Hats Off Day, one of Burnaby’s most beloved celebrations, is creeping up quickly; returning for its 32nd year this June 4th. It is a day for Burnaby Height’s merchants to say thank you; to ‘tip their hat’ to the customers and community that supports them. Everybody and their dog (provided they are friendly) are invited to this huge extravaganza, and costumes and/or hats are definitely encouraged! This year, the Heights Merchant’s Association has decided on a jungle theme, so dig out those masks and animal print…well, anything, and get ready for a whole day’s worth of fun, food, music and more!
The family fun festivities start at 8:30 am with some delicious pancakes at the annual pancake breakfast, the perfect fuel for participants in the Family Fun Dash at 9:30. Promoting activity, family and fun, the 3-block Family Fun Dash consists of guardian-child pairs. The entry fee is $10 per team and raises money for the Burnaby Firefighter Charitable Society. Each child will also get their own swag bag after finishing the race. There’s still time to register here!
Once the racers cross the finish line, it’s time to seek out a great viewing spot for the colourful and musical parade happening right down Hastings St. Hoot, holler and cheer for famous characters like Tarzan and Indiana Jones, local groups, marching bands and more. This parade gets bigger and better every year!
However, it is when the parade ends that things really start to go bananas. With Hastings Street blocked off for 11 blocks from Gamma Avenue to Boundary Road, it’s time for a jungle-y street party! Wander, creep or crawl Hastings between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm to see the many things the Heights merchants have to offer, plus take in the wide variety of entertainment and activities.
Each block will have something exciting and unique, from the Show and Shine Classic Car Show, to steel drummers and roving musicians, to bouncy castles and crafting areas, a fountain full of bubbles, games to play and prizes to be won, and oh! The food! Be ready to wander, enjoy and discover all the Burnaby Heights merchants have to offer!
Event Details:
What: Burnaby Heights Hats Off Day 2016
Where: Hastings Street from Gamma Avenue to Boundary Road, Burnaby BC
When: June 4th, 9:00am-4:00pm
Cost: Free to attend, there will be goodies for sale along the parade route.
Parking: Hastings is completely shut down during Hats off Day from Gamma to Boundary, there is ample parking along side streets and in community lots.
Hats Off Day is a family favourite event for a reason (or many!) and a grassroots festival at it’s finest. The feeling of community is as large as the party to celebrate it. We hope to see you there!
