May Day in Fort Langley is a 91-year-old tradition, which takes place in Fort Langley each Victoria Day.
Historically, this was a day when farmers, shop owners and town residents took a break to spend a day with their families and neighbours.
With many of the families in the area having ties to England, Victoria Day became a good day to pay homage to their homeland with a celebration.
Over the years, May Day has undergone many changes. In the 1960s the local firemen's band played music in the streets. In the 1980s, there was a major midway at the community park. And in recent years the celebration has been spread throughout the community, leaving a few people with tired feet.
After much thought and feedback from locals and visitors alike this year's May Day has returned to its roots.
The celebration will start with a community parade down Glover Road which will finish at the community park, behind the cemetery.
After the parade, the traditional May Pole dancing will take place, with participants from many local schools.
Following that, this year's May Queen will be officially crowned. After the official ceremonies are through, visitors and residents are encouraged to enjoy free entertainment until 4 p.m.
At 3:30 the winner of the first May Day raffle draw will be announced.
There are only 1,000 tickets available priced at $5 each the main prize is 46" television. Also up for grabs is an iPad, a weekend for two at Harrison Hot Springs, a stay at the old fort and a family movie basket.
This year's event will take place in its entirety at the Fort Langley Community Park. This is where the Lions' famous May Day chicken will be served. There will also be rides for the kids, mini golf and more than 19 vendors.
Funds are raised to host the event through donations and, this year, through a raffle draw.
Many of the merchants in Fort Langley have been very generous, as well.
The Fort Langley BIA and many other businesses have also helped, as well as the Township. The prizes for the raffle draw were generously donated by Lordco, Save On Foods, Homelife Benchmark Walnut Grove, The Old Fort and The Fort Langley Lions. The May Day committee is an independent committee, which is backed and supported by The Fort Langley Lions. The Lions have supported this event for decades and it would not take place without them.
Event at a glance
• The 91st annual May Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 20. The parade will form on Church Street and will begin at 11 a.m., heading west along Mavis Avenue to Glover Road. Once on Glover, the floats will travel south to 88 Avenue and then turn west.
From 88 Avenue, it will turn north and travel along Trattle Street to St. Andrew's before turning east and heading into Fort Langley Community Park.
Once the parade has arrived in the park, the May Queens and the Royal Party will be piped in. There will then be May Pole Dancing followed by live entertainment until 4 p.m.
The Lions famous barbecue chicken will be available at the park. There will be rides for the children, mini golf for everyone, vendors, food and much more.
Go to maydayfortlangley.com for more information.