers to keep the spirit of the festival alive without the actual face to face contact that the event brought in the past.

But this year will be different and despite a weather forecast ahead (though we can hope that the weather office has this one wrong) that may dampen some attendees, the sprit of the return will shine through the rain no doubt as participants get ready to celebrate the 2022 theme of Surf's Up!

Today saw the start of Seafest activities with the Seniors Tea Cheer Boxes, organized by the Prince Rupert Special Events Society with pick up available at the Lester Centre until 3:30 PM this afternoon.

Tonight, while not an official Seafest Event, in what is a nice companion event to the weekend schedule,  the Graduates of Charles Hays Secondary will make for a festive start of their own for the weekend with their Graduation ceremonies taking place at the Lester Centre at 7PM.

From there the focus shifts to Saturday with a few activities to get underway bright and early in the lead up to the First of the Big events that of the Seafest Parade at 11AM, this year's parade has a revised route and marshalling area and will travel only along Third Avenue West, you can review those notes here.

From the end of the parade through to the night, the rest of the day is filled with activities, some in new locations, others in familiar spots along the Third Avenue corridor. 

Capping off the evening is an event for those 19 and over put on at the Cow Bay location of the Wheelhouse Brewing Company.

The once familiar waterfront activities are on pause it would seem for 2022 and maybe the near future,  the last Seafest Sunday showcase coming in 2019. 

A return one day is something that hopefully is under review by organizers. 

That for a time when the volunteer numbers improve and a venue on the waterfront for the celebration can be secured to take advantage of the marine element for the festival.

Speaking of Volunteers, Special Events can always use a few additional hands, find out how you can help out below:

As for Seafest Sunday, the annual Sunset Service is scheduled for 6-7 PM, to pay tribute to those who died at sea, made their living at sea or loved the sea. The plaques of remembrance to be placed in the City of Prince Rupert memorial walls for 2022 will be on display for viewing.

The Full schedule of Seafest events can be reviewed below, or from this link to the Prince Rupert Special Events website. with General information on the event available from their website.

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You can also follow the Prince Rupert Special Events Society Facebook page for any last minute notes on the weekend's activities. 

General information on the event is available from their website.

A look at some of the preparation for the event and media coverage for the weekend can be reviewed here.