"Happy Canada Day!"
Cheered Aldergrove Fair president Karen Long, who, along with the Aldergrove legion branch, organized Canada Day celebrations at the legion on Monday, July 1.
Booths were set up for local non-profit organizations including Aldergrove Food Bank, Alder Grove Heritage Society, Langley Meals on Wheels, Aldergrove Business Association, and many others who served the community.
Jodi Mangat brought some of her family with her to man the Aldergrove Elks booth and a trailer where they sold treats and snacks, including ice cream, by donation – all proceeds of which will go towards Super Oli, a five-year-old boy from Delta battling cancer.
"We value our community partners and wanted to support and expand the legion's current Canada Day program," Long said.
"This is truly a community event."
The legion held a barbecue for lunch inside the lounge, during which a live performance was held on stage by Ukrainian dancers.
A flag raising ceremony was done afterwards, in which O'Canada was sung following an Indigenous greeting. Then a local group of Korean drummers performed.
Military vehicles were on site for kids to explore inside, provided by Ian and Doreen Newby of International Movie Services.
Later, Canada Day cake was served and Country Cuties performed both in the lounge and outside in the grassy seating area.
Lawn games were set up on the grass, like bean bag toss, and kid-friendly axe throwing. Aldergrove Skating Club members volunteered to give free face painting to visitors.
"Community is the most important thing, and there's nothing like having families come out to enjoy a free event," Long said.
Canada Day celebrations were also held at McLeod Athletic Park, Fort Langley, and a drone light show is scheduled for 10 p.m. at Willoughby Community Park.
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