An estimated crowd of 5,000 people came out to celebrate the fifth annual MissionFest celebration.
Downtown Mission was bursting with people on hand to check out free games, activities and information booths.
This year’s version of the family-friendly event is being called the biggest success in the event’s history.
“It was exciting. The weather was good. We had good participants, thousands of people, it was the least stressful one we’ve everhad,” said Rhett Nicholson, local businessman, councilor and one of the event coordinators.
The event featured free games and activities for kids, displays by local groups and businesses and lots of family-fun.
The Reptile Guy held his official opening as part of the festival and the new facility was packed throughout the day.
A powwow took place, live stage shows and more.
“The kids have a blast. It’s really one of the only events where you get so much for free,” said Nicholson.
He said now that the event is “established” in Mission, sponsors will, hopefully, get on board earlier, knowing that thousands ofpeople come each year.
“We want to grow the event. We are looking at doing a logger sport event. That would be three-day event.”
Nicholson explained if a logging show was eventually added, it wouldn’t force the Lougheed Highway to be closed for three days,rather it would be held at an alternate location in conjunction with MissionFest.
“On the day of the festival we could bring it downtown and incorporate the logging history of Mission,” he said. That couldinclude old saws and other antiques as part of a display.
“Every year we are going to try and bring something new.”
