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Another great Pitt Meadows Day

Sunny skies brings them out on to the streets for 74th parade
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Pitt Meadows firefighters spray water at children who lined Harris Rd. waiting to pelt them with water balloons during the Pitt Meadows Day parade on Sunday.

The 74th annual Pitt Meadows Day is in the books and it was another rousing success.

Society president George Coghlan said the event drew as many as 15,000 people to the annual parade and as many as 25,000 to the fireworks.

“It was a fabulous day. The weather was kind,” said Coghlan.  “The event really brings the community together because we do it as a group. It’s a happy day for us.”

The event featured more than 100 displays, crafters and vendors.

Coghlan said the event is the culmination of hard work and dedication by city staff and volunteers, making it one of the highlights of the community. He was especially grateful for the work of the fire and police departments, ensuring a safe event.

The 74th annual Pitt Meadows Day celebration also featured a new award for 2012.

Christine Wood, who organized the annual parade for 13 years, was named the inaugural winner of the Ron Morrisette Award. The honour is named after the long-time Pitt Meadows Day parade organizer who past away in 2011. Morrisette and his family have long been part of the parade’s success, volunteering for a more than a decade.

Wood said she was humbled to be named the first recipient.

“I believe Ron was a lover of parades and put his whole heart into them,” she said. “I felt the same way over the past years. I loved it and felt very privileged to have been part of such a hard working, dedicated group of people who put their whole heart into putting together Pitt Meadows Day.”

Vicki Morrisette, Ron’s widow, said Wood is just one of those wonderful people  who stepped forward right after moving to Pitt Meadows and helped shape the success of the event. She went on to organize the parade for 13 years before stepping aside in 2011.

“Christine thoroughly enjoyed her time with the society, in large part, because of the enthusiasm and effort that other volunteers were also contributing to the enjoyment and enrichment of Pitt Meadows residents, said Morrisette.

“However, the primary motivation was to see everyone out on the day coming together, rain or shine, as a community, all the smiling faces from the little ones to the grandparents, enjoying our beautiful community day.”

Other honourees announced at Pitt Meadows Day included Lynn Papp award winners Jessica Howitt and Samuel Lachance. The Lynn Papp award honours the long-time volunteer  who passed away suddenly in 2000. It recognizes youth with exceptional community spirit.

Leigha Luschnat was crowned Miss Pitt Meadows and Delores Lutner was officially recognized  as citizen of the year.

The Maple Ridge Alliance Church took home top honours for best float and the Vintage Car Club of Golden Ears won best antique prize.