Redfish Festival welcomes 1,500 fish in the channel
By Suzy Hamilton
Mother Nature handed the 2014 Redfish Festival at Kokanee Park a gift and stopped raining in time for a great celebration at the park on Sunday.
More than 2,500 campers and area residents came to learn more about the Kokanee salmon that arrived last week.
The celebration included dancers from Slava Dorvall’s dance studio, musicians Bryce and Friends and Bessie Wapp and Friends, along with naturalist tours down the spawning channel and lots of kids activities and crafts.
Local vendors were on hand to supply good eats.
“We’re very proud of all our volunteers and sponsors for helping us celebrate the return of the redfish,” said the Kokanee Visitors Centre co-ordinator Mel Reasoner.
“Many people and organizations have contributed to the success of the festival and the centre’s operation.”
Fish count on Sunday was 1,500 fish in the channel.
The fishery is expecting a good run this year that will continue for a few weeks, as 1.2 million fish spawned out two years ago.
The centre will be open for one more week before closing for the season. For a schedule of events go to www.ecosociety.ca.
