Pitt Meadows Day returned on Saturday, after COVID-19 caused a two-year break from the annual community celebration, and it was obvious that people were glad to have the local festival back.
It was the same all-day event people have come out by the thousands to see in recent years, with a morning pancake breakfast, parade, Kid Zone family events in Harris Road Park, salmon dinner, and a fireworks nightcap. It was clear to organizers people had missed it.
Mayor Bill Dingwall, who was handing out candy along the parade route, said there were big crowds along both Hammond and Harris Roads for the event.
“This is one of the biggest I’ve ever seen,” he said, “And I’ve been to quite a few.”
“Seeing the smiles is great. People were looking forward to this.”
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There were firefighters, many dressed as clowns, in their annual water fight with the kids of Pitt Meadows who lined the parade route. The weather was warm, and the crews weren’t afraid to give a good dousing to the kids, or to the odd adult bystander whom they deemed not innocent.
After the parade, there was hours of activities. Patrons could taking in stage entertainment, food truck fare or the offerings of the new-this-year beverage garden. Kids could play mini golf, pose for pictures with a Storm Trooper or hit the bouncy castle and inflatable games.
“I was moved, because here we are together,” MP Marc Dalton told the crowd. “It’s been a long time. And it’s just so good to be able to be here together, to be able to celebrate their 81st annual Pitt Meadows Day.”
Miss Pitt Meadows 2022 Victoria Woycheshen told the crowd “I hope you all enjoy this very special Pitt Meadows Day, and make lots of memories with your friends and family.”
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