The Sea Cavalcade is set to take over Gibsons from July 27 to 29 with changes underway to commemorate the 50th anniversary.
Those changes include efforts to make all children’s activities free, according to Conchita Harding, chair of the 2018 Sea Cavalcade Festival Committee, “so the kids can remember, ‘I was there at the 50th and I had a very good time with my family.’”
Among those activities is a teddy bear picnic, which will give children a chance to bring their stuffed toys to be checked out by doctors and nurses and receive a certificate of good health.
The parade will also feature six children with a float representing each decade the cavalcade has taken place in Gibsons. Organizers have also invited some of the event’s founding members to appear in the parade. And since the theme is “50 Fun Years by the Sea,” jellyfish-costumed humans will walk along the side of the parade to protect children from floats, rather than clowns.
This year Christ the King Church in Gibsons will be upping its meal count from 1,000 to 1,200 at the annual free dinner and picnic. Pulled pork barbecue is on the menu. “I think it’s fantastic,” said Harding of the free supper, which will take place the evening of the 27th.
It may be a meal fit for a king, but what’s new this year are the princes. It’s Sea Cavalcade tradition for royals and princesses to be named, in addition to the Golden Girls, but for the first time in the 50-year history, princes will also be part of the festivities. “It’s a year of change,” Harding said. “We’re always being very traditional, but I think we should keep up to where we are now,” she said.
The event is expected to cost between $46,000 and $50,000. The Town of Gibsons is sponsoring the fireworks and the Sunshine Coast Regional District has provided $5,000 to fund children’s activities. The rest comes through fundraising, such as hot dog sales and raffle tickets. This year will feature an interactive sea ball race with 50 cash prizes. Another major fundraising event is a concert featuring cover artist Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band on July 21. Tunes will be nearly the same as Neil Diamond’s.
The committee is also asking the public to send in their memories of the past 50 years of the Sea Cavalcade, which they will compile into a book to distribute in the fall. The committee’s goal is to also include art from schools in district No. 46. Those interested in sharing can email [email protected]. They can also share their memories at Sunnycrest Mall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 19, 20 and 21, at the Golden Girls booth.
While the event takes place, roads will be closed in Upper and Lower Gibsons, including sections of Highway 101 for the parade on Saturday, July 28. Details are available on the Sea Cavalcade website: www.seacavalcade.ca.
