May is shaping up to be a merry month indeed in New Westminster for everyone from kids to seniors.
Here are some of the events you may want to check out in the weeks ahead.
Friday, May 6 to Sunday, May 8 – Jane’s Walks:
The Walkers’ Caucus has lined up nine in-person walks as part of this year’s Jane’s Walks festival – and several self-guided tours for folks who prefer that format. An evening forest walk, a beer and donuts walk, a downtown geology walk and a cruise around the Queen’s Park cultural precinct are among this year’s featured walks. Info at www.walkerscaucus.ca/janeswalk.
Saturday, May 7 – Garage sales
The annual Queen’s Park garage sale returns on Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Team Dave Vallee will publish a list of households that have registered for the event in the May 5 issue of the Record and on the Team Dave Vallee Facebook page.
The Massey Victory Heights Residents’ Association is hosting its 17th annual neighbourhood garage that same day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, go to www.masseyvictoryheights.com.
Saturday, May 14: New Westminster Horticultural Society plant sale
The New Westminster Horticultural Society’s plant sale is taking place on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (earlier if plants sell out) at St. Thomas More Collegiate. It’s located just across the border at 7450 12th Ave., right off of Kingsway.
Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22: Braid StrEAT Food Experience
More than two dozen food trucks are expected to attend the two-day Braid StrEAT Food Experience event that’s running on May 21 and 22 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 97 Braid St. – the parking lot next to the Braid SkyTrain station. Organizers expect about 25 food trucks and some local merchandise vendors to attend the event, which is being hosted by the Sapperton Business Association.
Wednesday, May 25 to Friday, May 27: The Set Up for Life Technology Festival
New West seniors can learn how to make better use of technology to stay connected at the SET Up for Life Technology Festival that’s taking place at Century House and on online. Community members are invited to take part in a digital inclusion hub (May 26 and 27), a device drive (May 25 to 27), and the SET Up for Life Technology festival (including topics like Seniors, COVID and Technology – And a Look at the Future; Learnings about Technology from the New Westminster Public Library; and Technology for Independent Living) on May 25. Details at www.centuryhouseassociation.com (Search for Clarion newsletter under the What’s Happening tab).
Saturday, May 28 – Parade, May Day, and Hyack Festival in Tipperary Park
Hyack International Parade: Floats, marching bands, community groups and more will hit the streets of New Westminster for the 50th annual Hyack parade (returning after a two-year hiatus) on Saturday, May 28, starting at 11 a.m. The parade will begin on Eighth Avenue, between Eighth and Sixth streets, proceed down Sixth Street and head into the homestretch on Queens Avenue, ending at Queen’s Park.
Hyack Festival in Tipperary Park (formerly known as the Uptown Street Fest): Previously held on Belmont Street on the day of the Hyack International Parade, this event is making the move to Tipperary Park (next to city hall) this year. The free event will include entertainment, music and activities for folks of all ages. Attendees can also support local vendors, artisan creators and food trucks, who will be setting up at the event. It starts at 11 a.m. and runs until about 4 p.m.
Details about the Hyack International Parade and the Hyack Street Fest, as well as registration information, can be found at www.hyackfestival.com.
May Day: The community-based May Day event will include the crowning of New Westminster’s May Queen, folk and maypole dances, and other festivities. It’s taking place in Queen’s Park Stadium on Saturday, May 28, with doors opening at 3 p.m. and the event getting underway at 3:30 p.m.
Follow Theresa McManus on Twitter @TheresaMcManus
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