Organizers of the annual Hats Off Day parade and street festival want you to get your sea legs ready because this year’s event is all about pirates and sailors.
Hats Off Day is a day-long street festival where businesses in the Heights show their appreciation for the community and its support. It’s organized by the Heights Merchants Association and the Hats Off Day committee, and this year it’s happening on Saturday, June 2.
The festivities get started with the Family Fun Dash, now in its sixth year. The 550-metre race runs from Madison Avenue to MacDonald Avenue along Hastings Street.
Participants must be accompanied by a team captain over the age of 15 (captains can accompany up to four runners) and entry costs $5.
At the finish line, participants receive a ribbon and a swag bag. Proceeds from the race are donated to the Burnaby Firefighters’ Charitable Society.
After the dash, it’s time for the parade.
Applications are already being accepted for parade entries for this year.
Keep in mind the pirates and sailors theme because there are a number of awards up for grabs for groups that really kick it up a notch.
The parade begins at Beta Avenue and is led down Hastings Street by the Vancouver and Seattle police departments’ drill teams.
Past participants have included the Rotary Club of Burnaby, McGill library branch (last year they won best overall theme), Burnaby Citizens Crime Watch and the Burnaby NOW.
The street festival gets underway after the parade and includes music, performances, kids activities, food and a show and shine.
Any Heights merchants or non-profits looking to set up a booth at the festival are encouraged to apply now. Folks interested in taking part in the show and shine can also apply now.
For more information and all application forms, go to http://hatsoffday.com.
