The Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society kicks off the 44th annual Nanaimo Marine Festival July 22, beginning four fun days and nights of great food, fireworks, a kid’s carnival with harborside playdock and finally the main event: the “great” International World Championship Bathtub Race. The Bathtub Race is a grueling 1 1/2 hour voyage circling Entrance Island then up and around Winchelsea Island and finishing at Departure Bay. In past years it was a challenge just to get out of the choppy waters caused by hundreds of extra escort and observation boats. Nowadays there are some pretty spiffy motorized tubs out there giving a new meaning to the word “whirlpool.” 
This year’s Nanaimo Marine Festival is a salute to the “Canadian Naval Centennial 1910 to 2010”. The salute is also the theme of the festival’s “Sail Past on Wheels Fun Parade”.
Some of the other fun events are a “waiter’s race” and a “bartender’s competition” (your blogger would be happy to judge that one).
A real treat for children of all ages is The Festival of Lights and Music Fireworks Display. It is Vancouver Island’s largest fireworks show and takes place in Nanaimo Harbour. Thousands of people are expected to turn out so be sure to book your British Columbia B&B B&Bkeepers Guild Bed & Breakfast as early as possible for the finest Nanaimo B&B accommodations.