What was pitched in April as a sea-going canoe race in Sechelt Inlet has morphed into a paddling festival at SSC Properties this Sunday, Aug. 23.
General manager of SSC Properties, Werner Hofstatter, said plans had to change when it became obvious more prep time for a large race was needed.
“So then the paddling groups got together and said, ‘Well, we still want to do something, what do we do?’ and then that morphed into this Sechelt Paddling Festival, which is for all kinds of paddling, not just for the big canoes,” Hofstatter said.
“The big canoes are still welcome but also outriggers and dragon boats and kayaks and standup paddleboards and canoes.”
The public can try their hand at paddling the many different boats for free during the event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at SSC Properties (6583 Sechelt Inlet Road).
The first 250 guests will also receive a free barbecue lunch, after a ceremonial landing of Aboriginal canoes, outriggers and dragon boats at noon.
In addition, the Sechelt Paddling Festival promises live music, activities for kids, demonstrations, exhibits, vendors and a dog dock-jumping competition at the all-day event.
The dock-jumping contest starts at 4 p.m. and guests can register their dogs to take part onsite for $5 per adult handler and $2 per child handler.
Volunteers will measure how far out the pooches pounce and then prizes will be awarded by All 4 Pets.
While the event is dog friendly, canines must be kept on leashes when not competing.
Hofstatter said the free event is hoped to become an annual one that highlights how SSC Properties intends to keep the waterfront open to the public once their site is developed.
“I know people are concerned about what we’re going to build and what it’s going to look like and that it’s going to be restricted from people,” Hofstatter said.
“We want to start, from the very beginning, to say this is something that’s going to be available to all of Sechelt and Sechelt can enjoy it, and the best way to enjoy it is where the water and land interface, on the beach, on the dock and in that front area.”
