GETIfest returned to Maple Ridge last weekend, providing a wide range of local entertainment for people to enjoy.
The annual event hosted by the Golden Ears Transition Initiative promotes environmentalism, with this year's festival having a theme of Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, which organizer Gerry Pinel explained is meant to encourage people to examine the past and how it has shaped modern times and can be used to better mould the future.
@tiktokwithtucker A peek at GETIfest last weekend in Memorial Peace Park #mapleridge #environment #climatechange #electriccar #electricvehicle #carshow #environmentallyfriendly #environmentalprotection #indigenous #hoopdance ♬ Ms. Jackson (Instrumental) - Outkast
New to GETIfest this year was the Community Spirit Awards, which were given out in three categories.
For the individual category, Heather Treleaven was recognized for her work with the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Katzie Seniors Network, BC Association of Community Response Networks, and other local groups.
"It is very humbling to be singled out for a Community Spirit Award when there are so many caring and dedicated people around us putting their hearts into everything they do," said Treleaven.
Leanne Koehn accepted the Community Spirit Award in the organization category on behalf of the Maple Ridge Repair Cafe, which simultaneously ran an event in the Memorial Peace Park bandstand during GETIfest.
"I think receiving a Community Spirit Award is one of the best feelings because it’s not for a specific achievement, but a genuine, heartfelt acknowledgement that the work you do lifts a community and inspires others," said Koehn.
The business category winner was the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association, with the award being accepted by its executive director Flori Chaykowski.
"This acknowledgement strengthens our dedication to continue to achieve goals and provide support to our business community, enhancing the community overall," said Chaykowski. "Fostering a commitment of collaboration to bring about change and overall pride in our beautiful city of Maple Ridge."
In addition to the awards, there were also plenty of performances for people to enjoy at GETIfest, including a hoop dance by Indigenous performer Jane Wylie, as well as songs by Holly Arntzen, Good Medicine Songs, and Bruce Coughlan.
