Just one cannon blast wasn’t enough for this year’s Riverboat Days.
Opening ceremonies were underway at 7 p.m. Aug. 2 as people gathered in the park for live music, refreshments and family activities.
To get things off to an exciting start, it’s been a tradition to welcome Terrace’s summer festival by lighting a 20-year old model of a Civil War-era black-powdered cannon, built by Ted Ramsey and Fred Bouner. This year’s winner to light the fuse was Mark Mendes.
“This is really cool,” says Mendes before the first blast at the Sportsplex.
Terrace Mayor Carol Leclerc led the countdown below at George Little Park, and when the crowd reached one, the sound of the cannon blast echoed through the city. But the cannon crew knew they could do better.
Unsatisfied, the cannon was cleared for another round with the same amount of black gunpowder. Then again for one final blast, this time using twice the amount.
That definitely did it. With the loudest, most impressive blast yet, the crew on top of the Sportsplex hill hollered in victory.
READ MORE: Five things to get excited about for Terrace’s Riverboat Days
Down below, the mayor, MP Nathan Cullen and others made opening comments to kick off the festivities.
Rose and Henry Dreger were introduced as this year’s Riverboat Days King and Queen. The couple are long-time Terrace residents known for their work and dedication to the community, including helping fund numerous projects with Terrace’s Beautification Society.
There are more than 40 events happening across the city over 10 days from Aug. 2-11, with crowds streaming into Terrace each year to participate in the festivities. The Terrace Standard will be taking pictures and shooting video all weekend, so stay tuned.
On Saturday, check out the Riverboat Days parade, sponsored by Branch 13 of the Royal Canadian Legion which begins at 11 a.m. The parade starts at City Hall on Lakelse Avenue and travels east to the end at the Legion with a family barbecue.
Can’t make it to the parade? CFTK and Citywest Cable will be broadcasting the entire parade. You can also check out the Terrace Standard Facebook page for a live-stream.
Concerts in George Little Park begin at noon with local acts and four headliners. Kitsumkalum’s annual salmon barbecue is back on after a brief hiatus last year from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Kitsumkalum Ball Field (3514 West Kalum Road).
Then finish the night off with fireworks at the north end of Ferry Island beginning at 11 p.m.
No need to take the car to get yourself to and from the events, either. BC Transit is offering free bus rides on all local Terrace routes this weekend.
READ MORE: Free transit during Riverboat celebrations this year
For more on all the events going on in Terrace this Riverboat Days, check out the schedule here.
brittany@terracestandard.com
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