The 29th Annual Fraser Valley Children's Festival returns to Fraser River Heritage Park in Mission on Sunday (June 8) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The free event, presented by the Mission Arts Council, features activities for younger children, including music, vendors, and creative exploration.
"It's like a kick off to the summer. It's an all-ages, family event. We just hope everyone can come out and enjoy the festivities, enjoy community, enjoy each other and have fun," Mission Arts Council executive director Nancy Arcand said.
The festival features almost 100 vendors and stations, including crafts, video games, community organizations and more.
New this year is the Ghostbusters Ecto-One car, a wrestling tournament instead of a single show, fly ball dogs, and an instrument-making workshop.
Main stage performances last throughout the day, beginning with an opening and welcome song from Herman Dan, prior to performances from Arch Way Dance, Albert McMahon Bhangra dancers, the wrestling tournament, puppets and magic.
Roving performers include jugglers, stilt walkers, and the Star Wars' 501 Garrison. Food trucks featured during the event are Candy Shack, Lil Joe's Corner Kick Concessions, Odd Burger, Kona Ice, Big Red's Poutine, Groovin Grill/Lemonade, Just Jerkin Around, Gordo's Concessions, Bubble T Xpress, and Chicken on Tires.
Last year, the festival broke a record with over 9,000 visitors coming out to Heritage Park for the event.
"What's really evident is that it is not just a community event. It's becoming a regional event. We have visitors from Chilliwack, from Burnaby, from Surrey, from Agassiz and of course Abbotsford, Mission and Maple Ridge. But it's the only children's festival in the Fraser Valley – there's nothing really out this way, and that's why we've been so successful in the last 29 years," Arcand said.
