With no shortage of festivals and events this year it looks like Tri-City residents really know how to party — and we can look forward to more of the same for 2017, with the added bonus of a national mega milestone thrown in for good measure.
In July nearly 50,000 hungry folks descended on Rocky Point Park for the second annual RibFest and scarfed down more than 6,000 pounds of meat. The Rotary Club of Port Moody organizes the event, which has quickly rocketed to the top of the Tri-Cities' summer must-do list, to raise money for local causes.
Already planning your lip-smacking rib-running strategy for next year? Be sure to book off July 21 to 23, when the park will once again be buzzing with loads of delicious food, craft beer and live entertainment.
A good way to prepare for the decadence of RibFest would be to sign up (and train) for the second annual PoCo Grand Prix.
This year's inaugural event drew more than 5,000 spectators to downtown Port Coquitlam on July 15 to catch some 250 top-notch professional cyclists racing through the streets, loads of free family fun and live entertainment.
The BC Superweek event will be back in 2017 on Friday, July 14, and offers recreational cyclists a chance to sign up for the Corporate Challenge relay and the hugely popular Kids' Race. Get more details, including opportunities to volunteer or sponsor the event, at www.pocograndprix.ca.
Reward yourself for that top cycling finish with a brew or two at next year's Oktoberfest celebrations.
After months of preparation, including custom building all of the tables, benches and vendor huts, and despite a rainy deluge, the first Oktoberfest was a hit this fall.
And what's not to love? There was genuine German-brewed Oktoberfest beer, pretzels, schnitzel and genuine oompahpah bands.
Organizers Fred and Erika Ledlin confirmed they'll be back in 2017, so mark your calendars for the weekend of Sept. 22 and 29.
Throughout the year Coquitlam hosted a number of special events to commemorate its 125th birthday, including the Kaleidoscope festival at Town Centre Park that featured a wide range of performances and family-friendly activities.
Next year, Canada celebrates its 150th (its sesquicentennial, to be exact), so be on the lookout for local events to enjoy the festivities.
Of course it all kicks off with another Tri-Cities favourite — the annual Penguin Plunge at Rocky Point Park — so throw on a crazy costume and join the fun at 1 p.m. to start 2017 with (what else?) a party.
