Thousands of people were at the annual Christmas in Pitt Meadows celebration at city hall on Friday night.
Families flocked to Spirit Square and the Family Recreation Centre, for what Mayor Nicole MacDonald calls “one of our most cherished traditions.”
Mike Hayes recalled the first such event, organized by the Pitt Meadows Foundation with the city, with bands and a tree lighting ceremony. It was all outdoors, and drew only about 300 people that first year, almost 30 years ago. The next year it drew 1,000, and it has been growing steadily since, moving indoors and making use of facilities.
“The word got out, and they’ve really done a great job organizing it,” said the city councillor.
Parents there with their children said it’s one of their favourite events put on by city hall.
There were carollers, live entertainment, children’s games, and activities like decorating cookies with icing and candy. A train offered rides through the park, there was the annual road hockey game for those who wanted something more boisterous, and
To eat, there was cotton candy, caramel corn, cinnamon buns, and even sushi tacos.
Santa led the countdown to the annual tree lighting ceremony that lit up the giant evergreen overlooking the square as the crowd cheered.
Maple Ridge’s annual Christmas festival happens tomorrow, Dec. 6 in Memorial Pace Park. Christmas in the Park begins at 4 p.m. with a focus on family fun, and there is a Christmas market from 4-8 p.m.
At 6 p.m. there will be the lighting of the Christmas tree in the southwest side of the park, and the Santa Claus parade will begin.