Mural painting, entertainment, kids’ activities and more are in store for Port Coquitlam’s annual Rivers and Trails Festival on Sept. 23.

This year’s festival will take place in Lions Park (2300 Lions Way) and offer family-friendly activities focused on celebrating and protecting the community’s rivers, trails and natural environment. The festivities will kick off at noon with an opening ceremony, and end at 4 p.m.

Highlights include:

• Live music by acoustic folk singer/songwriter Jessica Barbour;
• Aerial dance performances by Firebelly;
• Instruments from around the world and an interactive drumming workshop by Boris;
• Children’s activity passport stations and prizes;
• Food trucks;
• A salmon smolt release;
• An art station;
• Guided ‘Secret Life of Trees Walking Tour 2.0” by PoCo Heritage Trees.

New this year, the public can help paint a new 38-foot public art mural on the city’s Public Works shed in Lions Park.

Visual artist Aurelia Bizouard will paint the mural on-site using a Live Light Painting method, which involves drawing a design on a glass panel and projecting it onto the wall. The public will then be invited to add their own designs to the projected image.

The mural will celebrate Port Coquitlam’s rivers, trails and natural environment while connecting people to their community, nature and creative side.

Residents attending the Rivers and Trails Festival are encouraged to go green and walk or cycle to the park.

The festival is held in recognition of BC Rivers Day, which began in 1980 and is now internationally recognized as World Rivers Day, to celebrate the many values of rivers around the world.

For more information about the event or artists, visit portcoquitlam.ca/festivals or call 604.927.7900.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Sandra Battle
Community & Civic Events Coordinator
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.7935
Email battles@portcoquitlam.ca