With salmon already making their way up streams and creeks in Powell River, Club Bon Accueil is set to celebrate its sixth annual autumn Salmon Festival (Fête du Saumon).
“It’s a celebration for families,” said event organizer Rhea Zajac. “We want the families of Powell River to come and have fun.”
Bilingualism is optional at the event, which features a bouncy castle, games, tuque parade, pumpkin carving and a newly expanded treasure hunt along the wooded Treasure Path (Sentier aux Trésors).
Zajac said the treasure hunt gives a nod to Quebecois and Métis culture by featuring cunningly hidden cross-country skis, a sugar shack and a Quebecois-style covered bridge.
“There are between 600 and 700 French speakers in Powell River,” said Zajac. “Being French Canadian is more than the language, it is a way of being and expressing yourself.”
The Salmon Festival is a two-day event starting at 1 pm on Saturday, September 26 with family activities, including an appearance from the travelling learning ORCA Bus, as well as a traditional salmon barbecue by Tla’amin (Sliammon) First Nation elder Charlie Bob.
A dinner and dance will also take place on Saturday evening, starting at 5 pm with a cocktail bar followed by a salmon dinner provided by chef David Bowes of the Laughing Oyster. The party continues well into the evening with a dance and live music provided by Sam Hurrie.
Festivities continue at Club Bon Accueil on Sunday, September 27 with a brunch provided by Julie’s Airport Cafe between 10 and noon.
Afternoon activities are free, however there is a small charge of under five dollars for the salmon BBQ.
On Saturday, there will also be a special French Canadian treat available known as Pudding Chômeur, which translates as unemployment pudding. The dessert, which is sweet cross between rice and sticky toffee pudding, was developed during the Great Depression of the 1930s out of cheap and easily available ingredients such as brown sugar.
“It was popular in the days where they had not too many ingredients but brown sugar and water,” said Zajac.
