The Fish Fest in Wheatley is hoping to make a big splash in its return this summer.
Fish Fest Spokesperson Terry Lobzun said the festival will run all Canada Day weekend and will have plenty of free fun for everybody on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The Jody Rafoul Band will play at the Wheatley Arena on Saturday night. Several vendors will also be open at the Wheatley Harbour on Saturday.
Lobzun said there will be plenty of activities for different age groups, such as children's contests, treasure hunts, a tug of war across the harbour, tug pulls, and tote box races along with a smoked fish contest and a fish fry on Saturday night to celebrate Wheatley's proud 150 year fishing heritage.
Lobzun said some fishermen may even invite the public on for a boat tour.
"A lot of the boats will be back from fishing in the different areas of the lake and by then hopefully the boats will be there and some will be open and if anyone wants to have a look at a fishing boat or go on it, there might be someone who invites you on to see what they do," Lobzun said.
They're also trying to organize a parade just like the old days.
"I talked to some of the fishermen there and they're trying to organize a parade like we use to do back in the old days too and you get to see what we're all about, what our heritage is," he said.
He said the town just wants to get past the pandemic and the explosion of 2021.
"We're back and we're excited about it and we're going to have some things down at the harbour just like the good old days," said Lobzun.
Lobzun said there will also be a fireworks show on Sunday night and everybody is looking forward to getting together for a big party.
The Wheatley Fish Fest will be held July 1, 2, and 3, 2022 at the Wheatley Harbour and admission is free.