Annual Salmon Festival Begins in Campbellton, New Brunswick Special

The Campbellton Salmon Festival is an annual celebration of the Restigouche Salmon. Many events, new and traditional, are organized for all ages.

The 2009 Campbellton Salmon Festival begins today and runs to July 5. The Festival is an annual celebration of the Restigouche Salmon and fittingly salmon suppers and other food related events play an important role. The Lions Club corn roast is a personal favourite as are the French fries. Some of the merchants uptown have painted their front windows in keeping with the spirit of the day. The weather forecast is not promising, but that is nothing new. Thundershower warnings have been flashing since yesterday morning and may continue until tomorrow when rain that will last for three days is expected.

Bob Ewing

uptown

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This morning I took a walk around town to get some photos before the events get underway. The Memorial Civic Center will host the majority fo the events which means the weather will not spoil the fun.

Bob Ewing

Entrance to Memorial Civic Centre

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The wharf and water-park are summer long attractions and the Festival brings new visitors each year.

Bob Ewing

wharf

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Bob Ewing

water park

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In the background of the fisherman you see the JC Van Horne Bridge which was constructed between 1958 and 1961 and the first crossing was made on October 15th of 1961.

Bob Ewing

fisherman

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The bridge is more than 2,600 in length and is a four-deck truss bridge that has two traffic lanes and two sidewalks. The Festival's events include Miss and little Miss Salmon Festival Pageants, Canada Day Celebrations with giant fireworks, salmon suppers, street fests, shows with live bands, a car show, book sale, pet show, Campbell Amusements Carnival, bowling tournament, many family activities, and a parade.