The West Howe Sound Regatta at Gibson's Landing, c. 1930s.
This weekend marks the 50th anniversary of Sea Cavalcade, one of the biggest summer events on the coast. Before Sea Cavalcade began, every community had a different celebration: Sechelt had May Day, Gibsons had Dominion Day (July 1), and Port Mellon had Labour Day. ‘The West Howe Sound Regatta’ (pictured above) was another summer celebration held alternately in the communities of Gibsons, Granthams, and Hopkins Landing. It started in the late 1920s, and continued throughout the ‘30s and ‘40s. Finally, in 1968, event organizers decided to create a celebration that would bring all of these communities together. Sea Cavalcade was declared officially opened in 1969 by BC Premier W. A. C. Bennett.
While the events of Sea Cavalcade have evolved over the years, the basic structure has remained the same. Perhaps the longest running tradition is the Sea Cavalcade parade, where community members and organizations come together for a march through Gibson’s Landing. The fireworks display has also been an integral part of Sea Cavalcade since the beginning. Similar to Sea Cavalcade 2018, early celebrations included live music and dances throughout the weekend. Other events, such as the pancake breakfast and the salmon barbeque, have also remained a important part of the community involvement in Sea Cavalcade.
"World's Largest" Tugboat Race, c. 1970.
The seaside location of Sea Cavalcade and its predecessors meant that many events took place on the waters of the Shoal Channel. The “World’s Largest” Tugboat Race (pictured above) was a Sea Cavalcade staple for the first 10 years of the festivities. The infamous ‘Boat Blow-Up’ began in 1970, when a run-down boat was set up with explosives. These were two of the most popular events until both were cancelled in 1979, as captains of the tugboats were met with insurance difficulties and the boat blast resulted in shattered windows from the Bluff to Granthams. However, the special effects crew of ‘The Beachcombers’ brought the revival of the ‘Boat Blow-Up’ in 1981, using fewer explosives. This event remained a crowd favourite until it was cancelled again in recent years.
Another signature Sea Cavalcade event that has withstood the test of time is the crowning of the Sea Cavalcade Queen (also known as 'Miss Sea Cavalcade' or ‘Royal’) and princess. In early years, young women representing local businesses or organizations would compete for the title. Another title, “Sea Cavalcade Golden Girl”, was first awarded in 1987. This title focuses on recognizing women who have contributed to improving the quality of life on the Sunshine Coast.
The seaside location of Sea Cavalcade and its predecessors meant that many events took place on the waters of the Shoal Channel. The “World’s Largest” Tugboat Race (pictured above) was a Sea Cavalcade staple for the first 10 years of the festivities. The infamous ‘Boat Blow-Up’ began in 1970, when a run-down boat was set up with explosives. These were two of the most popular events until both were cancelled in 1979, as captains of the tugboats were met with insurance difficulties and the boat blast resulted in shattered windows from the Bluff to Granthams. However, the special effects crew of ‘The Beachcombers’ brought the revival of the ‘Boat Blow-Up’ in 1981, using fewer explosives. This event remained a crowd favourite until it was cancelled again in recent years.
Another signature Sea Cavalcade event that has withstood the test of time is the crowning of the Sea Cavalcade Queen (also known as 'Miss Sea Cavalcade' or ‘Royal’) and princess. In early years, young women representing local businesses or organizations would compete for the title. Another title, “Sea Cavalcade Golden Girl”, was first awarded in 1987. This title focuses on recognizing women who have contributed to improving the quality of life on the Sunshine Coast.
There have been so many events over the last five decades it would be impossible to name them all! The future of Sea Cavalcade is guaranteed to change and evolve with the communities of the Sunshine Coast. But the annual celebration of Sea Cavalcade has been a tradition for five decades, and I can't wait to see what the next fifty years will bring.
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