Hats Off Day 2013: Photos
byThe businesses along Burnaby Heights celebrated Hats Off Day on Saturday, June 1st by serving up some of their signature dishes, hosting face painting and activities, and offering special deals to the tens of thousands of participants that took to Hastings for the festivities.
From Boundary Road to Gamma, the street was car-free but filled with families, dogs and their owners, bouncy castles, live music (from bands and Staccato Studio students), and the signature show and shine. Restaurants served up samples indoors and out, with some lines were at least 50 people deep (like at Rocky’s Meats, Cioffis, or Fortuna Bakery).
A few new shops were open this year, with recent developments being completed, and new tenants like Netherworld, Burnaby Height’s own horror shop. There also seemed to be more indoor activations this year (like dance demos from Dance Addicts) — I’m guessing since there was a downpour last year — but the festivities seemed to stretch further along Hastings, with crowds fairly thick from end to end of the ten block stretch.
While Hats Off Day is only once a year, we always find ourselves saying “we have to come back and try this place” – especially if the long lines, delicious aromas, and crowds of happy customers sitting on the sidewalk digging into their samples are any indication. Mark the first Saturday in June in your calendar for next year to check out this free community event and check out Burnaby Heights at any time of year when you have the chance. You can view the rest of John’s photos in his set on Flickr.
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Congratulations to the 2013 Hats Off Day organizers …… community event well done! There is also no doubt in my mind that the Spotlight Band playing at the Chevron sponsored tent was fantastic! Great musicianship and sweet R & B tunes played by this group.
great report – I’ve organized volunteers for Hats Off Days for the past several years, and everyone agreed – this was one of our best years yet. Well done to the Heights Merchants for sponsoring such a fantastic day for families, Burnaby residents and visitors.
Please omit the cannon float for next year. The cannonball noise was too loud for my liking.
GREAT job on the parade and the street party. I had LOTS of fun!
Love the pictures from Hat’s Off Day! Thanks for sharing the story.