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Celebrating Brigade Days

Thousands of people turned out to Sixth Avenue Park last weekend to take part in the 43rd annual Brigade Days festivities.
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Ryan Mercer's competitive modified Chevrolet truck kicks up mud as he rounds a corner on the 4x4 race track at the Hope Sports Bowl on Saturday. The Brigade Days event had 26 trucks and two-wheel buggies competing for the fastest time.

Thousands of people turned out to Sixth Avenue Park last weekend to take part in the 43rd annual Brigade Days festivities.

“Overall, it was a tremendous success,” said Michael McLoughlin, vice-president of the organizing committee.

The Friday night show featuring Darryl Weyman as Johnny Cash and the internationally renown ABBA tribute band Arrival had a record turnout this year as well as the Saturday afternoon line-up starring Luisa Marshall as Tina Turner.

Entries into the 4x4 and mini-stock races as well as the demolition derby were also higher than in past years. A total of 56 cars, trucks and buggies signed up to compete in the motorsports events.

The Briggie Pete Trade Show returned this year with 20 participants, showcasing a range of local artisans, service groups and businesses.

McLouglin said the outdoor movie night at Christ Church Historic Site on Saturday was also an unexpected hit, with 70 people in attendance for the inaugural event. In addition, the old-fashioned hymn-sing on Sunday night signaling the end of weekend festivities was sold out.

Planning is already underway for Brigade Days 2012, but McLoughlin said more volunteers will be needed next year to run the events.

Check out the latest edition of The Hope Standard and Facebook for more photos from last weekend's festivities.