| Get Onboard with Fraser River Port at FraserFest 2003 |
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July 3, 2003: Fraser River Port Authority invites the public to help celebrate their 90th year on the river by joining in the fun at FraserFest 2003. Once again, the Westminster Quay in New Westminster will be bustling with activity to highlight the main attraction, the Fraser River. The Port Authority will be at the festival on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20, along with the thousands of local residents and visitors who participate in the festival each year.
The ever-popular paddlewheeler harbour tours are back this year, with hourly sailings between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on July 19th and 20th. Participants will enjoy an up-close view of the river aboard the MV Native, along with narrative from local historian Archie Miller. The 45-minute tours depart at the top of each hour from the dock under the Inn at Westminster Quay. Tickets are only available on the day of the tour starting at 9:30 a.m., and can be purchased on the boardwalk, next to the vessel ($5 / adults, $2.50 / children). Proceeds from the tours will go to educational programs.
Children’s boat building is also back again at the Port Authority’s activity tent. Participants receive a free boat kit that is assembled using glue and basic hand tools. Children can build their own boats and learn about the Port, its vessels, and their cargoes. Boat building will be available on July 19th and 20th between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., with assistance from Vancouver Maritime Museum volunteers.
The Port Authority has been involved with FraserFest since 1994, in celebration of the Fraser River and its role in British Columbia’s rich history of waterborne commerce. Over 23 million tonnes of cargo were shipped through Fraser River Port in 2002, generating $2.1 billion in local economic output and 10,700 direct jobs.
For further information contact:
Megan Park, Public Affairs
(604) 524-6655