Editor:

I am hoping that you are able to publish this offer of a big thank you for the Aldergrove Festival Days organizers, the Langley Arts Council and all participants of the Parade and Festival this weekend past. What a fantastic job everyone has done. Bringing together the amusement centre, the military, the arts as well as vibrant segments of our society — congratulations to those who were responsible for putting it all together.

This is a part of who we are as community and for myself being plunked in the centre this time as part of the Artisans Alley I experienced a new side of Aldergrove that is bursting at the seams. I am proud to be a part of smalltown life.

In the past I have experienced the festival and participated in different aspects of both the parade and fair. But this year has been the highlight of my life. To be a part of a group of artists of many forms alongside a stage of vocal artists and magicians is quite eye opening. Even when the heavens opened up, the rain fell and thunder and lightening shook the skies people stayed to listen to a 10-year-old singing his heart out. It was amazing and goose bumps covered our flesh as his notes touched our souls. We knew we were experiencing a very special moment in time. As the last note fell the thunder clapped and the lightening struck just behind the stage as though the heavens were offering approval and applause to the small town of Aldergrove. This was only one of many magical moments.

Why did we feel so deeply touched? Was it because we were all there sharing parts of who we are for the enjoyment of others? The feeling of magic or mystery continued on into the next day with laughter and joy echoing across the fields.

Watching children racing across the green grass, clutching balloons to reach the stage area where there, wide-eyed, they watch a juggler toss flames into the air, then gasp as he safely catches the flaming stick. There were artists sharing their skills and gifts to all who walked by. Screams of joy ripping out of the zipper and other amusement park rides; puppies racing around a ring and the smells of hot dogs stirring the appetite, all wonderful memories to hold on to.

I have many fond memories as a child clutching cotton candy and watching the ox teams vie for the top spot of pulling the greatest weight every summer in a small village in Nova Scotia. Now that my children have all grown and are having children of their own I am grateful they will be able to bring their young ones to experience the tractor pulls, the parades, the fairs and the magic of small town life.

I am grateful that our children will have opportunities to build memories of the little things, the simple things in life that make us smile.

Aldergrove, you have a lot to give to those who live here and the guests who stop by to participate — keep up the good work everyone!

A grateful member of this community,

Jacque Wills, Aldergrove