Kids and adults alike will be donning their capes for this years’ Hats Off Day on June 1 in Burnaby Heights.
The theme of the 35th annual event is superheroes, according to Isabel Kolic, executive director of the Heights Merchants Association.
“We’ve already had lots of merchants and members of the public telling us how excited they are about the theme and how they’re going to pull out their Halloween costumes,” Kolic told the Now. “Kids like it too because they often do have a superhero or two in their Tickle Trunks.”
Hats Off Day is a celebration put on by Heights businesses in honour of the area, Kolic said.
“Basically Hats Off Day is a day when merchants take their hats off to the community,” she explained. “It’s our way of hosting a party showcasing the best of our district, making people really feel the community spirit in Burnaby Heights and realize what an extraordinary and special place this neighbourhood is.”
The event starts off with the Family Fun Dash at 9:30 a.m., with parents and children welcome to run the three-block course along Hastings Street from Madison to McDonald avenues.
“For lots of kids it’s their first ever race, so it’s a lot of fun,” Kolic said.
It is $5 for each child to participate, with the money going to the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society.
The parade starts after that, led by the Vancouver Motorcycle and Seattle Police Drill teams. The parade lasts about an hour, after which the street party gets started.
“We’re going to have lots of different bands and entertainment from Gamma Avenue to Boundary Road,” Kolic said. “The Heights is known for its amazing food so there’ll be tons of great food.”
The Show n’ Shine is back, this time with new category – electric cars.
“So that’ll be fun to come check out,” Kolic said.
Parking is limited, so Kolic suggests those attending take transit if at all possible. Most of the locals walk over for the event.
Hats Off Day has typically been sunny, so hats, sunscreen and comfortable shoes are recommended. But those coming out to celebrate should also prepare if it’s overcast.
“It never hurts to carry an umbrella,” Kolic said.
ENTERTAINMENT
There’s plenty to see and do at the 35th annual Hats Off Day celebration. This year includes an eclectic collection of performers, as well as inflatable fun and more.
On the Teamster's Stage (4500-block of Hastings Street):
Disco Funeral
Silver Brothers
Chloe Farrell
At Height Fountain Square (3900-block of Hastings Street):
Gentlemen of Fortune Chorus
Rhythm Resource
At Hastings Street and Esmond Avenue:
Gabriel Hasselbach and Friends
At the Show and Shine (4700-block of Hastings Street):
Iconic Tributes: Elvis and Marilyn
Roving entertainment:
Cosmo & Jumps
There are three inflatables located on Hastings Street:
Wipeout
A three-lane obstacle course
An Incredible Bounce
Willingdon, Carleton and Ingleton avenues:
The Parkland Express Train will run along Hastings Street, stopping at these three stops
