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Federal funds help facilitate festival

French Club receives money for second annual family event
Kyle Wells

Club Bon Accueil’s Salmon Festival has received $10,000 from the federal government to help promote and host the celebration.

West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country MP John Weston visited the club’s premises recently to announce the funding for the second annual festival to be held October 1.

In speaking to club members, Weston said he sees the money as a promotion of culture and a celebration of diversity within the community. He also spoke of the spirit of volunteerism in Powell River and of the funding coming in recognition and support of that spirit. Weston, who spoke French with the club members during much of his visit, also recognized the importance of the club, speaking to the importance of promoting cultural activities.

“I take great pleasure in thanking you, the people who are volunteering their time and organizing events like this,” said Weston, “because events like the Salmon Festival are a testament to the power of volunteerism and it’s made possible only by unselfish dedication to the community that you have shown.”

Last year the club held its inaugural Salmon Festival to great success and this year organizers are aiming toward making the event even more of a fun-filled day for families, foodies and, of course, enthusiasts of the Pacific Ocean’s staple fish.

This year’s Salmon Festival will feature live entertainment, workshops, a bus tour to Lang Creek Salmon Hatchery, pumpkin carving and a dinner. ORCA (On the Road with Children’s Activities) Bus will be at the festival and organizers are putting particular care into making the event fun for families. Powell River Metis Society will be present at the festival, along with members of the Tla’Amin (Sliammon) First Nation community.

“It’s a full day event for families to come in and appreciate living on the coast and becoming more familiar with salmon,” said Thérèse Verdiel, club president. “We’re just facilitating it, we’re hosting it and just want people to come...and learn a little more about salmon and it’s importance on the coast.”

The federal funding will go into the overall money used to host the event, which would not be possible, according to organizers, without the helping hand.

“That is what it means: to have the celebration or not,” said club director Rhéa Zajac. “Maybe in the future way down the line it will be bigger and bigger but right now we’re just starting, so we need help.”