by Owen Munro, Contributor
Organizers of MissionFest believe this year’s edition will the biggest one ever.
Jamie Hayes, executive director of the organizing Mission Downtown Business Association, is expecting more than 6,000 people to roll down First Avenue on Saturday, Aug. 12 for a day full of family-friendly fun.
She said with it being Mission’s 125th birthday and Canada’s 150th anniversary, they have been stepping up to make it an extra-special celebration. But, as always, it’s a relaxing day that won’t weigh on people’s pockets.
“I’d say this will be the biggest one ever. A lot of the businesses have stepped up to make this really special,” Hayes said. “We pride ourselves on making MissionFest as affordable as possible. Almost everything there is free.”
This year will feature some of the fun of past years, from zip-lining for kids to craft beer tasting for adults. Local buskers and live entertainment will be going on all afternoon, and shops and restaurants will be open along the downtown strip.
Hayes said a lot of Mission’s heritage involves agriculture and the railroad, so they are also offering demonstrations from the Fraser Valley Antique Farm Machinery Association and a small ride-on train.
There will also be tours of the historic places in the downtown core and even Gay Music Bingo at The Stage throughout the day.
Hayes notes it’s a successful event for everyone as it brings in a lot of revenue for business and gives people an exciting day without having to travel. She also believes it will be a boon for new families that may be moving out to the Fraser Valley.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to bring people in who might not normally go there and it’s a good opportunity for businesses to showcase themselves as well,” she said.
“They will come in and have no idea we have an English teahouse or an escape room.”
She also admits she isn’t one for passing up a good deal, encouraging everyone to support the unique businesses in Mission.
For more information leading up to the event, contact Jamie Hayes at info@downtownmission.ca.