Happy Canada Day from Surrey 2012

Surrey Canada Day is in full swing at the Cloverdale Millenium Amphitheatre, just off 176th and 64th Avenue in Surrey. The smell of mini donuts fills the air as children get their faces painted, mascots roam the grounds, families enjoy picnic take-out lunches, and costumed storytellers charm walk-up audiences.

The event kicked off around 10:30am with not a single drop of rain, although the soggy ground has turned the venue into a giant mud pit. Spirits are high, despite the need for gumboots, and thousands have turned out for festivities that include concerts, crafts, activities, midway rides, motocross, and much more.

Official opening ceremonies involved Surrey City Council members like Linda Hepner and Barinder Rasode, along with MPs and MLAs such as MP Nina Grewal and MLA Stephanie Cadieux, and Mayor Dianne Watts.

Young sensation Cole Armour lead us all in the singing of O! Canada before hundreds of red and white cupcakes were handed out to the crowd.

Paralympian Ashley Gowanlock of Surrey
with City of Surrey’s Bryan Tasaka

Highlights this year include staples like the Jamaican smoothie truck and kettle corn, and a super double stage setup for the Peak Performance Project Top 20 finalists.

There are still plenty of free concerts happening this afternoon and evening before the fireworks light up the night around 10:15pm.

On the main stage you’ll find Jerry Doucette (5:30pm), DJ Flipout (6:10pm, 7:15pm, 8:10pm), Jordan Cook (6:30pm), Hannah Georgas (7:30pm), Mark Donnelly with O! Canada (8:35pm), and Sam Roberts Band at 8:45pm.

If you are at the event, use the tag #SCD2012 on Twitter when you post your updates and photos. Miss604.com is proud to sponsor Surrey Canada Day for the fourth year in a row.

All photos in this post are by John Bollwitt or are my own.