Rivers Day in Langley will offer some changes, including a new location, new events, and a new valet parking service – for cyclists.
The BC Rivers Day Community Festival, an annual celebration of water and nature, will take on a whole new look in a whole new place this year. The free, family-oriented event, which enhances understanding of the environment and spotlights our water resources, will be held Sunday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Derek Doubleday Arboretum.
“For more than 25 years, the Township of Langley has been hosting the Rivers Day Festival so that people of all ages can learn how to keep our community green and healthy,” said Meaghan Norton Daniel, environmental coordinator with the Township. “This year, the festival will leave its traditional location at Williams Park for a new site at the Arboretum. This is an amazing spot that is home to the Nicomekl River, lush natural habitat, trees and trails, and the Langley Demonstration Garden. It is the ideal location for this unique celebration.”
The Derek Doubleday Arboretum is located in the 21200 block of Fraser Highway, and Norton Daniel is hoping the central location will make it easy for residents to stop in and explore. The area is flat and full of sturdy trails that offer access to those in wheelchairs or with strollers.
During Rivers Day, visitors can enjoy more than 25 interactive displays and activity booths, featuring gold panning, Dreamfish painting, an animal costume parade, live owls, and a climbing wall. Live entertainment will be presented by Angela Brown (The Ta Da Lady), Tony Prophet, and the Genuine Jug Band.
A free barbecue lunch will be provided from 11:30 a.m. until supplies last. Guest are encouraged to bring their own reusable water containers for drinks, and a concession will be available for those who would like to purchase refreshments.
Attendees are being encouraged to use alternative transportation methods to arrive at the event.
Attendees cycling to the event will be greeted by the Bicycle Valet, a service offered by BEST (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation).