SeaFest offers something for whole family

SeaFest has grown in reputation and participation each year, with 15,000 – 20,000 people participating in the event over three days.

“SeaFest continues to grow as a regional event, folks are planning their vacations around us, and each year we add new elements to keep it fresh,” explains Planning Committee chairperson, Jean Robinson-Dexter. “This year our focus is on Queens Co. musicians and artisans. We were fortunate to receive funding through Heritage Canada’s Building Communities through Arts and Heritage to assist in covering fees and expenses and production.

“We’re also pleased to have the Bike and Car Show and Shine and a Dinky Car show for children. Both these events take place on Sunday. Kids don’t have to pre-register – just bring their dinky cars and show them off. We’ll also have covered seating in the patio area of our Entertainment Tent this year.”

The musical entertainment throughout the day includes a number of acts that haven’t performed at SeaFest, made possible through the federal funding program.

Low Key, featuring Michelle Colp and a number of talented local musicians will be making their first appearance at SeaFest, as will KALiN, featuring local residents Amy Grant, Luke Grant, Nelson Boland and Kent Atchison and The Road Rockets, with Rene Pitre and Rocky Burton.

Neil Dobson and his Fabulous Hats make their first appearance and will be performing tunes from their recently released album. Also performing is champion fiddler Laura Watson and Gordon Tucker. Laura returns after a two year absence and festival goers may remember that her family roots are in Liverpool.

The festival will also welcome The Mizzen Men from Prince Edward Island. The Mizzen Men will perform a mixture of original tunes and Celtic and Maritime music. Band leader, Wayne Burke has numerous family members here in Queens Co. and once served the community as a member of the RCMP. Returning favourites are The 909 and Fossil Rock.

The Entertainment Tent will rock on Friday evening with the classic rock sounds of Sam Moon and Ritchie Oakley and their band. Saturday night will feature ECMA award winner and Maple Blues nominee, the John Campbelljohn Trio.

Returning for the fourth year will be the Dynamos in Action performing two shows on Saturday and inflatables Obstacle Course and Treasures of the Caribbean will be on-site Saturday and Sunday respectively.

The Cole Ford Sales Row for Charity returns this year, with a great prize of all you need to throw a Backyard Bash, including a barbeque, the utensils, a cooler and the food. The Veinot’s Print/True North Salmon Planked Salmon Supper on Sunday will satisfy anyone’s craving for a great meal.

The fishing derby remains the core of the festival with over 70 boats participating last year and considered “second to none” by many of the participants. Fishers of all ages will try to land the biggest mackerel, groundfish or shark to be eligible for great prizes.

SeaFest organizers are expecting a great crowd for Chilliwack’s concert on Sunday afternoon. This year the concert will be a licensed ticketed event. Tickets are $15/person or $10 for fishing derby participants. Organizers will also offer a family seating area if the demand is there. Tickets are available by calling 354-2397 and will be available at the festival Information Booth.

“We’ve been able to continue to grow Queens County SeaFest because of the great support we receive from our sponsors, particularly Cole Ford Sales, Veinot’s Print, the Region of Queens and the hard work of our volunteers. We’re also pleased that we’re able to give back to and support the community through the Row for Charity and providing community groups the opportunity to have concession booths.” said Robinson-Dexter. “It’s shaping up to be a great weekend.”