Lytton River Festival, British Columbia
Family Event Celebrates the Thompson and Fraser Rivers
Sep 26, 2009
Lytton, also known as Canada’s hot spot, is famous for its sweltering hot summers, dry climate and whitewater rafting. It has been home to the First Nations people for ten thousand years and is located where two of BC’s largest rivers meet: the Thompson and Fraser.
During the summer, visitors flock to the area to experience some of the best whitewater in the country. Large rolling waves, incredible scenery and hot weather are usually the draw. But when the visitors leave, Lytton is a small village and First Nations reserve that houses a small population of just over a thousand.
To the locals, the Lytton River Festival is the last chance before summer ends to get out and enjoy music, arts and culture with family and friends outdoors. Most activities are staged on 4th Street, a mere three-block venue from Main St. to Fraser St. A stage and many canopies are assembled directly in front of the visitors’ information centre which is bustling all weekend long.
Lytton Festival Hosts Plenty of Kids Activities
For many who have previously stumbled upon the Lytton River Festival, the reason families return is due to the organized kids activities. Youth and kids can participate in free activities such as:
- swimming and kayaking in the outdoor pool behind the info centre
- the water balloon toss
- climbing the portable climbing wall outside
- dancing and competing in the Pow Wow
- learning how to make a kite and toy raft.
Daytime Farmers’ Market and Live Entertainment
Family-friendly activities run all weekend long and are also free.
- The farmers’ market showcases local organic produce, arts and crafts.
- Saturday’s daytime line up hosts local talent on stage.
- Live entertainment begins Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00pm.
- Fire dancers and fireworks cap off Saturday night’s activities.
- The Lytton River Fest Pow Wow runs in conjunction with the festival all day Sunday.
Lytton River Fest Pow Wow
One of the main components of the Lytton River Festival is showcasing First Nations heritage. Since 2005, the Lytton River Fest Pow Wow has drawn crowds in the hundreds. Like any traditional pow wow, any one is welcome to watch or participate. Dancers dress up in beautifully intricate costumes and dance to drumming groups who sing traditional songs.
Normally there is a dance competition in the following categories:
- Tiny tots, fancy, jingle and traditional dancing for females
- Grass, fancy, chicken and traditional dancing for males.
The Lytton River Fest Princess Pageant culminates at the end of the day with a new princess crowned and dancers are awarded various prizes.
This annual event is certainly one that is worth visiting every year. With a mountainous backdrop and the confluence of the two rivers, the setting is perfect. Now that it has a few years under its belt, returning visitors and locals book this one in their calendar to be sure not to miss.
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