Seafest events on Sunday are still happening, but for the first time the Quick and Daring race is not.
The popular race that has competitors build their boats on the Saturday and race them on the Sunday only had one participant sign up for the event by Thursday.
“It was a big disappointment for my staff and we all look forward to this event every year,” said Sharon Rothwell, manager at Rona Tyee Building Supplies, which sponsors the event along with Makita Tools.
Last year, the event maxed out with 12 participating teams the Thursday before Seafest. But this year, with CN blocking access to the beach area by the Ligthering Dock, there was confusion that Sunday’s events by the water would not happen.
Rona advertised the event in the newspaper and on social media, and Joy Sundin from Prince Rupert Special Events said they had done their best to say that the activities were still happening on Sunday.
“We knew there were issues with CN so we put it out there and we tried our best so we could have that small beach access,” Sundin said.
“People are just feeling there is no access,” she said.
Special events has already cancelled the kayak fire drill races and rides for children, but they have also included other demonstrations as well as some of the regular festivities.
The Swim For Survival race is still on, which you register for at Home Hardware, there will be a fast response vessel demonstration and the sailpast.
New activities include a sea-scape mural painting, an obstacle course, a games tent, juggling and poi workshop, and an interactive marine touch tank put on by the Vancouver Aquarium.
Rona plans to do the Quick and Daring next year. “We hope there will be less confusion,” Rothwell said.
For a full list of Seafest activities — including Sunday — visit the Prince Rupert Special Events website.
