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Pitt Meadows Day returns with new look, but same fun

Festivities centre around Harris Road Park on Saturday, June 3
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The Pitt Meadows Day celebration will feature dozens of floats and entertainers in the parade, which starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday. (The News files)

Pitt Meadows Day is coming back this Saturday with the same family fun as always, albeit with a few big changes this year, according to Mayor Nicole MacDonald.

“There are some exciting new activities to enjoy this year and we can’t wait to see everyone this weekend,” she said.

The celebration will start off with its usual Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast, which costs $6 for adults and $4 for children 11 years old or younger and is a cash-only event. People can get some tasty pancakes at Heritage Hall from 8 to 10 a.m.

After the breakfast is done, the road closures will begin along Harris Road, with the parade getting underway at 11 a.m.

As part of the parade, residents will get their first look at the new Pitt Meadows Youth Ambassador, which city communications manager Carolyn Baldridge explained is one of the many major changes made to this year’s celebration.

“The Pitt Meadows Day Royal Party was renamed to Pitt Meadows Youth Ambassadors and gender requirements were removed to encourage broader participation from all youth,” said Baldridge.

READ MORE: Miss Pitt Meadows position will be an ambassador of any gender

Diane Chamberlain, director of parks, recreation and culture, said that this change is something the city is very excited about.

“We look forward to implementing these important changes to this longstanding tradition of celebrating youth participation at this year’s Pitt Meadows Day,” said Chamberlain.

“Staff will work with youth this year to further develop the role of the Pitt Meadows Ambassadors and determine how they can be involved within the community throughout the year.”

As part of the parade festivities, the city also reminded the public that water balloons are not allowed as they pose a risk to people with mobility issues and are bad for the environment. Instead, attendees are asked to bring their water guns to join in on the fun.

From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Harris Road Park will be filled with a variety of artisans, exhibitors, kids activities, food trucks, a family-friendly beverage garden, and other entertainment.

Baldridge explained that the kids zone, artisan/exhibitor market, and beverage garden have all received upgrades this year.

“The family-friendly beverage garden has expanded to encompass the whole field and will have drinks from the Kinsmen, Foamers’ Folly Brewing Co., and NiceLife Cocktails available,” she said.

“Additionally, the kids zone and artisan/exhibitor market have more activities and vendors than they’ve ever had before, and will stay open until 7 p.m.”

About halfway through the day, the public will be invited to come visit the new Pitt Meadows Fire Hall, which will have its open house event from 1 to 4 p.m. The new fire hall is located at 19240 122A Ave., on the other side of the train tracks from the rest of the festivities, and will give people the chance to view the apparatus bay and fire trucks, as well as meet their local firefighters.

At noon, the on-stage entertainment begins at Harris Road Park, with school board trustee Hudson Campbell serving as the MC.

Some of the acts will be returning from previous Pitt Meadows Day events. However, this year’s celebration will also include newcomers MRSS Choir, Kadooh, and Playlist, a Vancouver-based band.

The on-stage entertainment will last from noon to 7 p.m., with half-hour intermissions between acts.

The usual fireworks display will not be happening this year due to the recent fire ban implemented for the Coastal Fire Centre.

READ MORE: Pitt Meadows Day will proceed, but without fireworks

Instead, the traditional salmon and chicken barbecue dinner will help close out the event, which will cost $15 per person.

“Torrie James from Katzie First Nation will be cooking the salmon this year, with members of the IAFF helping with serving it,” said Baldridge.

In order to help get to and from the festivities, the City of Pitt Meadows has established a new free shuttle service, which will stop at the Meadowtown Mall, Pitt Meadows Athletic Park, Pitt Meadows Family Rec Centre, and Harris Road Park. This shuttle service will operate from 1 to 8 p.m.

Mayor MacDonald said that everything is in place to make this a fantastic Pitt Meadows Day celebration on Saturday, June 3.

She encouraged everyone to come check out the various activities and attractions that will be on display throughout the day.

“Pitt Meadows Day is a long-standing tradition and a time to celebrate pride in our amazing community,” said MacDonald.


Have a story tip? Email: brandon.tucker@mapleridgenews.com
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The Pitt Meadows Day Royal Party will be replaced this year by the Pitt Meadows Youth Ambassadors. (The News files)


Brandon Tucker

About the Author: Brandon Tucker

I have been a journalist since 2013, with much of my career spent covering sports and entertainment stories in Alberta.
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