CLAYTON — Like the community it aims to build, a local festival is growing - and fast.
Starting six years ago as a "little, tiny get together," the Clayton Community Festival's noble goal of bringing neighbours together seems to have resonated with residents.
Last year, the festival drew almost 3,000 people.
"It's growing and growing every year," said co-organizer Jen Temple. "People are chatting about when it's coming up and are looking forward to it now."
And like the festival itself, Clayton is an area that has had a particularly large growth in a short period of time, which makes community-building events that much more important, she adds.
Temple organizes the annual festival along with Michelle Howe from Clayton Crossing. Temple said Saturday’s free family event not only gives people a chance to meet new neighbours, it also gives them a chance to connect with - and support - local businesses.
And the event, co-sponsored by the City of Surrey, is geared towards families - there will be love music, bouncy castles, skateboarding and BMX tricksters.
"It's really meant to bring the community together."
The Clayton Community Festival is set for Saturday (May 9), from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Watch for different events in two separate parking lots - one in Clayton Crossing (in front of Shoppers) and one in Hillcrest Village (in front of Save-On Foods).
Clayton Crossing and Hillcrest Village Shopping Centre are located on opposite sides of Fraser Highway just west of 188th Street in Surrey.