Winterfest 2009: Opening Ceremonies, March Forth, Eva Avila, Faber Drive and Thornley

After a brief presentation about Surrey’s involvement in the 2010 games (including being a stop on the torch’s journey) the evening festivities began here at Winterfest.

A funky marching band from Oregon, March Forth, played a quick set that involved dozens of instruments and a fireworks display that had glittery spark cascade down over the crowd with the majestic Central City building in the background.

John and I then headed into the sponsors reception, which was filled with council dignitaries, Olympic athletes, and the awesome crew who put this event together.

We were enjoying some dinner (along with wifi and power for our MacBooks) inside Central City Brew Pub while Eva Avila took the stage so I hopped out to check out her set. The crowd absolutely loved her as she played a charismatic set on the main stage here in the plaza.

Faber Drive is up next and then we’ll have coverage of Thornley‘s set soon. In the meantime, check out the 100+ photos John has taken today.

We finished the day with Thornley on the big stage in the middle of Central City plaza in Surrey. I’ll have a full event recap up within the next day or so but for now you can enjoy the photos we took at this fantastic (free) event put on by the City of Surrey.

Browse my Flickr set from Winterfest 2009, as well as John’s Flickr set.