Abbotsford events celebrate heritage, BC's anniversary
Wed, September 17 2008
Two full days of celebrations will take place Sept. 21 and 22. From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 21, a Cariboo Gold Rush of 1858-themed Olde Fashioned Picnic will take place by the river. Throughout the afternoon you can enjoy panning for gold, games such as croquet, hoops and sticks, paint a mural, make a lantern and listen to stories of Abbotsford from cartoonist Ernie Poignant. Trail rides organized by Matsqui Stables and Fraser River Safari Boat Tours will also be available.
Live entertainment will include the CFV Fiddlers, Bhangra/Gidda Dancers, Abbotsford Children’s Theatre, singer Baraa Safaa Ali, Klondike singer Shirley Rodgers, singer Emily Adams, the Inverglen Scottish Dancers, Wild West Cancan Dancers, Theatre on the River with Fraser Valley Stage, Abbotsford Grand Square Dancers and the Old Time Fiddle Kids.
The picnic will be followed by the 2nd Annual Spirit Lantern Festival. Create your own personal lantern and enter the parade.
The celebrations will end with an illuminating fireworks display on the River.
Entertainment includes Fraser Valley Korean Drummers, the Shan E Khalsa Gattka drummers and the Spirit Lantern Fairy leading the parade of lanterns. The evening will conclude with popular country singer Kristal Barrett.
The festivities on Sept. 22 will begin with the arrival of the Fraser Valley Stage Pioneer Families. This day marks the historic opening of Abbotsford’s new Cultural Centre. The celebrations will include entertainment by the MEI Marching Band, and an opportunity to view a special Welcome Figure, Xay teluk – a commission by Abbotsford Spirit of BC carved by premier Salish artist Stan Greene and fellow Tsimshian artist Reynold Collins.
