Ocean sustainability and recreation will be the theme at this year's Cadboro Bay Festival on Aug 4.
"It is going to be a really exciting shift to look at how we can have fun in the water and make sure that we are doing it responsibly," said Sarah Faria, Saanich community event programmer.
There will be plenty of activities for families to enjoy on the water and on land during the day.
"Lots of fun traditional lawn games, like sack races and tug-of-war," Faria said.
The sandcastle competition will not return because the sand at Cadboro Bay is not ideal for sand sculptures, Faria said.
"We had to truck in all the sand and then chuck it out again," Faria said. "Part of the pivot away from that was to focus on what makes the area unique and special."
Plenty of food and music will be on offer throughout the day, with the District of Saanich focusing on musicians with an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) lens.
"We have been focusing on making sure that the artist lineup that we have is reflective of our community."
Parking will be available on the day, but it will fill up quickly, warns Faria. Residents are encouraged to cycle, walk, or use the free shuttle the district has organized.
"We have a free shuttle running continuously from UVIc parking lot number five throughout the day," Faria said. "And the number 11 bus will drop off near Pepper's Foods."
The free shuttle will run from noon until 4 p.m.
The district will monitor the air quality due to the Old Man Lake Fire in Sooke, but Faria said she does not think it will affect the festival.
"The air quality is looking okay, but it is something I am monitoring," Faria said. "If there were to be any cancellations we will be posting it out on social media."
