New West residents will soon get to see the float that took top honours in the recent Washington State Apple Blossom Stemilt Grand Parade.
The Hyack Festival Association represented New Westminster in the May 7 parade in Wenatchee, where the local float received the Grand Sweepstakes Award – an award given to the most outstanding float in all divisions.
“The crowds were incredibly welcoming,” said Hyack president Becci Dewinetz. “Our beautiful 50th anniversary float and the great job our ambassadors did with their amazing choreography won us the Grand Sweepstakes Award.”
Dewinetz, as well as other Hyack members and Hyack ambassadors, presented the float at city hall on May 9.
According to the Hyack Festival Association, the float is a replica of the association’s float from 1981, when Dewinetz was named Miss New Westminster and accompanied the float around B.C. and the Pacific Northwest. The gold and red float features six big crowns (three on each side) with a huge spinning crown on top near the back.
Hyack’s Decades of Dedication float will be among the entries to hit local streets in the Hyack International Parade on Saturday, May 28. Other stops on its parade circuit include Spokane, Marysville, Olympia, Seattle, Penticton and Leavenworth.
According to Dewinetz, one of Hyack’s main goals is promoting tourism for New Westminster.
At Monday’s council meeting, the mayor proclaimed May 28 as Hyack International Parade and Festival.
The proclamation states that Hyack Festival is recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as a fun and family oriented celebration and welcome and encourages participation by local citizens and visitors from around the world.
“The festival preserves history and traditions, promotes the City of New Westminster, stimulates the local economy and entertains and involves people in a fun-filled atmosphere, and the Hyack Festival is committed to providing a safe outdoor platform for our citizens to joyfully come together after a long pandemic hiatus apart,” reads the proclamation.
After being cancelled by COVID-19, Dewinetz said Hyack is thrilled that its signature parade is back in full swing this year. Last year, which was the parade’s 50th anniversary year, Hyack held a drive-thru parade because of pandemic-related gathering restrictions.
“We invite you all to join us for our 50th anniversary, 2.0 version, on May 28 at 11 a.m.,” Dewinetz said. “After the last couple of years, we feel that we all need a little joy in our lives. This is your Hyack Festival Association’s way of bringing that joy and fun to you, the citizens of New Westminster.”
The May 28 parade begins at 11 a.m. on Eighth Avenue at Sixth Street, travels down Sixth Street to Queens Avenue, and continues on Queens Avenue until it reaches Queen’s Park. That same day, Hyack is also holding the Hyack Festival in Tipperary Park (formerly the Uptown Street Fest) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Tipperary Park and in front of city hall.
Details about the parade, the festival and other activities being planned for the summer, fall and winter of 2022 can be found at www.hyackfestival.com.
“Our golden jubilee anniversary will be a tremendous year of celebration and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy,” Dewinetz said. “Our Hyack International Parade and festival in Tipperary Park, as well as our tropical tiki night, music bingo, Royal City rally, trivia nights and the summer fireworks – the year will be filled with fun.”
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