The Seattle Seafair pirates are making a return to the Royal City.
When the Hyack International Parade takes to the streets of New West on Saturday, May 26, the pirates of the Seattle Seafair will be in attendance – and they’ll be hard to miss as they make their presence known with their “cannon” noisemaker and siren. Also attending this year’s parade is New West native Christoph von Riedemann, a dancer with Ballet B.C. who is this year’s honorary parade marshal.
The Hyack Festival and members of the Hyack Ambassador youth leadership team recently visited city hall to unveil this year’s float, which has a theme of Rooted in Tradition; Blossoming into the Future. It features a Dogwood tree, which traditionally blooms in May and is the floral emblem of British Columbia.
Hyack President Bryn-Erin Ward said the theme celebrates the heritage and culture of New Westminster, with its European roots, the charm and culture of the May Day celebration, and the hometown feel she believes is vital to healthy growth.
“Named by Queen Victoria after her favourite part of London and once the capital of mainland B.C., it is a magical city, rich in heritage and culture that encourages us to blossom, take root and grow. Hence this year’s theme: Rooted in Tradition; Blossoming into the Future,” she said in a press release.
The Hyack International Parade gets underway on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Sixth Street and Eighth Avenue, travelling down Sixth street and turning on to Queens Avenue.
