The Our Neck of the Woods Festival in Maple Ridge attracted more than 20,000 attendees, and 98 per cent of those surveyed want to see it return next year.
City council is considering whether to bring back the festival, and recently reviewed a staff report on the event.
Councillors saw liquor sales were $101,000, and merchandise sales (for event t-shirts, hoodies, hats, etc.) totaled $19,000.
Staff said the merchandise is not intended to be a money-maker for the city, but reinforces the city brand.
“Our goal for people walking around with Our Neck of the Woods swag is to really reinforce the brand,” said Russ Brummer, the city manager of arts, culture and events. “It hasn’t been a money-maker for the city, it’s been more of a way of ensuring that, at the end of the day people wear that brand and walk around in it, and it helps spread the message of the amazing things that are happening in the city.”
Staff said the festival supports local business and tourism development, and even promotes investment attraction.
“Our Neck of the Woods has proven to be a transformative event for Maple Ridge, fostering community pride, economic growth, and cultural celebration,” said the staff report. “The festival’s success, both in attendance and impact, supports its continuation and potential expansion. Council’s support will be instrumental in sustaining and growing this signature event into a cornerstone of Maple Ridge’s cultural identity.”
Our Neck of the Woods was born as celebration of the city’s 150th anniversary in 2024, but was brought back again on Sept. 26, with the Sam Roberts Band among the headliners at Memorial Peace Park. The downtown was closed to vehicle traffic, and there were market booths, food trucks, a zipline, and other family entertainments. There was also two stages and adult beverage sales at the event.
According to city staff, 98 per cent of 403 survey respondents at the event expressed interest in the festival’s return, and 88 per cent of those were Maple Ridge residents “indicating strong community support.”
The $350,000 budget item was funded from accumulated surplus, but council would need to consider add it to the city budget going forward, said staff.
The event had $120,000 in financial sponsorships from partners including TransLink, Meadowridge School, BC Lottery Corporation, Chances Casino, and the Maple Ridge Downtown BIA.
Local businesses experienced a surge in activity, with one restaurant on 224th Street breaking its all-time sales record and another reporting an 80 per cent increase in revenue due, said the report.
Future ideas include more merchandise, a bigger family zone, more business investment, and using The Act Arts Centre.
Staff said early planning is important, as soon as January, due to the impact of FIFA 2026 in June and July.
Mayor Dan Ruimy said it’s important to find metrics that track the long-term impact of the event.
“It’s hard to find anything negative with what we all saw,” said the mayor. “It was very well executed.”
“This is going to help us, as we become a regional powerhouse, not only in tourism, but in arts and culture as well.”
Coun. Korleen Carreras said the event is important in creating pride in the community, and attracting investment.
“We are family oriented, we are fun – Maple Ridge can be modern and cool,” she said.
The issue will be on the agenda for a decision at the next meeting of council.