There’s a noteworthy sparkle to this year’s White Rock Sea Festival, as the city gears up to host its 75th return.
The diamond-anniversary iteration will once again take over the Marine Drive waterfront for the B.C. Day weekend, July 31 and Aug. 1-2, offering three days of family-friendly fun and entertainment.
“Seventy-five years is a remarkable milestone, and we are proud to celebrate this special weekend with residents and visitors alike,” Mayor Megan Knight said in a news release.
It all kicks off with a free outdoor movie – Hoppers – on July 31, presented by the White Rock BIA and Fresh Air Cinema.
The film is scheduled to light up a screen at Bayview Park west of Oxford Street at approximately 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, bring a lawn chair and blanket, grab some popcorn from the concession, and kick back in some community atmosphere ahead of the festival celebrations.
The following two days are chock-full of activities, performances and entertainment across three zones: the White Rock Pier, Memorial Park and Bayview Park.
Kids activities will run from noon till 5 p.m. on Aug. 1 and 2 in Bayview Park; during the same hours, an Indigenous Marketplace will be set up near the white rock (P’Quals).
Vendor row, meanwhile, will be open from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. along the West Beach promenade.
Musical performances on the P’Quals main stage in Memorial Park, sponsored by White Rock Honda, include Saturday night headliner NTWINE – bringing “a blend of R&B, pop, and powerhouse performances” – and Sunday-night headliner Totally Twain, performing hits from Canadian country star, Shania Twain.
The much-anticipated Waiters Race is set for 7:45 p.m. Aug. 1 at Memorial Park, followed by the ever-popular Torchlight Parade, set to illuminate Marine Drive beginning at 8:30 p.m.
Starting near Oxford Street, the parade will travel along the waterfront all the way to Semiahmoo Park.
A new addition to the White Rock Sea Festival is the Hot Rodz Car Show and award ceremony. From 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. on the Sunday (Aug. 2), car enthusiasts can peruse the entries at the Bayview Lots west of Oxford Street. Awards are to be presented at 3 p.m.
The festival concludes with a fireworks display that can be enjoyed from anywhere along the waterfront, starting at 10 p.m. Aug. 2.
Knight described the festival as “a spectacular showcase of community spirit, cherished traditions, and the unique character of White Rock.”
“Set against the stunning backdrop of our promenade, iconic pier, and waterfront, this year’s Sea Festival will create unforgettable memories for all.”
Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to walk, cycle, or take transit to the waterfront.
For more information, visit www.whiterockcity.ca/seafestival
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