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PHOTOS: Biggest Hope Brigade Days ever

50th edition draws in 7,000 over the weekend

The golden anniversary of Hope Brigade Days turned out to be the event’s biggest celebration ever.

The 50th annual gathering saw around 7,000 take in all the festivities, which ran from Friday to Sunday.

Event vice-president Lori Isbister said the 50th celebration was a memorable one.

“We had record attendance and I think the biggest crowd ever,” she said. “It was just a very successful weekend for us.”

Isbister said Saturday’s parade was a big highlight, noting that the Seattle Cossacks motorcycle stunt and drill team were “phenomenal”. The team also made a special performance to seniors who were unable to check out the parade.

Another thrill was seeing legendary Canadian rock band April Wine hit the stage on Saturday night. She said the rockers brought a huge crowd, but that Hope band Swampwater, who played just prior also thrilled the crowd

“It was completely packed for April Wine - and just think how many people would have been there if it was sunny,” she said. “And I think Swampwater was a huge highlight. A lot of people came from out of town and they really impressed people who hadn’t seen them before.”

The event’s big success also led to a few minor issues with event attendees. Isbister acknowledged challenges with the popularity of the beer garden, and also the new smoking by-law rules frustrating some Brigade Day goers. She said the organizing committee will be working to improve on those issues for 2019.

“We had a few growing pains this year because there was such a huge influx of people,” she said. “Next year we promise to address their concerns because in the end we just want to make this the best experience as possible for everyone.”

Isbister also thanked the efforts of the hard working people, who helped with clean-up and organization and who the unsung heroes helped make the event succeed.

For more on the event, visit brigadedays.com.


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Ben Lypka

About the Author: Ben Lypka

I joined the Abbotsford News in 2015.
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