The Hyack float is batting a thousand early in the festival season.
A delegation from the Hyack Festival Association, as well as Hyack ambassadors, recently returned from the Apple Blossom Festival in Wenatchee, Washington.
"Our float and our girls got first place in Division B," said Hyack president Gavin Palmer.
It was the second trip south for the float this year, having recently attended the Daffodil Festival Parade in Tacoma.
"We won in Tacoma for the Most Original float," Palmer said. "We are batting two-for-two."
The Hyack Float will put in an appearance at the Cloverdale Rodeo Parade on May 18, before it hits the streets of the Royal City in the Hyack International Parade on May 25. Hyack presents a new float every two years.
"This is the second year of the float," Palmer said. "We upgraded it somewhat. It's theme is Celebrating our History."
The theme recognizes a number of celebrations taking place in New Westminster in 2013, including the 150th anniversary of The Royal Westminster Regiment, the 130th year of the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce and the 50th year of the City of New Westminster's sister city relationship with Moriguchi, Japan. A delegation from Moriguchi will be visiting New Westminster and taking part in the Hyack parade.
EVERY PICTURE
The New Westminster Historical Society is taking a look at some old images for an area that's getting something new.
The historical society's May 15 evening will focus on the new Anvil Centre and the history of its neighbourhood. The City of New Westminster is currently building the new civic centre at the corner of Eighth and Columbia streets.
"This program will feature photos from the first years of the city to more modern times - showing the primary site and surrounding blocks in an historical glimpse of the Anvil Centre neighbourhood. This interesting location has many far-reaching historical connections within the community," said a press release.
Is that where Ray's Market was? How about Zeigler's ice cream and London Drugs? Was the first Overwaitea across the street? If you attend the society's upcoming presentation, you'll get the answers to these questions and also see a selection of photographs of the block and its immediate surroundings.
The event takes place on Wednesday, May 15 at 7: 30 p.m. in the auditorium of the New Westminster Public Library. It's free and everyone is welcome to attend.
GAMING EXPO
The official voice of Mario from some Nintendo games will be making an appearance at the upcoming Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo.
The Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo will be taking place on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 at The Columbia in New Westminster. Charles Martinent, who is the voice of Mario in a number Nintendo games and other voices in the video game industry, will attend.
According to a press release, other highlights of this year's show include: a screening of Ecstasy of Order - The Tetris Masters; video game improv from The Fictionals; a live auction of rare gaming collectibles; and a number of retro video game dealers. Tickets are $30 for the weekend and $20 for a single day. More information can be found at www.vancouvergamingexpo.com.
People can also buy tickets in person at Gamedeals Video Games (407 Columbia St.), which hosts the gaming expo.
A BIG THANK YOU
Cecile Wood is proud of the generosity shown by her neighbours.
Each April, Wood canvasses for the Canadian Cancer Society and drops by her neighbours' homes.
"I would like to give a big, big thank you to all of my neighbours on Blackman Street, who so kindly and generously contributed again this year," she wrote in a letter to The Record. "Well done, Blackman Street."
