As a city, New Westminster hovers between a sense of reverence for the past and plans for the future.
During the past few years, some residents have touted the "new" New West while others have firmly supported the traditional Royal City.
May Day is as traditional as you can get. There are very few communities in B.C. that can boast an ancient festival celebrated for 143 years in the same community. Though there are many residents who do not consider it something to boast about and would like to see it cancelled.
For those who see New Westminster as a beacon of what a modern community can be, there are events such as Uptown Live.
The fledgling festival features a pretty heady array of well-known, up-and-coming bands such as The Belle Game and Bend Sinister.
Kids here have the joyful and intimidating responsibility of learning all of the complicated steps to dancing 'round the maypole - and there will be nightmares about being the kid who takes the whole thing down - ribbons, children and all.
But they also get to grow up in a city where they'll likely get to see their favourite bands on stage at a huge, free concert.
The juxtaposition of these two celebrations being held during the same week is really what New Westminster is all about.
Western Canada's oldest city is also going through a modern transformation, with a very careful balance being struck between old and new.
It's easy to prefer one over the other. Those residents with a nostalgic bent may have no time for changes that seem like a flash in the pan to them, while those pushing for a new identity for the city don't want to focus on the past.
But the great thing about this city is, there is plenty of room for both reverence and change.
