Once again Cloverdale is hosting a big Canada Day celebration at the Cloverdale Millennium Park which has been renamed Bill Reid Millennium Park. The Millennium Park is located on the corner of 176th Street and 64th Avenue.
The gates open at 10am and the festivities end around 10:30pm with the fireworks.
This year's featured performers are Blue Rodeo at 9pm. More information on the entertainment line up can be found here http://www.surrey.ca/canadaday/42.aspx
In past years over 100,000 people have been in attendance so the big question is where to find parking in a town that's going to become a traffic nightmare. Free parking at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, enter off 60th Avenue, east of 176th Street. They usually open up the racetrack for parking. This usually fills up at some point in the afternoon on July 1 and the lot is closed. People also look for parking west of 176th Street in the subdivision between 60th Avenue and 64th Avenue. There is a park and a school in the area and the gates are open for cars. Lord Tweedsmuir on 180th Street and 60th Avenue has the gates open for parking too and not too many people park here until its time for the fireworks. It's a good spot to sit on the football field and watch them from.
Surrey's fast moving parking enforcement officers are all over Cloverdale on Canada Day making big bucks in fines. Make sure you don't park in a 2 hour parking zone if you're going to be away from your car longer than that. Other normal rules of the road apply. I see cars with tickets because they parked too close to a stop sign or they parked the opposite way from the traffic direction or they parked in a no parking zone. Don't even think of parking in the Cloverdale Crossing Mall across the street from the Millennium Park. They put up big signs at each entrance warning people there is no special event parking. And they hire security guards to watch where people are going when they get out of their car. If you go into a business, no problem. If you walk across the street, they'll call a tow truck. Don't risk parking, going into Tim Horton's and then cross the street with your goodies. The security guards might not see you, but if you leave your car there too long it'll be towed.
So there you have it. Plenty of free parking around Cloverdale, just do it legally.
Now for the big traffic nightmare part around Cloverdale, getting out. If you don't want to see the fireworks, then get moving. If you stay for the fireworks getting out of Cloverdale requires lots of patience. Around 10pm the police close off 176th Street between 57th Avenue and 64th Avenue. This is due to pedestrian safety. The streets will be clogged with people walking back to their cars. For some reason drivers think it's a good idea to head into one of the subdivisions and go around in circles and then end up back where the street is closed. Your best bet wherever you are is to head east to get out of Cloverdale even if its a bit out of your way because most everyone else is heading west. Drive up to 184th Street. From there head to either Highway 10 or Fraser Highway or further along if that suits your destination better. The farther away you get from Cloverdale the lesser the traffic, so don't try to navigate any of the subdivisions close to the fairgrounds unless you like circling back to where you started from.
Happy Canada Day!
Showing posts with label Canada Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canada Day. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Monday, June 30, 2014
Cloverdale Canada Day Party July 1 2014
Once again Cloverdale is hosting Surrey's big Canada Day bash at the Millennium Park on the corner of 176th Street and 64th Avenue.
The festivities start at 10am and continue until 10:30pm or until the fireworks end.
There'll be performers and amusement park rides and other activities going on all day. For more information, see Surrey's Canada Day web page http://www.surrey.ca/canadaday/default.aspx
With 100,000 attendees showing up at past Canada Day celebrations, the best option is to walk if you live close enough. Or take transit. For everyone else, the big question is where to park. The most convenient place is the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, parking lot entrances off 60th Avenue between 176th and 177B Streets. They open up the racetrack for lots more parking. Even with hundreds of parking spots available on the grounds, they'll probably all be spoken for by mid-day. Parking is free. Other parking options are the residential streets west of 176th Street between 60th and 64th Avenues. The parking lot at Lord Tweedsmuir High School is open but mostly the people parking there are the ones catching the fireworks at the end of the day.
Whatever you do, don't park in the Cloverdale Crossing Shopping Centre on 64th Avenue across the street from the park. The mall puts up signs at the entrances warning people not to leave their cars there to attend events or they'll be towed. The mall hires security guards who watch where people go when they get out of their cars. If you go to a business to buy something, no problem. If you park and walk across the street to the Canada Day celebrations, you might be hiring a taxi for the drive home.
Happy Canada Day everyone!
The festivities start at 10am and continue until 10:30pm or until the fireworks end.
There'll be performers and amusement park rides and other activities going on all day. For more information, see Surrey's Canada Day web page http://www.surrey.ca/canadaday/default.aspx
With 100,000 attendees showing up at past Canada Day celebrations, the best option is to walk if you live close enough. Or take transit. For everyone else, the big question is where to park. The most convenient place is the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, parking lot entrances off 60th Avenue between 176th and 177B Streets. They open up the racetrack for lots more parking. Even with hundreds of parking spots available on the grounds, they'll probably all be spoken for by mid-day. Parking is free. Other parking options are the residential streets west of 176th Street between 60th and 64th Avenues. The parking lot at Lord Tweedsmuir High School is open but mostly the people parking there are the ones catching the fireworks at the end of the day.
Whatever you do, don't park in the Cloverdale Crossing Shopping Centre on 64th Avenue across the street from the park. The mall puts up signs at the entrances warning people not to leave their cars there to attend events or they'll be towed. The mall hires security guards who watch where people go when they get out of their cars. If you go to a business to buy something, no problem. If you park and walk across the street to the Canada Day celebrations, you might be hiring a taxi for the drive home.
Happy Canada Day everyone!
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Cloverdale Canada Day Party July 1, 2013
The City of Surrey and Cloverdale host Canada Day celebrations at the Millennium Park on the corner of 176th Street and 64th Avenue. It's a free event from 10am to about 10:30pm or whenever the fireworks end. There will be entertainers and singers all day, amusement park rides, about 50 exhibitors/vendors, and food concessions.
The headline act, musical group Platinum Blonde, will take to the stage at 9pm, the last act of the night. When they're done the fireworks show starts.
For more information about the Canada Day celebrations, check their website http://www.surrey.ca/canadaday/default.aspx
Now on to the stuff people really want to know about - where to park and how to get around Cloverdale, or this busy intersection, especially once the fireworks have ended!
Free parking at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Enter off 60th Avenue at 177B Street. They open up the racetrack for cars to park there. Limited parking next door at Greenaway Park, about 20 spots, but by this time its a fair hike to get to the Millennium Park.
Don't think about parking at the old Cloverdale Mall on the corner of the Cloverdale Bypass between 57th and 58th Avenues. They're building there, or will be. So far only ground work done. There's a big fence around the property. Off 58th Avenue there's about 30 parking lots in 2 different areas that aren't fenced off.
Most people find parking spots on the streets, usually in the subdivision between 60th and 64th Avenues, and 168th and 176th Streets. In other words the area directly across the street and west of the Cloverdale Fairgrounds and Millennium Park.
The parking lot at Lord Tweedsmuir High School, on 180th Street, just north of 60th Avenue, is open and there are lots of places to park here. Mostly people park here in the evening to catch the fireworks show. The school's football field on the hill overlooking the park and fairgrounds, is prime viewing for the fireworks.
Whatever you do, do not park in the Cloverdale Crossing Mall, on the other side of the street from the Millennium Park on 60th Avenue. They have signs up saying no event parking and security guards on duty. They are watching people who park and if they leave the property they call in tow trucks. Don't take a chance.
Getting out of Cloverdale is a bit of a nightmare. Likewise for traffic who have no intention of taking part in Canada Day festivities and are just in the unfortunate position of driving along 176th Street after 10pm. Last year the police shut down 176th Street and/or the Cloverdale Bypass (depends which part of the road you're on what its called) between Highway 10 (56th Avenue) and 64th Avenue. Likewise they shut down 57th Avenue, 58th Avenue, and 60th Avenue for any traffic planning to drive down one of those streets and turn onto the Cloverdale Bypass or 176th Street. That was a smart move because two years ago they only shut it down at 58th Avenue and traffic ended up in subdivision hell, going in circles, and ending up at a police blockade and going back the way they came from.
The streets are shut down because 100,000 people are leaving Millennium Park and pedestrians are all over the road. Safety issues.
So don't try to do anything smart driving around the subdivisions west of 176th Street thinking you'll beat the crowds of traffic and get out of Cloverdale faster. 20,000 other drivers are thinking the same thing. There are cul-de-sacs, dead ends, and streets that curve and wind in these subdivisions, and don't get you where you want to go.
My best suggestion is wherever you are head east like you're going to Langley and get yourself at least to 184th Street and away from the mass bedlam of tens of thousands of drivers. From 184th you can turn north and get yourself to the Fraser Highway which will get you back to 176th Street, or a better plan is to drive south. Highway 10 won't be too bad an option, but if you're going to South Surrey or planning to catch Highway 99, drive down 184th Street to 32nd Avenue and from there turn west. People aren't thinking of taking the scenic route and going up to 184th, but its only 8 blocks or so out of the way. Going a couple of kilometres out of your way and getting out of Cloverdale instead of trying to stick within a couple of blocks of Cloverdale and snake through car-jammed streets of the subdivisions where everyone is looking for a fast way out, will get you home faster.
Now what about traffic that just happens to be on 176th Street at that time of night and are surprised by the roads shut down. If you are driving north on 176th, which is really the Cloverdale Bypass at that section, at Highway 10/56th Avenue the road will be blocked by the police. Turn left and drive to 168th Street. Don't be tempted to turn down 60th or 64th Avenue. Bad choice. The police are waiting and will turn you back where you came from. Try to stay on 168th as long as you can. If you're heading for Highway 1, I'd recommend staying on 168th until at least 80th Avenue or 88th Avenue and then turning right to get back to 176th Street.
Or when you hit Highway 10, you can turn right and go up to 184th Street. Turn left and follow 184th to either the Fraser Highway or stay on it a little longer until it dead ends at 80th Avenue, then turn left and make your way back to 176th Street.
Hope my information helps! Stay safe. Pack your patience if you stay at the Millennium Park until the fireworks end. It takes a long time to move all that traffic out of the Cloverdale area.
The headline act, musical group Platinum Blonde, will take to the stage at 9pm, the last act of the night. When they're done the fireworks show starts.
For more information about the Canada Day celebrations, check their website http://www.surrey.ca/canadaday/default.aspx
Now on to the stuff people really want to know about - where to park and how to get around Cloverdale, or this busy intersection, especially once the fireworks have ended!
Free parking at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Enter off 60th Avenue at 177B Street. They open up the racetrack for cars to park there. Limited parking next door at Greenaway Park, about 20 spots, but by this time its a fair hike to get to the Millennium Park.
Don't think about parking at the old Cloverdale Mall on the corner of the Cloverdale Bypass between 57th and 58th Avenues. They're building there, or will be. So far only ground work done. There's a big fence around the property. Off 58th Avenue there's about 30 parking lots in 2 different areas that aren't fenced off.
Most people find parking spots on the streets, usually in the subdivision between 60th and 64th Avenues, and 168th and 176th Streets. In other words the area directly across the street and west of the Cloverdale Fairgrounds and Millennium Park.
The parking lot at Lord Tweedsmuir High School, on 180th Street, just north of 60th Avenue, is open and there are lots of places to park here. Mostly people park here in the evening to catch the fireworks show. The school's football field on the hill overlooking the park and fairgrounds, is prime viewing for the fireworks.
Whatever you do, do not park in the Cloverdale Crossing Mall, on the other side of the street from the Millennium Park on 60th Avenue. They have signs up saying no event parking and security guards on duty. They are watching people who park and if they leave the property they call in tow trucks. Don't take a chance.
Getting out of Cloverdale is a bit of a nightmare. Likewise for traffic who have no intention of taking part in Canada Day festivities and are just in the unfortunate position of driving along 176th Street after 10pm. Last year the police shut down 176th Street and/or the Cloverdale Bypass (depends which part of the road you're on what its called) between Highway 10 (56th Avenue) and 64th Avenue. Likewise they shut down 57th Avenue, 58th Avenue, and 60th Avenue for any traffic planning to drive down one of those streets and turn onto the Cloverdale Bypass or 176th Street. That was a smart move because two years ago they only shut it down at 58th Avenue and traffic ended up in subdivision hell, going in circles, and ending up at a police blockade and going back the way they came from.
The streets are shut down because 100,000 people are leaving Millennium Park and pedestrians are all over the road. Safety issues.
So don't try to do anything smart driving around the subdivisions west of 176th Street thinking you'll beat the crowds of traffic and get out of Cloverdale faster. 20,000 other drivers are thinking the same thing. There are cul-de-sacs, dead ends, and streets that curve and wind in these subdivisions, and don't get you where you want to go.
My best suggestion is wherever you are head east like you're going to Langley and get yourself at least to 184th Street and away from the mass bedlam of tens of thousands of drivers. From 184th you can turn north and get yourself to the Fraser Highway which will get you back to 176th Street, or a better plan is to drive south. Highway 10 won't be too bad an option, but if you're going to South Surrey or planning to catch Highway 99, drive down 184th Street to 32nd Avenue and from there turn west. People aren't thinking of taking the scenic route and going up to 184th, but its only 8 blocks or so out of the way. Going a couple of kilometres out of your way and getting out of Cloverdale instead of trying to stick within a couple of blocks of Cloverdale and snake through car-jammed streets of the subdivisions where everyone is looking for a fast way out, will get you home faster.
Now what about traffic that just happens to be on 176th Street at that time of night and are surprised by the roads shut down. If you are driving north on 176th, which is really the Cloverdale Bypass at that section, at Highway 10/56th Avenue the road will be blocked by the police. Turn left and drive to 168th Street. Don't be tempted to turn down 60th or 64th Avenue. Bad choice. The police are waiting and will turn you back where you came from. Try to stay on 168th as long as you can. If you're heading for Highway 1, I'd recommend staying on 168th until at least 80th Avenue or 88th Avenue and then turning right to get back to 176th Street.
Or when you hit Highway 10, you can turn right and go up to 184th Street. Turn left and follow 184th to either the Fraser Highway or stay on it a little longer until it dead ends at 80th Avenue, then turn left and make your way back to 176th Street.
Hope my information helps! Stay safe. Pack your patience if you stay at the Millennium Park until the fireworks end. It takes a long time to move all that traffic out of the Cloverdale area.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Raspberry Social at Otter Co-op on Canada Day 2012
Another free event on Canada Day is the raspberry social at the Otter Co-op at 3600 - 248th Street, approximately on the corner of the Fraser Highway and 248th. This is Sunday July 1 2012 between noon and 3pm. Free raspberry shortcake and a beverage. They have their brand pop and juice, coffee, and tea. There is live band providing entertainment and a vintage truck display.
The best thing is the event is held under the huge canopy in front of the store so if its raining you can stay reasonably dry.
The best thing is the event is held under the huge canopy in front of the store so if its raining you can stay reasonably dry.
Free Pancake Breakfast at Krause Berry Farms on Canada Day
Its a little out of the way but Krause Berry Farms is having their annual pancake breakfast on Canada Day between 9am and 11am. They're located at 6179 - 248th Street in Langley. Even though its free they're accepting donations for breast cancer research.
We went one year and the place was a zoo so be prepared. We were on our motorbikes and they had us park near their store but cars were parking way down the long driveway after the big parking lot was full - they had parking attendants that day.
We waited 20 minutes for pancakes.
So judge for yourself if that's something you want to do. Many families come to pick strawberries while they're here or buy something from the store.
For more information: http://www.krauseberryfarms.com/
We went one year and the place was a zoo so be prepared. We were on our motorbikes and they had us park near their store but cars were parking way down the long driveway after the big parking lot was full - they had parking attendants that day.
We waited 20 minutes for pancakes.
So judge for yourself if that's something you want to do. Many families come to pick strawberries while they're here or buy something from the store.
For more information: http://www.krauseberryfarms.com/
Cloverdale Canada Day 2012 Celebration at Millenium Park
Canada Day celebrations on Sunday July 1, 2012 will be happening at the Millenium Park in Cloverdale. The park is located on the southeast corner of 64th Avenue and 176th Street.
Admission is free. Park never closes but most people start arriving between 9am and 11am to stake out a spot for the day. All day entertainment. Acts on the stage and some midway rides. Fireworks at 10:15pm end the day.
For more information and a line up of the entertainment see their website: http://www.surrey.ca/canadaday/
As for parking, if you get there early enough you will find parking off 62nd Avenue and 176th Street where the Agriplex is located. The parking lot at the fairgrounds, enter off 60th Avenue, also has parking. A lot of people park on the nearby streets but its not conveniently accessible. If you plan to do that get onto 172nd Street off 60th or 64th avenues and then choose any of the roads leading east from there. There is a park located on 62nd Avenue I think and there's a good sized parking lot there.
Whatever you do, don't park in the lot at the Cloverdale Crossing Mall across the street from the Millenium Park. There's a Tim Hortons in there, a London Drugs, a PriceSmart, etc. They put up big signs at the entrances saying customer parking only, no event parking. There are several security guards patrolling the lot. If you park your car here they watch where you're going. If you cross the street into the Millenium Park your car will probably be towed.
Want to just watch the fireworks? A good spot is the football field at Lord Tweedsmuir located on 180th Street, just north of 60th Avenue. Get there by 9pm and you should find a parking spot OK. Watch out for mosquitoes. Another good spot to watch is in the parking lot at the Cloverdale Super Market - the old Shop Easy - on the corner of 58th Avenue and 176th Street. The store is closed by then and this just has a nice view of the fireworks.
Getting out of Cloverdale after the fireworks? This is nightmare city for drivers, including cars travelling on 176th Street who have no intention of participating in the Canada Day activities. The police close down 176th Street between 60th and 64th Avenues. Open for pedestrians only. However last year they had to rethink that strategy. The corner of 60th Avenue and 176th Street can be dangerous for pedestrians even though it has pedestrian activated light and a chirper noisemaker. There's a lot of bad drivers who don't want to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and multiply that when there are hundreds of pedestrians leaving a major event. So last year the police made a last minute decision to put in another blockade 2 blocks away at 58th Avenue and the Cloverdale Bypass. The problem is there were no instructions so drivers unfamiliar with the area turned up towards the United Church and then going through the back alley to 60th Avenue only to find themselves no better off because the only option was to turn east down 60th right back to where the police had it blocked off and they had to turn south back down the Cloverdale Bypass. So they did the circle route. The police also had 60th Avenue closed off between 176A Street and 176th Street so cars could not reach the intersection at all. To get out of Cloverdale if you're closer to 64th Avenue, go that way either direction on 64th or continue north on 176th Street. If you're parked in the fairgrounds/casino lot, either head east on 60th and away from Cloverdale, or go down 176th Street to Highway 10 and whichever way you want to leave. Avoid residential areas that are unknown to you. They are choked with lost drivers.
Happy Canada Day!
Admission is free. Park never closes but most people start arriving between 9am and 11am to stake out a spot for the day. All day entertainment. Acts on the stage and some midway rides. Fireworks at 10:15pm end the day.
For more information and a line up of the entertainment see their website: http://www.surrey.ca/canadaday/
As for parking, if you get there early enough you will find parking off 62nd Avenue and 176th Street where the Agriplex is located. The parking lot at the fairgrounds, enter off 60th Avenue, also has parking. A lot of people park on the nearby streets but its not conveniently accessible. If you plan to do that get onto 172nd Street off 60th or 64th avenues and then choose any of the roads leading east from there. There is a park located on 62nd Avenue I think and there's a good sized parking lot there.
Whatever you do, don't park in the lot at the Cloverdale Crossing Mall across the street from the Millenium Park. There's a Tim Hortons in there, a London Drugs, a PriceSmart, etc. They put up big signs at the entrances saying customer parking only, no event parking. There are several security guards patrolling the lot. If you park your car here they watch where you're going. If you cross the street into the Millenium Park your car will probably be towed.
Want to just watch the fireworks? A good spot is the football field at Lord Tweedsmuir located on 180th Street, just north of 60th Avenue. Get there by 9pm and you should find a parking spot OK. Watch out for mosquitoes. Another good spot to watch is in the parking lot at the Cloverdale Super Market - the old Shop Easy - on the corner of 58th Avenue and 176th Street. The store is closed by then and this just has a nice view of the fireworks.
Getting out of Cloverdale after the fireworks? This is nightmare city for drivers, including cars travelling on 176th Street who have no intention of participating in the Canada Day activities. The police close down 176th Street between 60th and 64th Avenues. Open for pedestrians only. However last year they had to rethink that strategy. The corner of 60th Avenue and 176th Street can be dangerous for pedestrians even though it has pedestrian activated light and a chirper noisemaker. There's a lot of bad drivers who don't want to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and multiply that when there are hundreds of pedestrians leaving a major event. So last year the police made a last minute decision to put in another blockade 2 blocks away at 58th Avenue and the Cloverdale Bypass. The problem is there were no instructions so drivers unfamiliar with the area turned up towards the United Church and then going through the back alley to 60th Avenue only to find themselves no better off because the only option was to turn east down 60th right back to where the police had it blocked off and they had to turn south back down the Cloverdale Bypass. So they did the circle route. The police also had 60th Avenue closed off between 176A Street and 176th Street so cars could not reach the intersection at all. To get out of Cloverdale if you're closer to 64th Avenue, go that way either direction on 64th or continue north on 176th Street. If you're parked in the fairgrounds/casino lot, either head east on 60th and away from Cloverdale, or go down 176th Street to Highway 10 and whichever way you want to leave. Avoid residential areas that are unknown to you. They are choked with lost drivers.
Happy Canada Day!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Thoughts on Cloverdale's Canada Day 2011 Celebration
For the most part I stayed away from the corner of 64th Avenue and 176th Street on Canada Day. I heard the speakers and singers but it was too muffled for me to hear what was being said or sung clearly.
We wandered over to the Millenium Park around 8:30pm. When we got to the corner of 176th Street and 60th Avenue there were several traffic control people assisting pedestrians on the crosswalks. Traffic was still going through in all directions.
When we walked past the bus stop near the senior's centre there was a notice on it that there would be no bus service on July 1 between 10pm and 11pm but I don't recall where it said it was being rerouted.
There were also traffic control flag people on the intersection at 62nd Avenue.
We got in and found a spot in the park - standing - shortly before Trooper came onstage.
Now I like Trooper. I bought their Hot Shots album back in 1979 or 1980 whenever it came out. I've heard them before at the Maple Ridge fairgrounds about 5 years ago. I remember when I was younger and they had paper signs posted on telephone poles around Cloverdale advertising they'd be playing a concert at Lord Tweedsmuir or in one of the community halls in the fairgrounds. These are local guys from White Rock and Langley.
On Canada Day they were off. It took the sound team about halfway through the first song to figure out the lead singer's microphone wasn't working. Then they got it sorted out. It might have been better to leave it as it was. That singer just was not good. Out of tune. Or maybe his vocal cords have changed as he got older and he's not the singer he used to be. Maybe the sound system wasn't so good in a park that size. I don't know. I was disappointed after really enjoying them before.
Of course they wait until near the end of their set to play their big songs. We had already moved well back in the park by 10pm so we could get a quick exit. They finally played The Boys in the Bright White Sports Car. Off, off, off. Very sad. Just when you think it can't get any worse they bring Mayor Diane Watts onstage to sing Raise A Little Hell with them. No thanks. Very bad. We left.
Now it gets interesting when we make our way back to 176th Street. Traffic has been stopped between 60th and 64th Avenues. There are police vehicles at both these intersections blocking any traffic from entering this area. Conceivably people can drive out again because a lot of people have parked their cars in parking spaces accessed from 62nd Avenue. The flag people at that intersection were not doing a good job. They would not let any pedestrians cross at the intersection, on the north side that is. All everyone did was go to the south side and push the button. Not that they really had to push the button seeing as how no traffic was coming down 176th.
We walked on and got to the bus stop. 2 men were sitting on the bench. We asked if they were waiting for a bus. They were. We pointed out that someone had ripped the reroute sign off the bus post and said there was no service until after 11pm. They thanked us and asked if we knew where they could catch the bus. I said to try the bus stop about a block south or they might have to go to 58th Avenue.
Interesting at 60th Avenue. Not only was traffic not allowed northbound on 176th Street but no traffic was allowed east on 60th Avenue from 176th Street to at least the lights on 177B Street. Maybe all the way to Greenaway Park to get past the fairgrounds. I'm not sure. All I could see was that 60th Avenue was closed for aways. Again presumably to keep traffic out of the area while cars and pedestrians were leaving the Canada Day celebrations.
The flag people were making all traffic on 176th Street turn west down 60th.
Around this time a police car with its lights and siren on goes flying past us from the Millenium Park and heading toward Highway 10. A few minutes later on our walk we see the police car has stopped at the lights at the interesection of the former Cloverdale Mall. Its a little confusing. It is now the Cloverdale Bypass and if you head west the avenue is 58A and if you head east the avenue is 58th. Bottom line now the cop has stopped all traffic from continuing north on the Bypass/176th Street and the cars have to turn either right into downtown Cloverdale or left into subdivision hell.
That was where we were walking. Interesting how many cars took the subdivision hell option. They screamed down 175th Street to the Catholic Church and then like a bunch of rats jumping off a sinking ship they all followed each other to the right which dead ends into an alley that goes out at 60th Avenue. The problem is you can not turn left onto 6oth because there is a cement median blocking the turn. The only option from the alley is to turn right on 60th and find yourself a few feet away from the lights at 60th and 176th Street. Remember? The intersection that is blocked off for traffic going north on 176th and blocked off east on 60th. All these subdivision hell bound cars could do was turn right back down 176th and the Cloverdale Bypass. Right back where they started from. Didn't gain a whole lot doing that did they?
Now the fireworks start. We sort of walked backwards on the way home and enjoyed them. The fireworks stopped just before we got home.
And there you have it. My assessment of the last couple hours of Surrey's Canada Day Celebrations. The most interesting part of the night was caused by the street closures around the fairgrounds.
We wandered over to the Millenium Park around 8:30pm. When we got to the corner of 176th Street and 60th Avenue there were several traffic control people assisting pedestrians on the crosswalks. Traffic was still going through in all directions.
When we walked past the bus stop near the senior's centre there was a notice on it that there would be no bus service on July 1 between 10pm and 11pm but I don't recall where it said it was being rerouted.
There were also traffic control flag people on the intersection at 62nd Avenue.
We got in and found a spot in the park - standing - shortly before Trooper came onstage.
Now I like Trooper. I bought their Hot Shots album back in 1979 or 1980 whenever it came out. I've heard them before at the Maple Ridge fairgrounds about 5 years ago. I remember when I was younger and they had paper signs posted on telephone poles around Cloverdale advertising they'd be playing a concert at Lord Tweedsmuir or in one of the community halls in the fairgrounds. These are local guys from White Rock and Langley.
On Canada Day they were off. It took the sound team about halfway through the first song to figure out the lead singer's microphone wasn't working. Then they got it sorted out. It might have been better to leave it as it was. That singer just was not good. Out of tune. Or maybe his vocal cords have changed as he got older and he's not the singer he used to be. Maybe the sound system wasn't so good in a park that size. I don't know. I was disappointed after really enjoying them before.
Of course they wait until near the end of their set to play their big songs. We had already moved well back in the park by 10pm so we could get a quick exit. They finally played The Boys in the Bright White Sports Car. Off, off, off. Very sad. Just when you think it can't get any worse they bring Mayor Diane Watts onstage to sing Raise A Little Hell with them. No thanks. Very bad. We left.
Now it gets interesting when we make our way back to 176th Street. Traffic has been stopped between 60th and 64th Avenues. There are police vehicles at both these intersections blocking any traffic from entering this area. Conceivably people can drive out again because a lot of people have parked their cars in parking spaces accessed from 62nd Avenue. The flag people at that intersection were not doing a good job. They would not let any pedestrians cross at the intersection, on the north side that is. All everyone did was go to the south side and push the button. Not that they really had to push the button seeing as how no traffic was coming down 176th.
We walked on and got to the bus stop. 2 men were sitting on the bench. We asked if they were waiting for a bus. They were. We pointed out that someone had ripped the reroute sign off the bus post and said there was no service until after 11pm. They thanked us and asked if we knew where they could catch the bus. I said to try the bus stop about a block south or they might have to go to 58th Avenue.
Interesting at 60th Avenue. Not only was traffic not allowed northbound on 176th Street but no traffic was allowed east on 60th Avenue from 176th Street to at least the lights on 177B Street. Maybe all the way to Greenaway Park to get past the fairgrounds. I'm not sure. All I could see was that 60th Avenue was closed for aways. Again presumably to keep traffic out of the area while cars and pedestrians were leaving the Canada Day celebrations.
The flag people were making all traffic on 176th Street turn west down 60th.
Around this time a police car with its lights and siren on goes flying past us from the Millenium Park and heading toward Highway 10. A few minutes later on our walk we see the police car has stopped at the lights at the interesection of the former Cloverdale Mall. Its a little confusing. It is now the Cloverdale Bypass and if you head west the avenue is 58A and if you head east the avenue is 58th. Bottom line now the cop has stopped all traffic from continuing north on the Bypass/176th Street and the cars have to turn either right into downtown Cloverdale or left into subdivision hell.
That was where we were walking. Interesting how many cars took the subdivision hell option. They screamed down 175th Street to the Catholic Church and then like a bunch of rats jumping off a sinking ship they all followed each other to the right which dead ends into an alley that goes out at 60th Avenue. The problem is you can not turn left onto 6oth because there is a cement median blocking the turn. The only option from the alley is to turn right on 60th and find yourself a few feet away from the lights at 60th and 176th Street. Remember? The intersection that is blocked off for traffic going north on 176th and blocked off east on 60th. All these subdivision hell bound cars could do was turn right back down 176th and the Cloverdale Bypass. Right back where they started from. Didn't gain a whole lot doing that did they?
Now the fireworks start. We sort of walked backwards on the way home and enjoyed them. The fireworks stopped just before we got home.
And there you have it. My assessment of the last couple hours of Surrey's Canada Day Celebrations. The most interesting part of the night was caused by the street closures around the fairgrounds.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Getting the Millenium Park ready for Canada Day 2011
I drove past the Millenium Park in Cloverdale today when I had to pick up something at London Drugs across the street.
They're getting things set up. I saw several canopy tents. I saw a ferris wheel - kind of hard to miss that one its pretty tall! A few other midway rides are being set up. I saw the octopus - do they still call it that? I saw some food concessions, one selling chicken.
I heard the weather forecast on the news today - 50% chance of showers. Ha, I guess they're playing it safe! Have a 50% chance of getting that one right!
Might be a good idea to pack a light raincoat or hat. I would not recommend bringing an umbrella. In the past its been on the forbidden list for the Canada Day celebrations. Its kind of inconsiderate too with the amount of people present and everyone getting crowded together. Bringing an umbrella is sure to poke out some unsuspecting spectator.
What is on the forbidden list to bring inside the Millenium Park? Pets, BBQ's, alcohol, drugs.
They're getting things set up. I saw several canopy tents. I saw a ferris wheel - kind of hard to miss that one its pretty tall! A few other midway rides are being set up. I saw the octopus - do they still call it that? I saw some food concessions, one selling chicken.
I heard the weather forecast on the news today - 50% chance of showers. Ha, I guess they're playing it safe! Have a 50% chance of getting that one right!
Might be a good idea to pack a light raincoat or hat. I would not recommend bringing an umbrella. In the past its been on the forbidden list for the Canada Day celebrations. Its kind of inconsiderate too with the amount of people present and everyone getting crowded together. Bringing an umbrella is sure to poke out some unsuspecting spectator.
What is on the forbidden list to bring inside the Millenium Park? Pets, BBQ's, alcohol, drugs.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Canada Day 2011 Celebrations at Cloverdale Millenium Park
July 1 Canada Day is either a very good day or a very bad day to be in Cloverdale. About 100,000 people show up each year for the celebrations at the Millenium Park that is on the southeast corner of 176th Street and 64th Avenue. If you are not planning to celebrate - stay away from this part of town. Traffic is a madhouse! Sucks if you have to get into the Clover Crossing Mall. Don't even think about parking here and sneaking across the street to watch the action. The mall puts out big signs stating don't park your car here and leave. Several security officers are stationed in the parking lot ensuring that people who park their cars in the lot are going into one of the shops. They will call for tow trucks.
Admission is free. Festivities start at 10am and go on for about 12 hours. Click here for more information about Canada Day celebrations.
The headline act this year is Trooper! They will be on stage from 8:45pm until 10:15pm. I last heard them when they played at the Maple Ridge Fair about 5 years. They put on a very good show. Good enough that we plan to walk over to the park so we can hear them. We don't think we'll get close enough to see them clearly because the place will be packed but we like their music. We'll also get to enjoy the fireworks on our walk home because that's when they'll be set off.
So where to park? The streets east of 176th are packed with cars. The fairgrounds has some parking and today I saw a sign pointing at the fairgrounds for Canada Day Parking. I think they open the gates to the racetrack and park a lot of cars in there.
Just want to watch the fireworks? A lot of people bring a blanket and sit down on the football field at Lord Tweedsmuir. Another good spot we found was the parking lot of the old Shop Easy and I never remember its current name. Cloverdale Super Market? Its on the corner of 176th Street and 58th Avenue. Good view of the fireworks from there if you sit in your car. The shop is closed so you're not taking away patron's parking.
Enjoy your long weekend!
Admission is free. Festivities start at 10am and go on for about 12 hours. Click here for more information about Canada Day celebrations.
The headline act this year is Trooper! They will be on stage from 8:45pm until 10:15pm. I last heard them when they played at the Maple Ridge Fair about 5 years. They put on a very good show. Good enough that we plan to walk over to the park so we can hear them. We don't think we'll get close enough to see them clearly because the place will be packed but we like their music. We'll also get to enjoy the fireworks on our walk home because that's when they'll be set off.
So where to park? The streets east of 176th are packed with cars. The fairgrounds has some parking and today I saw a sign pointing at the fairgrounds for Canada Day Parking. I think they open the gates to the racetrack and park a lot of cars in there.
Just want to watch the fireworks? A lot of people bring a blanket and sit down on the football field at Lord Tweedsmuir. Another good spot we found was the parking lot of the old Shop Easy and I never remember its current name. Cloverdale Super Market? Its on the corner of 176th Street and 58th Avenue. Good view of the fireworks from there if you sit in your car. The shop is closed so you're not taking away patron's parking.
Enjoy your long weekend!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
What's happening in Cloverdale in July 2010
Well July looks to be a relatively quiet month in Cloverdale. Perhaps due to all the energy surrounding the Canada Day festivities the town has to spend a month resting up.
The horse racing season has ended until October 1 but the Fraser Downs Casino is open.
July 1, Thursday - 11am to 11pm - Canada Day at the Cloverdale Millenium Park may or may not be the place to be. Expecting crowds of around 100,000. For more info on the day long festivities, see their web site. http://www.canadaday.surrey.ca
July 24 to 25, Saturday and Sunday - 10am to 4pm - Honeybee Festival, including live entertainment and an artisan's market, held at the Honeybee Centre at Fry's Corner, that would be the northeast corner of 176th Street and the Fraser Highway. More information at their web page http://www.honeybeecentre.com
So far that's all I can see happening around Cloverdale. Will update if I see any flyers show up on the store windows.
The horse racing season has ended until October 1 but the Fraser Downs Casino is open.
July 1, Thursday - 11am to 11pm - Canada Day at the Cloverdale Millenium Park may or may not be the place to be. Expecting crowds of around 100,000. For more info on the day long festivities, see their web site. http://www.canadaday.surrey.ca
July 24 to 25, Saturday and Sunday - 10am to 4pm - Honeybee Festival, including live entertainment and an artisan's market, held at the Honeybee Centre at Fry's Corner, that would be the northeast corner of 176th Street and the Fraser Highway. More information at their web page http://www.honeybeecentre.com
So far that's all I can see happening around Cloverdale. Will update if I see any flyers show up on the store windows.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Canada Day by the Bay
If you'd rather go to the beach than the Millenium Park on July 1, nearby White Rock is hosting Canada Day by the Bay. Events and activities all day at the beach capping the evening off with fireworks. More information on their poster.
http://www.city.whiterock.bc.ca/2005Leisure-Services/pdfLeisureServices/Canada%20Day%20poster.pdf
http://www.city.whiterock.bc.ca/2005Leisure-Services/pdfLeisureServices/Canada%20Day%20poster.pdf
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Free pancakes at Kraus Berry Farms on Canada Day?
Once again Kraus Berry Farms in the Otter area of Langley is hosting a free pancake breakfast on Canada Day from 9am to 11am. Their address is 6179 - 248th Street in Langley. Their web site is www.krausberryfarms.com
We drove out last year and the place was a zoo. Parking was - well everywhere. In their parking lot, up and down their driveway, and down 248th Street. We rode our motorbikes and the parking attendants shooed us to park beneath a tree near the store so we got up close parking. The line up for pancakes was at least 20 minutes. The pancakes were good and there was homemade berry syrup and fresh raspberries to put on the cakes. There was a donation can for a charity that I don't recall now. Perhaps cancer? We put in a good donation but not everyone showing up for their free pancakes did. We purchased berries and left. Several families stayed after breakfast to pick their own berries. Due to the cold weather raspberries aren't ripe yet. My plants are just starting to turn red the past couple of days, so I don't know if Kraus will have in time for Canada Day.
We often drive out there to pick up fresh berries. If we're very lucky we can catch blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries at the same time, thanks to those everbearing plants. They have the sweetest, juiciest berries but they tend to be higher priced than the farms around Cloverdale, so I don't purchase from them as much as I used to unless I happen to be out in the Aldergrove area.
Are free pancakes worth a half hour drive from Cloverdale and a line up of about the same time not to mention parking hassles. I'll let you decide.
We drove out last year and the place was a zoo. Parking was - well everywhere. In their parking lot, up and down their driveway, and down 248th Street. We rode our motorbikes and the parking attendants shooed us to park beneath a tree near the store so we got up close parking. The line up for pancakes was at least 20 minutes. The pancakes were good and there was homemade berry syrup and fresh raspberries to put on the cakes. There was a donation can for a charity that I don't recall now. Perhaps cancer? We put in a good donation but not everyone showing up for their free pancakes did. We purchased berries and left. Several families stayed after breakfast to pick their own berries. Due to the cold weather raspberries aren't ripe yet. My plants are just starting to turn red the past couple of days, so I don't know if Kraus will have in time for Canada Day.
We often drive out there to pick up fresh berries. If we're very lucky we can catch blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries at the same time, thanks to those everbearing plants. They have the sweetest, juiciest berries but they tend to be higher priced than the farms around Cloverdale, so I don't purchase from them as much as I used to unless I happen to be out in the Aldergrove area.
Are free pancakes worth a half hour drive from Cloverdale and a line up of about the same time not to mention parking hassles. I'll let you decide.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Canada Day Celebrations at Cloverdale's Millenium Park 2010
Just thought I'd throw it out there that once again Canada Day celebrations are happening at the Millenium Park in Cloverdale, corner of 64th Avenue and 176th Street on July 1.
Festivities begin at 10am and last until 10:30 with the fireworks show. There's entertainment all day long on the stage and various activities going on in the park including a midway. Admission is free but if you want to go on the rides or buy food at the concession stands, bring money with you. Many people bring picnic lunch and dinner and their lawn chairs and stay all day.
Parking available on the fairgrounds around the racetrack and casino. Whatever you do, don't park in the Clover Crossing Mall across the street. They have big signs up at all the entrances warning you if you park there and leave the property without your car it will be towed. They have security guards working the parking lot all day keeping an eye on where people are going after they park in the mall's parking lot.
Bottom line is if you are not planning to attend the Canada Day celebrations, this is a very good intersection to avoid all day.
More information at this web page http://www.canadaday.surrey.ca/default.htm
If you're interested in volunteering for the celebrations there is a link for volunteers at the above web page. You have about another week to sign up if interesting in volunteering.
Festivities begin at 10am and last until 10:30 with the fireworks show. There's entertainment all day long on the stage and various activities going on in the park including a midway. Admission is free but if you want to go on the rides or buy food at the concession stands, bring money with you. Many people bring picnic lunch and dinner and their lawn chairs and stay all day.
Parking available on the fairgrounds around the racetrack and casino. Whatever you do, don't park in the Clover Crossing Mall across the street. They have big signs up at all the entrances warning you if you park there and leave the property without your car it will be towed. They have security guards working the parking lot all day keeping an eye on where people are going after they park in the mall's parking lot.
Bottom line is if you are not planning to attend the Canada Day celebrations, this is a very good intersection to avoid all day.
More information at this web page http://www.canadaday.surrey.ca/default.htm
If you're interested in volunteering for the celebrations there is a link for volunteers at the above web page. You have about another week to sign up if interesting in volunteering.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Another Canada Day has passed
We started off Canada Day by going out to Kraus Berry Barms in Aldergrove for the free pancake breakfast. We rode our motorbikes out there. We arrived around 9:30am and the parking lot was already full of cars with several staff directing parking. Because we were on the motorbikes they parked us under a tree across from the store. Very nice. Then we stood in line for 20 minutes to get 2 pancakes topped with fresh raspberries and strawberry syrup. They were good, but they weren't worth the wait. We bought baskets of raspberries and strawberries, a loaf of cheese and asparagus, and raspberry shortcakes. All became part of our Canada Day dinner later on that evening. When we drove out the driveway was now packed with cars and there was no more room. People had to park on the street. There had to be more than a hundred cars on the property. Most of the people showed up with buckets in hand ready to pick their own berries after eating the pancakes. I'm sure Kraus made more money on July 1 than they will in the rest of the month put together. It was a great way to get lots of people to descend upon their farm, most of whom would be paying customers of some berry merchandise. But I think we'll pass next year on their Canada Day free pancakes.
The Cloverdale Millenium park had an estimated 125,000 people show up. We stayed well away from the intersection of 176th and 64th. At 10pm we drove up to Lord Tweedsmuir to watch the fireworks from the football field. We weren't the only ones with this idea. A lot of people were already there but there was plenty of parking. The fireworks were supposed to start at 10:15 but 10:35 was more like it. By that time we were being eaten alive by the mosquitoes and after about 5 minutes we headed back to the car, slowly so we could still watch. We were planning to drive back down 180th Street to 58th Avenue to head home, again trying to avoid the general area of the fairgrounds. By the time we left the police had blocked off traffic on 60th Avenue heading downhill towards Greenaway Park and the fairgrounds. The only options were to go up 60th or continue along 180th. I guess they wanted traffic to head to Highway 10 to get out of town, and bottom line that was probably the fastest way for the partygoers to go. We still had a pretty good view of the fireworks on the way home and we parked for awhile in the parking lot of the old Shop Easy. What do they call that grocery store now? Cloverdale Market? We could see the police were set up on the corner of 58th Avenue and the Cloverdale Bypass, so when the fireworks ended we drove alongside the old Cloverdale Mall and out 57th Avenue and home. No problem with traffic other than going a couple of blocks out of our way. One of the advantages of knowing your way around Cloverdale. However shortly after 11pm when the fireworks ended we were inundated with traffic coming along our quiet street. Cars were lined up way down the street, a huge traffic jam. Cars were driving down the no exit street alongside our house and then driving out again. Honking and yelling until well past midnight. I don't know what was up with so many cars. Our neighborhood is kind of a weird one that way, not set up for a lot of through traffic. No exit streets and if you go on long enough you end up in cowtown driving in circles. A lot of lost people trying to find a quick way out of Cloverdale. The unfortunate thing is most of them ended up turning back towards 60th Avenue, which I'm sure was jammed packed with wall to wall cars trying to get out of Cloverdale. Bad choice choosing our street as a get out town fast route.
The Cloverdale Millenium park had an estimated 125,000 people show up. We stayed well away from the intersection of 176th and 64th. At 10pm we drove up to Lord Tweedsmuir to watch the fireworks from the football field. We weren't the only ones with this idea. A lot of people were already there but there was plenty of parking. The fireworks were supposed to start at 10:15 but 10:35 was more like it. By that time we were being eaten alive by the mosquitoes and after about 5 minutes we headed back to the car, slowly so we could still watch. We were planning to drive back down 180th Street to 58th Avenue to head home, again trying to avoid the general area of the fairgrounds. By the time we left the police had blocked off traffic on 60th Avenue heading downhill towards Greenaway Park and the fairgrounds. The only options were to go up 60th or continue along 180th. I guess they wanted traffic to head to Highway 10 to get out of town, and bottom line that was probably the fastest way for the partygoers to go. We still had a pretty good view of the fireworks on the way home and we parked for awhile in the parking lot of the old Shop Easy. What do they call that grocery store now? Cloverdale Market? We could see the police were set up on the corner of 58th Avenue and the Cloverdale Bypass, so when the fireworks ended we drove alongside the old Cloverdale Mall and out 57th Avenue and home. No problem with traffic other than going a couple of blocks out of our way. One of the advantages of knowing your way around Cloverdale. However shortly after 11pm when the fireworks ended we were inundated with traffic coming along our quiet street. Cars were lined up way down the street, a huge traffic jam. Cars were driving down the no exit street alongside our house and then driving out again. Honking and yelling until well past midnight. I don't know what was up with so many cars. Our neighborhood is kind of a weird one that way, not set up for a lot of through traffic. No exit streets and if you go on long enough you end up in cowtown driving in circles. A lot of lost people trying to find a quick way out of Cloverdale. The unfortunate thing is most of them ended up turning back towards 60th Avenue, which I'm sure was jammed packed with wall to wall cars trying to get out of Cloverdale. Bad choice choosing our street as a get out town fast route.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Canada Day free pancake breakfast and raspberry social
Ah yes, never miss an opportunity for free pancakes!
Kraus Berry Farms in Aldergrove is one of my favorite places to buy fresh berries. We go there several times during the summer to buy freshly picked strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. We snack on them on the drive home and still manage to get home with many intact. Their berries are so big, sweet, and juicy. The Kraus farms also has a bakery selling pies and shortcake featuring their berries and sell preserves. They also serve sandwiches and milkshakes. And if you like farm animals, there is a petting zoo to visit.
On July 1 from 9am to 1pm Kraus Berry Barms is celebrating Canada Day with a free pancake breakfast served with their own berry syrup. They're located at 6179 - 248th Street.
And when you're finished at Kraus's farm, head south on 248th Street to the Otter Coop located just south of the Fraser Highway. Between noon and 3pm on Canada Day they're holding a strawberry/raspberry social featuring raspberry shortcake and there will be live music.
Time it right and you can fit in both activities.
And then don't forget to come back to Cloverdale for the Canada Day celebrations at the Millenium Park located at the corner of 64th Avenue and 176th Street. Traffic in that area is going to be a mess after the 10pm fireworks show is finished. If you can walk or take transit that's the best plan. 100,000 people showed up last year and parking is at a premium.
Kraus Berry Farms in Aldergrove is one of my favorite places to buy fresh berries. We go there several times during the summer to buy freshly picked strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. We snack on them on the drive home and still manage to get home with many intact. Their berries are so big, sweet, and juicy. The Kraus farms also has a bakery selling pies and shortcake featuring their berries and sell preserves. They also serve sandwiches and milkshakes. And if you like farm animals, there is a petting zoo to visit.
On July 1 from 9am to 1pm Kraus Berry Barms is celebrating Canada Day with a free pancake breakfast served with their own berry syrup. They're located at 6179 - 248th Street.
And when you're finished at Kraus's farm, head south on 248th Street to the Otter Coop located just south of the Fraser Highway. Between noon and 3pm on Canada Day they're holding a strawberry/raspberry social featuring raspberry shortcake and there will be live music.
Time it right and you can fit in both activities.
And then don't forget to come back to Cloverdale for the Canada Day celebrations at the Millenium Park located at the corner of 64th Avenue and 176th Street. Traffic in that area is going to be a mess after the 10pm fireworks show is finished. If you can walk or take transit that's the best plan. 100,000 people showed up last year and parking is at a premium.
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