Nanaimo Marine Festival July 24 - 26 Off To A Great Start Under Sunny Blue Skies

Spirit Square at Maffeo Sutton Park is a popular spot with all those fortunate enough to not have to work Friday afternoon. There were lots of young'uns and lots of old'uns enjoying all the Marine Festival has to offer.

The Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific entertained the crowd with a whole medley of favourites and certainly were a real crowd pleaser.

Crowds sitting in the shade surrounding the Lion's Pavilion enjoying the music of the Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific.

There is lot's of fun things for the kids to do and flying down this slide is just one of the more popular things on the list.

The Marine Festival Food Fare has a 'carnival' atmosphere to it, and I mean that in a good way. There is something for every taste bud, from the ever popular hot dog and cold pop, to popcorn, candy floss, shaved ice, Hungarian food, Mexican food, you name it . . . . . it's here!

A trip to any Festival is just not complete unless you can load up on some deliciously spun sugar, also known as Candy Floss. A timeless favourite with kids of all ages.

Swy-a-lana Lagoon offers a welcome relief from the afternoon heat as these kids can tell you. The clock just stands still for kids on a hot summers day when there is a great place to keep cool.

HMCS Nanaimo comes into the harbour and ties up at the visitor's pier. There will be an open house on Saturday from 1:00pm - 3:00pm.

If you like the shade or if you are a sun worshipper, you will find just the right spot in Maffeo Sutton Park to suit your taste while you enjoy all the Marine Festival has to offer.
Be sure to get down to the park at least once over the next couple of days, and don't forget the big fireworks show tomorrow night, put on by Quality Foods. Of course remember to get downtown on Saturday morning by 10:30 for the 'Sailpast on Wheels' parade.