Community charity group Lynn Valley Lions is celebrating its 50th birthday by bringing back its annual gala, fair and parade.
Club secretary and event co-organizer Tania Newman said they’re happy the Lynn Valley Days celebration is back.
“We're very happy to just be back in the community and doing what we do best,” she said.
Newman added that they will be selling “I love Lynn Valley” T-shirts at the info table. The shirts are left over from last year’s candlelight vigil held for victims of the deadly stabbing on March 27, 2021. Proceeds will go to increasing the fund for those affected by the incident, which shook the North Vancouver community.
It was actually the club’s 50th year in 2020, but plans were cancelled due to COVID-19. For this year’s celebrations, organizers note there’ll be a few changes, but the spirit will remain the same.
The Lynn Valley Days festivities kick off with the Gala Under the Tent on Friday evening (July 15). Attendees of the sold-out event can look forward to a glamorous evening under the stars. There will be drinks, desserts and dancing.
Before Saturday’s parade, the pancake breakfast will start at 7:30 a.m. Road closures will start at 9 a.m., with the parade rolling at 9:15 a.m. Institute Road will be closed all Saturday.
The fair begins at 10 a.m. at Lynn Valley Park (3590 Mountain Hwy.) on Saturday. Kids can play games or with large, inflatable bouncy toys on site. There will also be maypole dancing and face painting.
Local businesses will be showcasing their work around the field until 4 p.m.
Adults can visit a beer garden on site for a $5 entrance fee.
Newman highlighted that a significant portion of the Lions’ charity work is funded through provincial community gaming grants, which are furnished by British Columbia Lottery Corporation revenue. Since 2007, the club has redistributed $435,000 in grants to the local community to benefit not-for-profit organizations, including local food banks, arts programs and disability assistance programs.
Look at the map below for which streets will be blocked on Saturday, and alternative routes.
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