Surrey's Khalsa Day (Vaisakhi) parade will fill streets of Newton on Saturday, April 19.
The massive annual gathering, among the world's largest nagar kirtan processions, celebrates the spring harvest and also creation of the Sikh Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh.
Last year the day-long parade saw an estimated 550,000 people walk and line the streets in the area near Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar temple, 12885 85 Ave., along 124 Street, left onto 75 Avenue, 76 Avenue, 128 Street and back to the temple.
Maps, shuttle stops and more details are found on the parade website, surreyvaisakhiparade.com.
"The event welcomes people of all cultures and communities who come together in this communal gathering of understanding, sharing and goodwill," the website says.
Surrey's Vaisakhi Parade has been held annually in Newton over the past three decades, save for a three-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, when the 2020, 2021 and 2022 parades were cancelled. Parades have been held in Vancouver since 1979 and in Surrey since 1998.
Parade attendees are given free food and drink from hundreds of local residents and businesses.
"We've been part of it since Day One," said Tony Singh, Surrey-based operator of Fruiticana grocery stores in B.C. and Alberta. "We have our stall set up on 128 (Street) and 76th (Avenue). Last year we served over 22,000 cups of fresh sugar cane juice, that's what we do every year. We have suppliers along with us, and they give out lots of free food, in one of the biggest tents there. We'll be there again on the 19th."
On grounds near the temple, Shooting Stars Amusements sets up rides and games for 10 days, from April 10-21. Wristbands are sold for $30, or single tickets for $4.50. Hours of operation vary, but most days are noon to 10 p.m., other than 3 p.m. start times on April 10, 11, 16 and 17.
Parade entry is open to any community groups such as marching bands, school groups, cultural organizations, community groups, performers and others.
Attendees are encouraged to travel to the event via transit, as parking is extremely limited near the parade route.
Last April, helicopter pilot Christopher Johnston and son Jacob enjoyed an aerial view of the parade while on a fishing trip from Boundary Bay Airport to Stave Lake.
“We were bombing along and my son noticed it,” explained Johnston. “Holy smokes, it was just blocks and blocks and blocks, a sea of people, and it (the parade) caught our attention about five miles away," he added. "We did a couple turns and snapped some pics.”
