Organizers of the fourth Annual Wild Salmon Festival are hoping to get the whole community involved.
Taking place Sept. 6 and 7 in Lumby’s Community Park, the festival is designed to create positive awareness about local wild salmon.
“We encourage the entire community to participate in a number of ways: businesses can decorate their windows or offer a special salmon-related product or service,” said festival producer Randy Rauck. “We’re asking the local food and art vendors who will be at the festival to create a salmon special or design to tie into the theme.
“We will continue with our popular education sessions about the salmon, and are planning a group walk of the Salmon Trail, as part of our festivities. Wild salmon have a history in our valley and this festival aims to raise awareness about enhancing their future and returning them to our streams and rivers for spawning above the dam.”
Historically, these spawning grounds were an important spiritual and cultural site. Okanagan Nation Grand Chief Philip has said: “We want to see the salmon and the habitats restored so we can enjoy a healthy fishery once again.”
Rauck added that the community can get involved in the festival in a number of ways.
“From buying a ticket and attending, to volunteering, or making a donation, it all helps organizers to be able to keep this festival in Lumby,” he said.
The musical line-up features many acts including HIGH VOLTAGE (a tribute AC DC show), The Young’uns, the band formerly known as Crossfire, Wheelhouse, Gallon’s Corner, The Handles, The Mabel Lickers, Expression Collective, Chicks 3 and The Zipper Adrenalin Rush, Floyd Vedan Band, Original Shakedown and others.
Festival organizers appreciate the support of White Valley Parks, Recreation and Culture, The Village of Lumby, The Monashee Arts Council, and all of the sponsors and volunteers for their donations of funding, supplies, time and expertise.
Proceeds from the Festival are donated to the Middle Shuswap Wild Salmon Society. Memberships in the society will be available for purchase during the festival.
Advance tickets are available at the Monashee Arts Council office or online at www.wildsalmonfest.com for $10 a day pass until Aug. 31. After that, tickets are $20 per day at the gate. For more information or to get involved as a volunteer, vendor or sponsor, call Rauck at 250-307-7553 or e-mail randy@vivapromotions.ca
