RICHMOND, BC CELEBRATES NAUTICAL HISTORY WITH 8th ANNUAL MARITIME FEST

 -Popular festival returns with 17 free fun zones full of art, theatre, music and games-

Visitors will encounter interactive exhibits that focus on the cultural diversity, ethnicity and community of Richmond's vibrant past - rare artifacts, preserved photographs and short films allow guests a rare opportunity to feel what it was like to live, work and relax in a very different time.

Don't miss the following dynamic exhibits that re-create an important part of Richmond's history:

How We Lived - Discover the way people worked and played at Richmond's shipyards between 1910 and 1930 by visiting five restored buildings that depict different ways of life at Britannia. Each of the five houses is situated on the banks of the Fraser River. From the plush surroundings of the Manager's House to the sparse accommodation at the Men's Bunkhouse, these exhibits provide revealing glimpses of the past.

Chinese Bunkhouse - The canning industry was at its peak during the early 20^th Century and the factories filled upwards of 90 per cent of the positions with Chinese workers. This exhibit examines the hardship and hope that these immigrant workers experienced on a daily basis. It also allows visitors to experience just how cramped and uncomfortable daily life could be for the men that were often packed into bunkhouses with as many as 100 other people.

At the Helm  - In 1951, two local brothers, Jack and Joseph Lubzinski , founded the Marine Products Company in Richmond and worked for more than 50 years building handcrafted mahogany ship wheels used around the world. At the height of production, their factory would build over 100 complete wheels per day for customers including the US Navy, BC Ferries and Mississippi Gambling. An all-new exhibit featuring the Marine Products Company will delight visitors with its recently restored and never-seen-before rare artefacts. The recreated Marine Products Company shop will only be open for the duration of the Maritime Festival before its location, the Seine Net Loft, goes through major restorations.

The Murakami Family - Otokichi Murakami was a talented boat builder who lived with his wife Asayo and their ten children at Britannia from 1929 - 1942.  During the internment of 1942, this Japanese family was sent to a beet farm in Manitoba, choosing this option over many others so that they could all stay together. Although Otokichi would never build another boat, he showed his love of the craft by carefully sharpening his boat building tools each night.

MV Fleetwood  - Originally built as a 'Rum Runner', this boat smuggled more than just rum to the United States during the prohibition era.  Her cache often included beer, rye, wine and gin for the thirsty folks down in the United States.  The MV Fleetwood is currently under restoration inside the Shipyard. The historic site of Britannia Heritage Shipyard gives visitors an authentic opportunity to explore canneries, boat yards, residences and stores. With many of the buildings dating back to 1885, the site highlights an accurate representation of the past. After extensive renovations and work to preserve the shipyard and surrounding areas, the site is ready for guests to explore its unique history during the Richmond Maritime Festival.

The festival also includes:

• Dozens of beautiful, wooden boats including 83-year-old HMCS Oriole tall ship, the oldest sailing ship in the Canadian Navy
• Interactive activities such as decorating the site with painted nautical-themed shapes, origami and model boat making, knot tying and treasure hunts
• Pirate hats and swords, face painting, tattoos and puzzle games
• Live music, artisans, storytelling, dancers and much more

The 8^th Annual Richmond Maritime Festival is part of the new Richmond Days of Summer, a series of community events happening in Richmond. The Richmond Mar
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