Skip to content

Five things to get excited about for Terrace’s Riverboat Days

A rundown of what to expect this summer
17655040_web1_13019891_web1_QB2_3949-1200x800
Spectators watched the Fireworks Extravaganza at Ferry Island last August during Riverboat Days. (Quinn Bender/Terrace Standard)

The countdown has begun for Terrace’s Riverboat Days festival, a 10-day summer jamboree packed with more than 40 events across the city.

Crowds of local residents and visitors gather each year for the Riverboat Days parade, opening ceremonies and other festival highlights.

“It’s thousands, it’s not hundreds,” says Andrew Webber, festival organizer. “If someone could get me a drone and fly me over the crowd, I could get some good images.”

Here are five events to definitely check out:

Four Concerts in the Park headliners

Just one star won’t be enough for Concerts in the Park — four headlining acts will share the stage this year.

The three bands are some of the best in the Okanagan music scene. ‘Rumble 100’ is all energy, ‘High Voltage’ turns up the volume as an AC/DC tribute band, and ‘Proper Man,’ featuring two performers originally from Kitimat, combines new wave and punk.

Rising Canadian country star Brock Andrews from Sask. round out the headline acts with a blend of country rock.

Music goes from noon until 9 p.m. at George Little Park on Aug. 3.

READ MORE: Riverboat Days wrap up

Kitsumkalum Salmon BBQ

Kitsumkalum’s annual Salmon Barbecue (Ha’liyoos Hoon) is back after a brief hiatus.

It was cancelled last year amid concerns over fish stocks, but Kitsumkalum organizers felt confident enough in this year’s forecast to put the barbecue back in the schedule. Be sure to check out local First Nation vendors set up at the event.

The cookout has been a festival tradition since 1987 and takes place at the Kitsumkalum Ball Field (3514 West Kalum Road) from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 3 this year.

Terrace’s first basketball tournament

Hopefully your hotel room is already booked for Terrace’s first open basketball tournament, vacancies are going to be hard to find.

“I would totally expect full hotels around here,” Webber says.

Spanning six days with five divisions of play, this major basketball tournament has room for up to 84 teams all competing for cash prizes.

Athletes from across the province and as far away as Sask. are coming to Terrace to play from August 5-10.

Games will be hosted at the Terrace Sportsplex and Northwest Trades and Training Centre. The Terrace Open Basketball Tournament Society will also be debuting their new portable NBA-regulated court bought from Prince Rupert All-Native tournament organizers.

READ MORE: Hoop dreams for Terrace’s first major basketball tournament

Skeena Salmon Art Festival

Now in its second year, the Skeena Salmon Art Festival is building momentum with several new projects aimed at further solidifying Terrace’s identity as a salmon-rich community.

Pieces from more than 60 artists will be showcased during the month of August, with plans for street banners, sculptures and other art installations as part of the festival.

The exhibition opening will take place on Aug. 2 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Terrace Art Gallery, with a quiet opening from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for youth and seniors.

READ MORE: Terrace spawns new salmon art fest

Soapbox derby

The Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) is taking their second annual soapbox derby fundraiser to Park Ave. hill on Aug. 4. with some significant upgrades.

This year you can build your own cart, just make sure to follow guidelines provided by Volunteer Terrace. The organization will partner with youth programs based in Vancouver to carry out the event, which is free for children aged 7-18. The derby collects donations to support YVC program projects throughout the year.

Start brainstorming, put in a healthy dose of elbow grease in and get ready to put your cart to the test.

READ MORE: First YVC Soapbox Derby raises more than $5,000 for youth

There are many more events to check out, Webber says, mentioning Heritage Park Museum’s Kitsumgallum cemetery tour, a screening of The Lego Movie 2 for Movie in the Park, and the Davis Soccer Cup tournament as examples.

The highly-anticipated Riverboat Days Legion Parade kicks off from City Hall down Lakelse Ave. on Aug. 3 at 11 a.m. This year’s theme is “100 Years of Celebrating Community Spirit,” with Rose and Henry Dreger crowned as the parade King and Queen.

NDP MP Nathan Cullen will also be hosting his last barbecue to fundraise for Plastic Free Terrace on Aug. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Gobind Mall.

Though there are fewer events than last year. The Terrace and District Arts Council will not have their usual Summer Art Festival, and the Terrace Downtown Improvement Area Society is taking a step back from putting on the Street Fair Medley on Lakelse Ave. However, the Skeena Diversity Centre will be hosting a Lazelle Ave. block party from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 10.

For a full list check out the Terrace Riverboat Days Society’s current schedule of events from August 2-11 and start marking your calendars.


 


brittany@terracestandard.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter