UPDATE:
Due to windstorm, organizers have cancelled the pre-parade party and the parade.
More to come.
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Original story:
Aldergrove's 30th annual Christmas Light Up parade is being held once again at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, after a community party.
Thousands are expected to enjoy the pre-parade party and spectate the floats, said Alyssa Nielsen, president of the Christmas committee.
“Aldergrove is a growing community with lots of young families, but also an older generation, who are all looking for meaningful community events to participate in,” Nielsen commented.
There will be more floats in this year's parade, with more than 60 registered by press time on Monday.
Nielsen said there will be some new additions this year, including a float by Crime Stoppers.
"They have something fun in mind, so I'm excited to see," she said.
Volunteers have also been working hard at rebuilding and designing Santa's parade float to make it "more magical," Nielsen shared.
"It's such a community effort. I'm blown away by the amount of businesses and individuals in the community who are totally stepping forward to contribute what they can. It's amazing."
She added that those able and interested to volunteer can still help out as the committee is seeking people to help with clean-up and take-down after the event. People can email VolunteersAldergrove@gmail.com.
The pre-parade party will kick off the evening at 4 p.m. in the plaza which will have hotdogs, juice, and hot chocolate provided by the Aldergrove Elks, Aldergrove Rotary Club, Gulf & Fraser Financial, Fresco, and Otter Co-op.
The party kicks off a half-hour earlier this year to allow people more time to enjoy the festivities, Nielsen noted.
Live entertainment will be performed on stage, including Christmas Swing Trio as the party's headliner. Thor will also make a special appearance this year.
Letters will be provided for kids to fill out and mail to Santa through the North Pole mailbox.
There will also be a free holiday-theme photo booth with Santa.
“We all need joy in our lives, and this event will be filled with joy,” Nielsen said.
The parade itself starts at 6 p.m. and runs along Fraser Highway from 270 to 273 Streets.
Nielsen thanked the Township of Langley and Gulf & Fraser for the support in holding the parade each year in downtown Aldergrove.
Everything at the event is free, but Nielsen asks those who are able to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Aldergrove Food Bank.
Nielsen recommends viewing the floats from Parade Central at the intersection of Fraser Highway and 272 Street, where all the activities will be.
The Aldergrove Veterans & Seniors Society will also be open to view the parade from the warmth of its building at 27247 Fraser Hwy. Hot chocolate will be handed out too.
Former Aldergrove Fair president Robin McIntosh will again return as the parade host.
Roads will be closed along the parade route, as well as from 268 to 270 Streets at 5:30 to 7 p.m.
