A bold new move is about to be launched with “Celebrate the Night” on October 30, 2016 from 4:30 to 8:00 pm, the traditional fireworks that were held at the Albion Fairgrounds move to the town centre.
In celebration of Halloween and all souls night, a full program of family friendly fun and experiences for all ages will be available including; storytelling, spooktacular crafts, pumpkin carving and painting, magical lanterns and shadow play screen, games, entertainment, face painting, actors in character, costume parade and festival food.
The night’s finale will be the professional fireworks display (approx. 25 minutes) to light up the sky in Memorial Peace Park from the rooftop of The ACT Arts Centre. This is an opportunity to start a new tradition in the town centre. Bring your family and friends and get dressed up or watch others in costume. Come experience the magic of night and the glow of lanterns and light, rain or shine. Celebrate the Night is a free admission event.
Recently the organizers of the “Haunted House” that has taken place for many years at the Albion Fairgrounds announced that they would no longer be running their fundraiser. This created an opportunity for a renewal of the event and the Downtown BIA, Westminster Savings and the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department of the City of Maple Ridge stepped forward to partner with the Lions Club, who has been the principal organizer of the fireworks for the last decade to collaborate in the creation of a new festival. The relocation to downtown puts the event within easy walking distance of thousands of people and within easy access to Maple Ridge’s transit hub on Edge Street behind The ACT Arts Centre.
A great chance to “refresh” the Zombie Walk, another event we championed previous years in the downtown core. This year it will be a Costume Parade, which is even more fun for children of all ages to participate and win prizes!” said Ineke Boekhorst with the Downtown Maple Ridge BIA. There is lots of parking available; we have over 1,300 on-street, surface and underground parking spaces in both public and private facilities within five blocks of the event. This is going to be a wonderful family friendly event that will run rain or shine,” she added.
The event has attracted a number of new community partners to build on the legacy of the Lions Club volunteers who will be hosting a BBQ of hamburgers and hotdogs along with hot chocolate. The proceeds raised will go towards the production of the fireworks and programs on October 30. There’s pumpkin painting and a demonstration of masterful carving skills by Sandra Solon, a local Hammond resident. Artists Naomi Singer, Robi Smith and Heather Dawn Sparks will create a magical lantern installation with an interactive sculptural shadow play artwork. Westminster Savings will be providing popcorn, crafts, toys and giveaways and Halloween inspired games along with a show by family singer-songwriter Norman Foote at The ACT Arts Centre.
“By any measure, this is shaping up to be an exciting new civic celebration,” said Mayor Read. “On behalf of Council I would like to thank all of the organizers and volunteers who have been working to create the ‘Celebration of Night’ festival. I would like to invite everyone to join us at Memorial Peace Park on Sunday, October 30 for all the activities and the amazing professional fireworks display.”
As the event will be taking place outdoors, please dress for the weather and we encourage carpooling, walking and taking transit so plan your night with some additional time built in. Go to mrpmparksandleisure.ca/439/Celebrate-the-Night for more details. Updates will also be posted to social media.
We wish to thank our generous sponsors and partners working in collaboration with the City of Maple Ridge: Westminster Savings, Maple Ridge Lions Club, The ACT Arts Centre, Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association, Maple Ridge Library, Impact Canopies, Emerald Pig Theatrical Society, The Royal Canadian Theatre Company, Secret Lantern Society, Heather Dawn Sparks, Robi Smith - Artist in Residence and Sandra Solon.
For questions, please contact Yvonne Chui, Arts & Community Connections Manager at 604-467-7415 or ychui@mapleridge.ca">ychui@mapleridge.ca. Photos are available upon request.
