Crowds come out for Canada Day

The crowds turned out in force on Tuesday to fly the Maple Leaf and enjoy the sights as they celebrated Canada Day in Abbotsford.

Starting with the traditional parade down South Fraser Way, the procession was followed by an array of attractions and entertainment that continued into the night.

City of Abbotsford spokeswoman Tracy Klassen gave the event a glowing report, believing that the 2008 attendance figures were particularly high – perhaps in part because Canada Day fell on a Tuesday and more people stayed in town,

“The numbers were definitely up on prior years,” she said.

“The weather helped out . . . and it’s definitely getting bigger every year.”

Speaking yesterday, Klassen was unsure of the exact numbers but said the parade traditionally attracts approximately 10,000 people each year, while 45,000 generally turn out in total for the various attractions.

The parade featured more than 75 community entries, and was followed by a family fun day at Exhibition Park.

Main stage entertainment continued throughout the day, and concluded with a fireworks finale at 10 p.m.

One potential problem occurred with the wind, according to Klassen, who said the fireworks display was in jeopardy at one point.

Fortunately, she said the gusts subsided enough for the fireworks to be activated as planned.

Other highlights this year included the Mighty Fraser Riders, and main stage performers including Stacey McKitrick, Good Thief, First Nations groups, local band The Authorities, country music singer Kristal Barrett and Canadian Idol finalist Greg Neufeld. The family festival at Exhibition Park included eight play zones, as well as mini golf, bouncy castles, obstacle courses and community demonstrations.

One particularly well-received element of the entertainment, according to Klassen, was a play entitled Our Town which celebrated B.C.’s 150th anniversary.

When it comes to costs for the event, Klassen said the City of Abbotsford receives grant money and financial help from the Prospera Credit Union.

The city also gets a deal on fireworks, she pointed out, explaining that the fireworks for a display that would generally cost approximately $15,000 are made available to the city for around $6,000.

n The Mt. Lehman Community Association also celebrated Canada Day with a pancake breakfast in the community hall. That breakfast was followed by kids’ games and historical displays.