Following more than a week of non-stop sports action, Semiahmoo Peninsula residents and visitors still have more to look forward to at the annual White Rock Sea Festival.
The weekend celebration – taking place July 30 and 31 on White Rock Beach, west from Semiahmoo Park – is expected to draw 100,000 people to the waterfront over two days.
And if the past two years are any indication, they will leave with smiles on their faces.
Following the 2014 sea festival – which returned to its roots after the Spirit of the Sea Festival seemingly ran out of steam, evidenced by a less-than-well-received event in 2013 – organizers described an event that exceeded expectations: attendance was up and there were no significant policing issues.
This weekend, once again, there will be a veritable buffet of things to see and do for festival-goers of all ages, from live performances by local musicians and fireworks, to a traditional salmon barbecue, a car show and children’s activities.
Those behind the City of White Rock’s own float, which will return to the spotlight in Sunday’s torchlight parade, describe the creation as a labour of love.
It’s a phrase no doubt echoed by many when thinking of the sea festival effort as a whole.
Those involved are likely well aware that few things worth doing succeed without a dedicated and concerted effort.
At the same time, for such events to be successful, and continue to be successful for years to come, they must be supported.
This month, Women’s World Softball Championships drew thousands to the diamonds at Softball City – and many more to Sunnyside Park and Cloverdale Athletic Park for the youth action – the Tour de White Rock had strong attendance along its fast-paced routes and the BC Summer Games – held in Abbotsford but with numerous local athletes competing – was similarly backed.
While this weekend is far less about competition – barring the waiter’s race, of course – it is another opportunity for the community to show its spirit.
And what better place to do so than in our own backyard?