Media

Press Release - July 22 2005

Lytton River Festival - Bigger, Longer, and Better in 2005

The Lytton River Festival is a celebration of two great rivers-the Thompson and Fraser-and their historic and present role in the small community of Lytton.

The Interior Salish First Nations people have lived along these magnificent rivers for over 10,000 years and are an integral part of the River Festival. These rivers are integrated into their culture.

Some new events for the 3-day River Festival include a First Nations Pow-Wow and Gambling game Sla-Hal on Sunday of the Labour Day Weekend. Clydesdale Buggy Rides, Fiddlers, a Pork & Bean competition, and a Chicken Poop Bingo are new additions on Saturday.

The Festival has evolved from a two-day event into a three-day festival in only one year. Over 1500 people attended the first Labour Day Event in 2004. The addition of the Pow-Wow adds a full day of events.

The Pow-Wow celebrates our two great rivers and their importance to the First Nations People at Lytton and starts at 11:00 AM on Sunday, September 4 in downtown Lytton. Visitors can observe close-up the spectacular costumes, big drums, and heart-thumping chants of the drummers starting at 11:00 am on Sunday.

Dances celebrate the salmon, the great waters, and the spirit of these two enormous rivers: the Thompson azure and sparkling, and the Fraser brown and silty.

The Indian Gambling Game - Sla-Hal - is ongoing during the Pow-Wow. Two teams consisting of participants of all ages play the game that has been a tradition for generations. Watching and even participating in this game is reason enough to attend the Festival.

BC's top Fiddlers entertain late Sunday afternoon when the First Nations dancers take a dinner break. The public is encouraged to attend the Sunday events in period costumes.

This is your invitation to become part of an event that celebrates the important role that these two great rivers have played in Lytton's history and culture. Come for a day or stay for three; you'll be glad you did.

For more information and photographs go to www.riverfestival.ca or contact: