The story of our industry is well told through exhibitry such as the interactive video at 'Salmon Central'; hands-on exhibits of nets and gear, and life size wall murals depicting gillnetting, seining and trolling.

Our thanks to all those who donated their time, expertise and financial support. The successful mounting of this project is a testament to the industry's ability to work together to educate the public about the continuing importance of our industry to the community and economic framework of BC.

"Every person made the comment that the display gave them a greater understanding of who and what is involved in the BC salmon industry."
Mike Wick, North Delta Seafoods.

Roy Manning-one of our volunteer fishermen-
'beside himself' at the opening of the exhibit.

At community events from May through September, volunteers from the fishing community spread the word in celebration of wild BC salmon. From 'Market After Dark' at Granville Island to the Fraser River Festival, the Steveston Salmon Festival, Westminster Quay's First Annual Wild BC Salmon Barbecue Championship and the PNE, we were there getting our message out to the public. Participation at these community events played a larger role in our in-season summer promotion program [Buy BC] than ever before. By focussing on these events we were able to reach a wide public audience while keeping expenditures down. It could not have been achieved without the dedication and commitment of our volunteers from the fishing community. Thanks to all those who gave so freely of their time and expertise at these events.

Through their efforts it was possible to offer such activities as filleting and cooking demonstrations, fishing boat tours, trivia contests and prize draws, distribution of our recipe booklets and consumer information materials, mingling with the public to answer their questions and more. By partnering with the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society at some of these events we were able to share the exhibiting costs and expand our booth display to feature educational and historical displays.

Participation at these events gives us the opportunity to reach a large public audience with our message about our industry and its important role in the past, present and future of our province.

Proving our prowess in culinary arts, Coucil participated in a seafood chowder cooking contest at the Steveston Salmon Festival and won!

Boat Tours captured the attention of young and old alike. Deb Dobrilla and Phil Eby spent a busy day at the Fraser River Festival hosting boat tours.

"We estimate that 6,000 people took advantage of the great weather, and came out to enjoy the activities of this year's festival."
Sylvia Lee, Special Events Coordinator, Regional Parks [Fraser River Festival]

Lineups started early whenever boat tours were available at community events.

"I felt the Market After Dark was a fantastic at getting the word out about BC salmon directly to the public. I had a great time answering people's questions about salmon, how to cook it and at the same time giving them some ideas about what fishing for a living is all about."
Mark Tasaka, Troller

Volunteers ready to present cooking and filleting demonstrations at the popular "Market After Dark" event at Granville Island in May 96.

Tina O'Connor was there to answer questions from the public in Council's display booth at the Fraser River Festival.

"Thank you so much for participating in Granville Island Market After Dark 2. We really enjoyed having you there-and you had one of the busiest stalls!"
Rebecca Kneen, Events Co-ordinator, FarmFolk/CityFolk

By happy coincidence, this year our promotional message had a truly international effect-at least on one couple from England. Having decided to marry in BC, they spotted our promotional banner and slogan and asked if they might incorporate it into their marriage celebration which, of course, saw them dining on wild BC salmon and toasting their future with BC Pinot Blanc.

Working with the BC Wine Institute, Council coordinated the participation of 18 restaurants, 12 wine shops and 18 wineries in this year's promotion, collaborating with these participants to develop promotional materials including banners, tent cards and fresh sheets. From August 1st through 15th, these participants developed special menus featuring wild BC salmon and BC Pinot Blanc. The promotion was supported by paid advertising in City Foods and The Georgia Straight and promoted to the media via a well attended launch party on July 17th.

While we didn't receive reports of any other nuptials inspired by our slogan, this year's event garnered more media coverage than in any other year in newspapers, magazines, and newsletters and on the radio and TV. There were also special promotional contests featured by KISS FM's Van About Town, CKNW's Community Cruiser and The Vancouver Province.

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