Hope’s Brigade Days promises to be better than ever with a whole new line up of events and entertainers throughout the weekend, starting at 4 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 9) and ending 7 p.m. on Sunday (Sept. 11).
The 53rd Hope Brigade Days will take place at the Sixth Avenue fairgrounds, curling rink, and various ball fields throughout Hope. This year’s main new events are the Edison Big Truck Show and Shine, the Laughing Logger Sports Show, and the GO TAIKO, Taiko Japanese drummers. Canadian country singer Aaron Pritchett will also be performing at the event on Saturday at 8 p.m.
“I’m feeling quite positive about it. I hope lots of people come out to see it,” says Lori Isbister, the president of the Brigade Days event. “There’s lots of good buzz. And there seems to be good interest in the parade this year, which is exciting…there’s lots of local businesses that are excited about participating this year. Plus we have some bands and other entertainment as well.”
Beginning in 1968, Hope Brigade Days originally started as a community event to celebrate the end of a successful tourist season. Today it is an annual tradition enjoyed by both locals and visitors, new and old.
For this year’s new events, people attending the Edison Big Truck Show can expect a display and performance of big rig trucks from Friday to Sunday. People who donate money to B.C. Children’s Hospital, during the show, will also get the chance to ride in an electric brake truck and see how it works.
For the Laughing Logger, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, people can expect a comedy show featuring logging and watersports.
And those wanting to see GO TAIKO can expect a performance of traditional Japanese taiko (drumming). Sponsored by the Sunshine Valley Tashme Museum, the group will perform on Saturday.
“Just come and have a good time,” says Isbister. “Because it’s about celebrating community. And it’s about celebrating Hope and all it has to offer.”
A number of events and performances are also returning to Brigade Days including the Motorsport events and derbies, the Grand Parade, and the laser show. And while it isn’t new for Hope, the Peter’s Family Memorial Ball tournament will be making its first appearance and will take place each day, starting Friday at 4 p.m.
While many of the events are free, a few require gateway admission or wristbands which can be bought at Canyon Cable, Pharmasave, and Lordco. Wristbands, along with a schedule for the events, are also available online at www.brigadedays.com.
READ MORE: Country star Aaron Pritchett headlines this year’s Brigade Days in Hope
@KemoneMoodley
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