I have seen the sign!
That would be the sandwich sign in front of the Cloverdale Canadian Reformed Church (17473 60th Ave.) once again serving up a free pancake breakfast before the Cloverdale Rodeo Parade. Come between 8am and 10am for pancakes, eggs, sausages, and a morning beverage.
Thanks to the church for offering this special breakfast again this year!
Showing posts with label Cloverdale Rodeo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cloverdale Rodeo. Show all posts
Friday, May 15, 2015
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Cloverdale Rodeo weekend May 15 to 18, 2015
It's only a few days away! The Cloverdale Rodeo hits town again on the May long weekend, May 15 - 18, 2015.
The rodeo and country fair is held in the Cloverdale Fairgrounds on the corner of 176th Street and 60th Avenue, also home to Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino. Same parking lot but due to the special event pay parking is in effect - $10 and main parking lot accessed off 60th Avenue. If the lot is full, there is free parking on the residential streets surrounding the fairgrounds. Before you park in the downtown shopping area of Cloverdale, along 176th Street, pay attention to the parking signs, especially if it says 2 hour parking. The City of Surry parking enforcement is out in full force on the rodeo weekend. They make a lot of money. Make sure you don't park within 6 metres of a stop sign, block a fire hydrant, or park facing the opposite direction of traffic. I've seen parking tickets on cars that do this. The old Cloverdale Mall parking lot is blocked off with fencing, so don't head there if you haven't been in Cloverdale in a couple of years. No parking access. Also don't think of parking in the Cloverdale Crossing shopping plaza, corner of 176th Street and 64th Avenue. They have signs up warning there is no event parking and they hire security guards to keep an eye on people exiting cars to make sure they're going into one of the shops and not crossing the street to the fairgrounds. And they quick call tow trucks.
Things kick off on Thursday night, May14, 2015 with the bed races. Held on 176A Street between 57th and 58th Avenues starting around 6pm. They usually last for an hour.
On Friday, May 15, 2015 go to the Clover Square shopping mall on the corner of Highway 10 and 177B Street for the chili cook off between 4:30pm and 6:30pm. Many businesses and individuals compete and its free for the consumer as long as they're voting on the favourite chili. Each station gives out a small cup of chili. Sometimes there'll be extra goodies like a bun or tortilla chips or something to drink. There's a stage set up with live country music.
The fairgrounds opens at 4pm on Friday. Check their website for operating times and rodeo performances. http://www.cloverdalerodeo.com/rodeo-and-country-fair/
The parade (free) gets underway Saturday morning May 16, 2015 around 10am depending on where you're at on the route. The parade staging areas are on all the avenues from 56A to 58A between 176A and 177B Streets. There is no public parking on these areas on Saturday morning until the parade has ended. The rest of the weekend its up for grabs. The parade starts off along 177B Street while all the participants get ready, heads south to Highway 10 where half the lanes have been blocked off up to 176th Street. The parade heads north along 176 Street and this is where most of the spectators take up viewing spots. If you plan to watch on 176th Street, be sure to arrive by 9am for a good spot. When the parade reaches 58A Avenue, it turns east and at 176A Street, turns north and goes to the fairgrounds. However the parade always seems to peter out at this spot, and instead of continuing all the way to the fairgrounds, the participants turn back to the staging area.
Various pancake breakfasts happening all weekend for around $5 at the Cloverdale Legion on 57th Avenue just west of 176th Street, and the Lions holding a pancake breakfast at Hawthorne Square on 176th Street, between 57th and 58th Avenues. I haven't seen a sign in front of the church that usually does a free pancake breakfast on Saturday morning before the rodeo. I'll do a quick update if I see that one's going ahead.
Have a great weekend!
The rodeo and country fair is held in the Cloverdale Fairgrounds on the corner of 176th Street and 60th Avenue, also home to Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino. Same parking lot but due to the special event pay parking is in effect - $10 and main parking lot accessed off 60th Avenue. If the lot is full, there is free parking on the residential streets surrounding the fairgrounds. Before you park in the downtown shopping area of Cloverdale, along 176th Street, pay attention to the parking signs, especially if it says 2 hour parking. The City of Surry parking enforcement is out in full force on the rodeo weekend. They make a lot of money. Make sure you don't park within 6 metres of a stop sign, block a fire hydrant, or park facing the opposite direction of traffic. I've seen parking tickets on cars that do this. The old Cloverdale Mall parking lot is blocked off with fencing, so don't head there if you haven't been in Cloverdale in a couple of years. No parking access. Also don't think of parking in the Cloverdale Crossing shopping plaza, corner of 176th Street and 64th Avenue. They have signs up warning there is no event parking and they hire security guards to keep an eye on people exiting cars to make sure they're going into one of the shops and not crossing the street to the fairgrounds. And they quick call tow trucks.
Things kick off on Thursday night, May14, 2015 with the bed races. Held on 176A Street between 57th and 58th Avenues starting around 6pm. They usually last for an hour.
On Friday, May 15, 2015 go to the Clover Square shopping mall on the corner of Highway 10 and 177B Street for the chili cook off between 4:30pm and 6:30pm. Many businesses and individuals compete and its free for the consumer as long as they're voting on the favourite chili. Each station gives out a small cup of chili. Sometimes there'll be extra goodies like a bun or tortilla chips or something to drink. There's a stage set up with live country music.
The fairgrounds opens at 4pm on Friday. Check their website for operating times and rodeo performances. http://www.cloverdalerodeo.com/rodeo-and-country-fair/
The parade (free) gets underway Saturday morning May 16, 2015 around 10am depending on where you're at on the route. The parade staging areas are on all the avenues from 56A to 58A between 176A and 177B Streets. There is no public parking on these areas on Saturday morning until the parade has ended. The rest of the weekend its up for grabs. The parade starts off along 177B Street while all the participants get ready, heads south to Highway 10 where half the lanes have been blocked off up to 176th Street. The parade heads north along 176 Street and this is where most of the spectators take up viewing spots. If you plan to watch on 176th Street, be sure to arrive by 9am for a good spot. When the parade reaches 58A Avenue, it turns east and at 176A Street, turns north and goes to the fairgrounds. However the parade always seems to peter out at this spot, and instead of continuing all the way to the fairgrounds, the participants turn back to the staging area.
Various pancake breakfasts happening all weekend for around $5 at the Cloverdale Legion on 57th Avenue just west of 176th Street, and the Lions holding a pancake breakfast at Hawthorne Square on 176th Street, between 57th and 58th Avenues. I haven't seen a sign in front of the church that usually does a free pancake breakfast on Saturday morning before the rodeo. I'll do a quick update if I see that one's going ahead.
Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Parking in Cloverdale during May 2014 Rodeo Weekend
Here's the scoop on parking around Cloverdale during the rodeo weekend May 16 - 19, 2014.
The huge parking lot at the former Cloverdale Mall is no more. The area has been fenced in for construction. There are about 100 parking spots in the area surrounding the Cloverdale Legion, the last of the old Cloverdale Mall parking lot. However the Legion is holding pancake breakfasts and barbecues all weekend and won't be too impressed if people park there and aren't coming inside to eat.
The first suggestion is to pay $10 and park at the Cloverdale fairgrounds. That gives you a close walk to the fair and the rodeo. Get there early. Last year drivers refused to believe the fairgrounds parking lot was full and kept getting into the left hand turn lane on 60th Avenue and trying to convince the lot attendant to let them in.
Also try Greenaway Park next to the fairgrounds on 60th Avenue and park there for free. The gates are locked at dusk so get back to your car by then or look for another way home.
Another choice is to park on residential streets around Cloverdale. That'll be a longer walk but parking is free. Keep an eye on the parking signs. Downtown Cloverdale is a maximum of 2 hours and there are a few no parking areas around town. The parking bylaw officers are in full force in Cloverdale this weekend. Huge payday for them because people park where they shouldn't be. The most popular parking spots are everything in-between 176A Street and 180th Street and 56A Avenue to 59th Avenue.
Cloverdale has a few free public parking lots. One is located on 56A Avenue just west of 176th Street, in the alley behind the firehall. There's about 60 parking spots here. On 176A Street just north of 57th Avenue, behind the Clova and next to the Bank of Montreal is a large parking lot. A couple hundred spots available here. A little further down 176A Street on the corner of 58A Avenue is another parking lot with about 100 or so parking spots.
On Saturday morning the streets between 176A Street and 177B Street 56A Avenue to 58A Avenue are temporarily closed from 6am to noon for the parade participants to set up. After noon they are up for grabs the rest of the weekend. 176th Street is closed during these times because of the parade route. Tow trucks are standing near by and I always see a couple of cars being towed off this street. Not a good idea to park here the rest of the weekend anyway because its 2 hour parking.
There is a lot of street parking in residential areas west of 176th Street between 60th and 64th Avenues. The problem with this subdivision is if you're not familiar with it, it twists and turns and cul-de-sac's all over the place.
Some residents offer parking in their driveways and front lawns for a few bucks and some of the local churches also sell parking spots.
Don't even think about parking in the Clover Crossing Mall on 64th Avenue and 176th Street. They have security guards watching all weekend. If you park and walk off the premises they'll call a tow truck. They watch real closely to make sure everyone who parks a car goes into one of the businesses there.
Cloverdale Rodeo May 2014
The Cloverdale Rodeo and all the events surrounding it is coming up this long weekend. The city crews have been busy spiffing up town. The lawns in the boulevards have been mowed and the hanging planters are up along 176th Street and the automatic waterers are keeping them watered.
For the past couple of days there is activity in the Cloverdale fairgrounds while midway rides and concession stands are getting set up in place.
The weekend kicks off on Thursday, May 15, 2014 with the bed races on 176A Street between 57th and 58th Avenues. It starts around 6pm. Come out and cheer on your favourite team!
On Friday, May 16, 2014, the great chili cook off is happening in the Clover Square Village on Highway 10 and 177B Street. This is from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Tasting the chili is free and often the competitors have other snacks (tortilla chips, cookies, beverages) so come out and eat enough where you don't have to cook dinner. Vote for the best chili and enjoy the music entertainment.
The fairgrounds opens at 4pm for the midway and there will be a rodeo performance that night.
Check their website for the hours of operation all weekend. http://www.cloverdalerodeo.com/
On Saturday morning the Cloverdale Rodeo parade gets underway at 10am, depending on your viewing area. The parade sets up on the side streets between 176A Street and 177B Street (roughly between 56A Avenue and 58 Avenue. The parade heads south on 177B Street to Highway 10. Half the highway is shut down during the parade. The parade goes west on Highway 10 and then turns left (north) on 176th Street. This is the most popular area for viewing the parade. Arrive early for a good spot if this is the place you want to be. The parade continues to 58A Avenue, then hangs a right (east) to 176A Street and turns left (north) back towards the fairgrounds. It kind of peters out here so don't find a viewing spot on 176A and hope to see the parade. The competitors are stopping and turning around to get back to where they parked their cars.
City workers have put up big signs on 176th Street just north of 64th Avenue and just before the Roger Pierlet Overlet overpass over the train tracks advising drivers due to the event there will be traffic tie ups. Unfortunately where they put the signs up there is really nowhere else for the drivers to go but head straight into Cloverdale and the traffic congestion. If you don't plan to attend the rodeo or go to the fair, avoid the Cloverdale fairgrounds area. Traffic is snarled. Go a few blocks out of your way and you'll save yourself lots of time.
For the past couple of days there is activity in the Cloverdale fairgrounds while midway rides and concession stands are getting set up in place.
The weekend kicks off on Thursday, May 15, 2014 with the bed races on 176A Street between 57th and 58th Avenues. It starts around 6pm. Come out and cheer on your favourite team!
On Friday, May 16, 2014, the great chili cook off is happening in the Clover Square Village on Highway 10 and 177B Street. This is from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Tasting the chili is free and often the competitors have other snacks (tortilla chips, cookies, beverages) so come out and eat enough where you don't have to cook dinner. Vote for the best chili and enjoy the music entertainment.
The fairgrounds opens at 4pm for the midway and there will be a rodeo performance that night.
Check their website for the hours of operation all weekend. http://www.cloverdalerodeo.com/
On Saturday morning the Cloverdale Rodeo parade gets underway at 10am, depending on your viewing area. The parade sets up on the side streets between 176A Street and 177B Street (roughly between 56A Avenue and 58 Avenue. The parade heads south on 177B Street to Highway 10. Half the highway is shut down during the parade. The parade goes west on Highway 10 and then turns left (north) on 176th Street. This is the most popular area for viewing the parade. Arrive early for a good spot if this is the place you want to be. The parade continues to 58A Avenue, then hangs a right (east) to 176A Street and turns left (north) back towards the fairgrounds. It kind of peters out here so don't find a viewing spot on 176A and hope to see the parade. The competitors are stopping and turning around to get back to where they parked their cars.
City workers have put up big signs on 176th Street just north of 64th Avenue and just before the Roger Pierlet Overlet overpass over the train tracks advising drivers due to the event there will be traffic tie ups. Unfortunately where they put the signs up there is really nowhere else for the drivers to go but head straight into Cloverdale and the traffic congestion. If you don't plan to attend the rodeo or go to the fair, avoid the Cloverdale fairgrounds area. Traffic is snarled. Go a few blocks out of your way and you'll save yourself lots of time.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Traffic in Cloverdale on Rodeo Weekend
Stay away from 60th Avenue in Cloverdale this weekend. Traffic nightmare! Cars are lined up both directions on 60th hoping to get into the fairgrounds to park. Cars are lined up all the way back to 176th Street, being held up by the majority of cars trying to get into the left hand turn lane at the 177B Street entrance into the fairgrounds. Bad luck for anyone who isn't planning to go to the fair or rodeo and wants to drive straight through towards Langley. Use another street!
I walked past the entrance by 177B Street at 2:30 and the parking lot was full. I watched the parking attendant pull a barricade across the driveway entrance and waving his arms at the traffic to continue along 60th. The cars in the left hand turn lane refused to believe him and the drivers stayed where they were causing a huge traffic jam behind them. Likewise cars on 177B Street who needed to turn left or right. Instead the drivers either stayed where they were backing up traffic behind or drove through the intersection anyway only to be greeted by the parking attendant telling them to turn up or down 60th.
All the street parking on 60th, west of 176 Street is all taken. Also Greenaway Park is full. The church near the corner of 176th Street and 64th Avenue is taking paying parking customers for $10 but it looked pretty full when I drove past at 11am.
All that's left is to find residential street parking around the fairgrounds. Make sure you are parked legally. The parking bylaw officers are out in full force because the Cloverdale Rodeo weekend is a huge cash cow for them. The driver of this car parked the wrong direction on the street and has been ticketed.
I walked past the entrance by 177B Street at 2:30 and the parking lot was full. I watched the parking attendant pull a barricade across the driveway entrance and waving his arms at the traffic to continue along 60th. The cars in the left hand turn lane refused to believe him and the drivers stayed where they were causing a huge traffic jam behind them. Likewise cars on 177B Street who needed to turn left or right. Instead the drivers either stayed where they were backing up traffic behind or drove through the intersection anyway only to be greeted by the parking attendant telling them to turn up or down 60th.
All the street parking on 60th, west of 176 Street is all taken. Also Greenaway Park is full. The church near the corner of 176th Street and 64th Avenue is taking paying parking customers for $10 but it looked pretty full when I drove past at 11am.
All that's left is to find residential street parking around the fairgrounds. Make sure you are parked legally. The parking bylaw officers are out in full force because the Cloverdale Rodeo weekend is a huge cash cow for them. The driver of this car parked the wrong direction on the street and has been ticketed.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Hanging Plants up in Cloverdale
The hanging plants have made an appearance in Cloverdale just in time for the rodeo weekend.
They hang from light posts along 176th Street in the downtown area and each has its own watering system. Their beauty lasts all summer long.
They hang from light posts along 176th Street in the downtown area and each has its own watering system. Their beauty lasts all summer long.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Rodeo Paintings on Shop Windows around Cloverdale
When I was growing up in Cloverdale just about every shopkeeper had a rodeo themed painting down on their window to celebrate the Cloverdale Rodeo weekend. A man from Vancouver Island used to come over and spend about a month hiring his artistry services to the local businesses.
These days you have to really search around Cloverdale to find a shopkeeper painting a rodeo theme on their windows. I've found a few.
This one is in front of the Destination Cloverdale office on 176th Street.
The next two are from the same windows in the office Stephanie Cadieux has set up on 176th Street.
Ron's barber shop on 176th Street.
Starbucks in the new Cloverdale Brick Yard Station.
Clancy's meats in the Brick Yard Station.
These days you have to really search around Cloverdale to find a shopkeeper painting a rodeo theme on their windows. I've found a few.
This one is in front of the Destination Cloverdale office on 176th Street.
This sign is obviously an old one. It's in the window of the old Clover Inn liquor store that closed/moved many months ago.
The next two are from the same windows in the office Stephanie Cadieux has set up on 176th Street.
Ron's barber shop on 176th Street.
Starbucks in the new Cloverdale Brick Yard Station.
Clancy's meats in the Brick Yard Station.
The new produce store in the Brick Yard Station.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Pancake Breakfasts around Cloverdale on Rodeo Weekend May 17 to 20, 2013
I've managed to track down some pancake breakfasts that will be happening around Cloverdale, mostly before the parade starts on Saturday May 18.
Cloverdale Legion is serving up a pancake breakfast every day May 17 to 20th between 8am and 11:30am. Cost is $4.50 and includes pancakes, eggs, sausages, coffee, tea, and orange juice/drink. The legion is located at 17567 - 57th Avenue, across the street from the firehall.
The Lions are serving a pancake breakfast before the parade in Hawthorne Square on the west side of 176th Street, halfway between 57th and 58th Avenues from 8am to 11am on Saturday May 18. I'm not sure of the cost and other extra food being served, but last year it was $5.
So far I haven't been able to find out if the Cloverdale Canadian Reformed Church on 60th Avenue is having its popular pancake breakfast on Saturday morning before the parade. Usually someone stops by my blog and gives me a heads up but not yet. I'll update when I find out.
The Cloverdale United Church on the corner of 58th Avenue and the Cloverdale Bypass is having a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning before the parade, 8am to 10am. $5 for pancakes, sausages, coffee, tea, and juice.
**Updated** There is a sign outside the Cloverdale Canadian Reformed Church, 17473 - 60th Ave., that they'll be holding a free pancake breakfast on Saturday May 16 between 8am and 10am. In addition to pancakes they also serve sausages, eggs, coffee, tea, and juice.
Cloverdale Legion is serving up a pancake breakfast every day May 17 to 20th between 8am and 11:30am. Cost is $4.50 and includes pancakes, eggs, sausages, coffee, tea, and orange juice/drink. The legion is located at 17567 - 57th Avenue, across the street from the firehall.
The Lions are serving a pancake breakfast before the parade in Hawthorne Square on the west side of 176th Street, halfway between 57th and 58th Avenues from 8am to 11am on Saturday May 18. I'm not sure of the cost and other extra food being served, but last year it was $5.
So far I haven't been able to find out if the Cloverdale Canadian Reformed Church on 60th Avenue is having its popular pancake breakfast on Saturday morning before the parade. Usually someone stops by my blog and gives me a heads up but not yet. I'll update when I find out.
The Cloverdale United Church on the corner of 58th Avenue and the Cloverdale Bypass is having a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning before the parade, 8am to 10am. $5 for pancakes, sausages, coffee, tea, and juice.
**Updated** There is a sign outside the Cloverdale Canadian Reformed Church, 17473 - 60th Ave., that they'll be holding a free pancake breakfast on Saturday May 16 between 8am and 10am. In addition to pancakes they also serve sausages, eggs, coffee, tea, and juice.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Parking around Cloverdale for Parade and Rodeo
Here's the scoop on parking around Cloverdale during the rodeo weekend May 17 - 20, 2013.
The big news is the huge parking lot at the former Cloverdale Mall is no more. The area has been fenced in for construction. There are about 100 parking spots in the area surrounding the Cloverdale Legion, the last of the old Cloverdale Mall parking lot. However the Legion is holding pancake breakfasts and barbecues all weekend and won't be too impressed if people park there and aren't coming inside to eat.
The first suggestion is to pay $10 and park at the Cloverdale fairgrounds. That gives you a close walk to the fair and the rodeo.
Also try Greenaway Park next to the fairgrounds on 60th Avenue and park there for free. The gates are locked at dusk so get back to your car by then or look for another way home.
Another is to park on residential streets around Cloverdale. That'll be a longer walk but parking is free. Keep an eye on the parking signs. Downtown Cloverdale is a maximum of 2 hours and there are a few no parking areas around town. The parking bylaw officers are in full force in Cloverdale this weekend. Huge payday for them because people park where they shouldn't be. The most popular parking spots are everything in-between 176A Street and 180th Street and 56A Avenue to 59th Avenue.
Cloverdale has a few free public parking lots. One is located on 56A Avenue just west of 176th Street, in the alley behind the firehall. There's about 60 parking spots here. On 176A Street just north of 57th Avenue, behind the Clova and next to the Bank of Montreal is a large parking lot. A couple hundred spots available here. A little further down 176A Street on the corner of 58A Avenue is another parking lot with about 100 or so parking spots.
There are a few spots available in the old Cloverdale Mall parking lot just off 58th Avenue, closer to the Cloverdale Bypass. Enter off 58th and there are about 15 parking spots here. A little further up, enter from the alley behind the Cloverdale Supermarket is about 30 more parking spots. Get here by 8am on Saturday May 18th if you're planning to watch the parade. Unless its raining, all the parking spots close to 176th Street go early.
On Saturday morning the streets between 176A Street and 177B Street 56A Avenue to 58A Avenue are temporarily closed from 6am to noon for the parade participants to set up. After noon they are up for grabs the rest of the weekend. 176th Street is closed during these times because of the parade route. Tow trucks are standing near by and I always see a couple of cars being towed off this street. Not a good idea to park here the rest of the weekend anyway because its 2 hour parking.
There is a lot of street parking in residential areas west of 176th Street between 60th and 64th Avenues. The problem with this subdivision is if you're not familiar with it, it twists and turns and cul-de-sac's all over the place.
Some residents offer parking in their driveways and front lawns for a few bucks and some of the local churches also sell parking spots.
I checked with the rodeo's general manager to see if the motorbikes are getting free parking this year and the answer is no.
Don't even think about parking in the Clover Crossing Mall on 64th Avenue and 176th Street. They have security guards watching all weekend. If you park and walk off the premises they'll call a tow truck. They watch real closely to make sure everyone who parks a car goes into one of the businesses there.
The big news is the huge parking lot at the former Cloverdale Mall is no more. The area has been fenced in for construction. There are about 100 parking spots in the area surrounding the Cloverdale Legion, the last of the old Cloverdale Mall parking lot. However the Legion is holding pancake breakfasts and barbecues all weekend and won't be too impressed if people park there and aren't coming inside to eat.
The first suggestion is to pay $10 and park at the Cloverdale fairgrounds. That gives you a close walk to the fair and the rodeo.
Also try Greenaway Park next to the fairgrounds on 60th Avenue and park there for free. The gates are locked at dusk so get back to your car by then or look for another way home.
Another is to park on residential streets around Cloverdale. That'll be a longer walk but parking is free. Keep an eye on the parking signs. Downtown Cloverdale is a maximum of 2 hours and there are a few no parking areas around town. The parking bylaw officers are in full force in Cloverdale this weekend. Huge payday for them because people park where they shouldn't be. The most popular parking spots are everything in-between 176A Street and 180th Street and 56A Avenue to 59th Avenue.
Cloverdale has a few free public parking lots. One is located on 56A Avenue just west of 176th Street, in the alley behind the firehall. There's about 60 parking spots here. On 176A Street just north of 57th Avenue, behind the Clova and next to the Bank of Montreal is a large parking lot. A couple hundred spots available here. A little further down 176A Street on the corner of 58A Avenue is another parking lot with about 100 or so parking spots.
There are a few spots available in the old Cloverdale Mall parking lot just off 58th Avenue, closer to the Cloverdale Bypass. Enter off 58th and there are about 15 parking spots here. A little further up, enter from the alley behind the Cloverdale Supermarket is about 30 more parking spots. Get here by 8am on Saturday May 18th if you're planning to watch the parade. Unless its raining, all the parking spots close to 176th Street go early.
On Saturday morning the streets between 176A Street and 177B Street 56A Avenue to 58A Avenue are temporarily closed from 6am to noon for the parade participants to set up. After noon they are up for grabs the rest of the weekend. 176th Street is closed during these times because of the parade route. Tow trucks are standing near by and I always see a couple of cars being towed off this street. Not a good idea to park here the rest of the weekend anyway because its 2 hour parking.
There is a lot of street parking in residential areas west of 176th Street between 60th and 64th Avenues. The problem with this subdivision is if you're not familiar with it, it twists and turns and cul-de-sac's all over the place.
Some residents offer parking in their driveways and front lawns for a few bucks and some of the local churches also sell parking spots.
I checked with the rodeo's general manager to see if the motorbikes are getting free parking this year and the answer is no.
Don't even think about parking in the Clover Crossing Mall on 64th Avenue and 176th Street. They have security guards watching all weekend. If you park and walk off the premises they'll call a tow truck. They watch real closely to make sure everyone who parks a car goes into one of the businesses there.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Cloverdale Rodeo weekend May 17 - 20, 2013
It's that time of the year again when Cloverdale comes alive with a rodeo, fairgrounds rides, animal expos, and vendors hawking their wares. If you've ever dreamed of being a cowboy or cowgirl or just like watching them in action, the Cloverdale Rodeo and Fair is on from May 17th to 20th, 2013.
Here's a rundown for what to expect and for more information you can go to the Cloverdale Rodeo website http://www.cloverdalerodeo.com/
Actually the events start one day in advance on Thursday May 16 with the Cloverdale bed races taking place on 176A Street between 57th and 58th Avenues and a bike parade from 5pm to 7pm.
On Friday May 17th come to the Clover Square Village - corner of 177B Street and Highway 10 - for the chili cook off 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Sampling and voting is free. There are singers up on the stage to entertain the audience.
Cloverdale Rodeo Parade is on Saturday morning May 18th starting at 10am depends where you are for viewing it. The parade entries set up between 56A and 58th Avenues east of 176A Street, and if they're following the pattern they do every year, they get into formation along 177B Street and head south to Highway 10. They turn right (west) on Highway 10 where half the highway has been blocked to vehicle traffic and then turns right (north) down 176th Street. The parade goes all the way down to 58A Avenue then turns right, and then left onto 176A Street back towards the fairgrounds and just kind of ends along this stretch.
I heard that the free trolley rides are going on Saturday and Sunday but I haven't been able to find out for sure yet. Normally it runs between Clover Square Village, Hawthorne Square in downtown Cloverdale, Clover Crossing Mall, and Clayton Hill Mall. If I find out if the trolley will be back I'll post it here.
I'll have some more posts coming soon about where to park in Cloverdale and pancake breakfasts.
Here's a rundown for what to expect and for more information you can go to the Cloverdale Rodeo website http://www.cloverdalerodeo.com/
Actually the events start one day in advance on Thursday May 16 with the Cloverdale bed races taking place on 176A Street between 57th and 58th Avenues and a bike parade from 5pm to 7pm.
On Friday May 17th come to the Clover Square Village - corner of 177B Street and Highway 10 - for the chili cook off 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Sampling and voting is free. There are singers up on the stage to entertain the audience.
Cloverdale Rodeo Parade is on Saturday morning May 18th starting at 10am depends where you are for viewing it. The parade entries set up between 56A and 58th Avenues east of 176A Street, and if they're following the pattern they do every year, they get into formation along 177B Street and head south to Highway 10. They turn right (west) on Highway 10 where half the highway has been blocked to vehicle traffic and then turns right (north) down 176th Street. The parade goes all the way down to 58A Avenue then turns right, and then left onto 176A Street back towards the fairgrounds and just kind of ends along this stretch.
I heard that the free trolley rides are going on Saturday and Sunday but I haven't been able to find out for sure yet. Normally it runs between Clover Square Village, Hawthorne Square in downtown Cloverdale, Clover Crossing Mall, and Clayton Hill Mall. If I find out if the trolley will be back I'll post it here.
I'll have some more posts coming soon about where to park in Cloverdale and pancake breakfasts.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Cloverdale Fairgrounds Setting Up for May Long Weekend
I was at Clover Crossing Mall a couple of days ago and a couple of young men were walking in my direction. One of them asked me where the 7-11 was. I told them it was 4 blocks away on the corner of 60th Avenue. One fellow asked if that was on the other side of the fairgrounds and I said yes. Then he said he knew they'd walked the wrong way. He said they were with the carnival and setting up. It was really hot on Monday, my car said 27C. They looked like they needed slurpees so I suggested if that was what they were looking for they should try the Chevron gas station on the corner because I thought they might have a machine. They thanked me for the tip and said all they knew was 7-11.
Its kind of a tough life for people who work for West Coast Amusements constantly on the move, setting up midway rides and gaming booths, taking them down, and then moving to the next town.
West Coast Amusements used to be set up and ready to go for the Cloverdale Rodeo by Friday night. That was pretty much teenagers flocking there and going on the rides. Back in those days there used to be free admission to get onto the fairgrounds. However the fall fair in September did charge for fairgrounds admission. Now that's they've cancelled the fall fair and combined the two events for the May long weekend, they charge admission to the fairgrounds.
I really enjoyed going on the rides when I was younger. I still do! I liked the tilt a whirl and the octopus. I like rides that spin! Unfortunately Kerry can not take spinning rides so I don't usually go on them any more. He likes the ferris wheel and I went on that with him but he decided it would be fun to rock the coach we were in and really got it swinging. I've seen too many news stories about people falling out of ferris wheels and I wasn't too happy about that so I skip the ferris wheel now too.
Admission to the Cloverdale fairgrounds is $12 but tickets can be purchased at London Drugs for $10.
Its kind of a tough life for people who work for West Coast Amusements constantly on the move, setting up midway rides and gaming booths, taking them down, and then moving to the next town.
West Coast Amusements used to be set up and ready to go for the Cloverdale Rodeo by Friday night. That was pretty much teenagers flocking there and going on the rides. Back in those days there used to be free admission to get onto the fairgrounds. However the fall fair in September did charge for fairgrounds admission. Now that's they've cancelled the fall fair and combined the two events for the May long weekend, they charge admission to the fairgrounds.
I really enjoyed going on the rides when I was younger. I still do! I liked the tilt a whirl and the octopus. I like rides that spin! Unfortunately Kerry can not take spinning rides so I don't usually go on them any more. He likes the ferris wheel and I went on that with him but he decided it would be fun to rock the coach we were in and really got it swinging. I've seen too many news stories about people falling out of ferris wheels and I wasn't too happy about that so I skip the ferris wheel now too.
Admission to the Cloverdale fairgrounds is $12 but tickets can be purchased at London Drugs for $10.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Cloverdale has Fast Traffic Lights
With the Cloverdale Rodeo Weekend just a few days away this means increased pedestrian traffic especially following the parade on Saturday morning as people make their way back to their cars.
The busiest pedestrian crossing during the Cloverdale rodeo and fair is the corner of 60th Avenue and 176th Street and also 60th Avenue and 177B Street. It is also important to note that this area will be heavily frequented by jaywalkers, almost a physical impossibility to the huge amount of vehicle traffic on 60th, there just aren't any breaks.
There are also a lot of people who will press the pedestrian signal at 176th Street and 62nd Avenue.
Following the parade on Saturday morning the pedestrian traffic is also huge on 58th Avenue and the Cloverdale Bypass, not so much the rest of the weekend.
Nobody walks in Cloverdale so the traffic lights are pretty quick. I'm a fairly fast walker especially with a couple of dogs in a big hurry to get home. When I cross the lights on the Cloverdale Bypass at 57th, 58th, or 176th and 60th Avenue I never get to the midway point before the hand starts flashing. It seems once I cross the street and get 5 metres or so from the curb the light has changed and traffic is moving again. There are 2 lanes of traffic in each direction plus left hand turn lanes and right hand turn lanes, meaning there is about 8 lanes of road to cross.
During the Cloverdale Rodeo weekend it never ceases to amaze me how people seem to think they have a sense of entitlement when it comes to crossing the street and that the whole world should wait for them while they casually saunter across, possibly making it halfway before the light changes on them. Some of the biggest culprits are teenagers. The ones who are too lazy to lift their feet off the ground and are shuffling along feet never leaving the road. Also parents with children. You people need to move it a little faster. If the hand is flashing red when you reach the curb don't even think of crossing the street unless you're planning to do it at a run.
A lot of drivers aren't looking out for pedestrians, especially the ones making right hand turns. I've had a few near misses by drivers who choose not to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk who have the light to walk. Year round.
A couple of years ago we were coming back from the fairgrounds and crossing 176th street at 60th Avenue. There were several of us standing there waiting for the light. It changed, we got the light to walk and the signals at this intersection chirp when pedestrians have activated the walk sign. As we all step off the curb I see a car in the right hand turn lane preparing to go north down 176th Street and he ain't stopping even though pedestrians are in the crosswalk. I screamed "stop" so everyone would stop walking and not get mowed down by the car. The driver kept going but pulled over to the curb a little ahead at the bus stop. Hopefully one of his passengers in the car chewed him out and he was rattled enough to stop. There are a lot of bad drivers already in Cloverdale and the rodeo brings out bad drivers from other parts of the Lower Mainland.
So word of wise to pedestrians in Cloverdale this May long weekend. Push the button to get the walk signal. When the light changes move it across the street at a good pace and you'll be OK. Before you step off the curb, look over your left shoulder and make sure no car is planning to barge into the crosswalk.
Have a safe weekend!
The busiest pedestrian crossing during the Cloverdale rodeo and fair is the corner of 60th Avenue and 176th Street and also 60th Avenue and 177B Street. It is also important to note that this area will be heavily frequented by jaywalkers, almost a physical impossibility to the huge amount of vehicle traffic on 60th, there just aren't any breaks.
There are also a lot of people who will press the pedestrian signal at 176th Street and 62nd Avenue.
Following the parade on Saturday morning the pedestrian traffic is also huge on 58th Avenue and the Cloverdale Bypass, not so much the rest of the weekend.
Nobody walks in Cloverdale so the traffic lights are pretty quick. I'm a fairly fast walker especially with a couple of dogs in a big hurry to get home. When I cross the lights on the Cloverdale Bypass at 57th, 58th, or 176th and 60th Avenue I never get to the midway point before the hand starts flashing. It seems once I cross the street and get 5 metres or so from the curb the light has changed and traffic is moving again. There are 2 lanes of traffic in each direction plus left hand turn lanes and right hand turn lanes, meaning there is about 8 lanes of road to cross.
During the Cloverdale Rodeo weekend it never ceases to amaze me how people seem to think they have a sense of entitlement when it comes to crossing the street and that the whole world should wait for them while they casually saunter across, possibly making it halfway before the light changes on them. Some of the biggest culprits are teenagers. The ones who are too lazy to lift their feet off the ground and are shuffling along feet never leaving the road. Also parents with children. You people need to move it a little faster. If the hand is flashing red when you reach the curb don't even think of crossing the street unless you're planning to do it at a run.
A lot of drivers aren't looking out for pedestrians, especially the ones making right hand turns. I've had a few near misses by drivers who choose not to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk who have the light to walk. Year round.
A couple of years ago we were coming back from the fairgrounds and crossing 176th street at 60th Avenue. There were several of us standing there waiting for the light. It changed, we got the light to walk and the signals at this intersection chirp when pedestrians have activated the walk sign. As we all step off the curb I see a car in the right hand turn lane preparing to go north down 176th Street and he ain't stopping even though pedestrians are in the crosswalk. I screamed "stop" so everyone would stop walking and not get mowed down by the car. The driver kept going but pulled over to the curb a little ahead at the bus stop. Hopefully one of his passengers in the car chewed him out and he was rattled enough to stop. There are a lot of bad drivers already in Cloverdale and the rodeo brings out bad drivers from other parts of the Lower Mainland.
So word of wise to pedestrians in Cloverdale this May long weekend. Push the button to get the walk signal. When the light changes move it across the street at a good pace and you'll be OK. Before you step off the curb, look over your left shoulder and make sure no car is planning to barge into the crosswalk.
Have a safe weekend!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Cloverdale Pancake Breakfasts on Rodeo Weekend May 2012
There are a few groups around Cloverdale serving up pancake breakfasts either on the day of the Cloverdale Rodeo Parade or on all days the rodeo/fair is on. Here is a rundown:
Cloverdale Legion 17567 - 57th Avenue - on Friday May 18 (8am to 11:30am), Saturday May 19 7:30am to noon), Sunday May 20 (8am to 11:30am), and Monday (8am to 11:30am) - serving pancakes, sausages, eggs, coffee, tea, and orange juice/drink for $4.50. Good place to park and leave your car and walk to the parade route on Saturday if you get here early enough.
Cloverdale Lions Club - Hawthorne Square (east side of 176th Street halfway between 57th and 58th Avenues) from 8am to 10am same place they set up every year. I can not find a price or what else they might be serving besides pancakes.
Cloverdale United Church, 17585 - 58A Avenue - offering pancakes, sausages on Saturday April 19 from 8am to 10am. Looking for $5 donations for breakfast.
Cloverdale Reformed Church, 17473 - 60th Avenue - the morning before the parade on Saturday May 19. I had confirmation they are once again offering a free rodeo breakfast - pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee, tea, juices. I don't have the hours but if its the same as past years the breakfast is served between 8am and 9:30am. If you want to park your car here for the day there is a fee, but at this time I don't know what it is. I know the fairgrounds charges $10 to park so I can't imagine the church is charging any more than that. This is a really good breakfast. We try to come here every year. There is no charge to park and eat breakfast and leave again in your car.
Cloverdale Legion 17567 - 57th Avenue - on Friday May 18 (8am to 11:30am), Saturday May 19 7:30am to noon), Sunday May 20 (8am to 11:30am), and Monday (8am to 11:30am) - serving pancakes, sausages, eggs, coffee, tea, and orange juice/drink for $4.50. Good place to park and leave your car and walk to the parade route on Saturday if you get here early enough.
Cloverdale Lions Club - Hawthorne Square (east side of 176th Street halfway between 57th and 58th Avenues) from 8am to 10am same place they set up every year. I can not find a price or what else they might be serving besides pancakes.
Cloverdale United Church, 17585 - 58A Avenue - offering pancakes, sausages on Saturday April 19 from 8am to 10am. Looking for $5 donations for breakfast.
Cloverdale Reformed Church, 17473 - 60th Avenue - the morning before the parade on Saturday May 19. I had confirmation they are once again offering a free rodeo breakfast - pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee, tea, juices. I don't have the hours but if its the same as past years the breakfast is served between 8am and 9:30am. If you want to park your car here for the day there is a fee, but at this time I don't know what it is. I know the fairgrounds charges $10 to park so I can't imagine the church is charging any more than that. This is a really good breakfast. We try to come here every year. There is no charge to park and eat breakfast and leave again in your car.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Cloverdale Chili Cook Off
Cloverdale will be hosting a pre-rodeo event - the chili cook off - on Friday May 18 2012 in the Clover Square Village on the corner of Highway 10 and 177B Street.
Several groups will be cooking up batches of chili and offering samples. Testing is free but they ask you to vote for the group you thought cooked the best chili. You can also fill out an entry form and win prizes donated by Cloverdale merchants. If you enter the draw you have to be there when they draw to win a prize or you are out of luck so plan on sticking around to about 7pm to see if you're a lucky winner.
Between 4:30pm and 6:30pm there will also be live music. Parking may be a bit tricky because much of the parking lot is taken over by the groups setting up for the chili cook off. Try entering on the west side of the mall where the old Rogers Video used to be next to the Clydesdale Inn. There is parking behing the mall, behind where IGA is.
If you think you have a recipe that has what it takes to win, here is the entry form http://www.cloverdale.bc.ca/chamber/2012%20Chili%20Cook%20off%20app.pdf
This is kind of a pre-rodeo kick off event. The fairgrounds will be open from 4pm to midnight if you want to head over there and enjoy the midway rides. Admission to the fairgrounds is $12.
Admission to the chili cook off is free. And free to test the chili. The groups provide little paper cups and spoons.
Several groups will be cooking up batches of chili and offering samples. Testing is free but they ask you to vote for the group you thought cooked the best chili. You can also fill out an entry form and win prizes donated by Cloverdale merchants. If you enter the draw you have to be there when they draw to win a prize or you are out of luck so plan on sticking around to about 7pm to see if you're a lucky winner.
Between 4:30pm and 6:30pm there will also be live music. Parking may be a bit tricky because much of the parking lot is taken over by the groups setting up for the chili cook off. Try entering on the west side of the mall where the old Rogers Video used to be next to the Clydesdale Inn. There is parking behing the mall, behind where IGA is.
If you think you have a recipe that has what it takes to win, here is the entry form http://www.cloverdale.bc.ca/chamber/2012%20Chili%20Cook%20off%20app.pdf
This is kind of a pre-rodeo kick off event. The fairgrounds will be open from 4pm to midnight if you want to head over there and enjoy the midway rides. Admission to the fairgrounds is $12.
Admission to the chili cook off is free. And free to test the chili. The groups provide little paper cups and spoons.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Cloverdale getting pre-rodeo spruce up
Its that time of year when Cloverdale gets some attention in preparation for the May long weekend when the rodeo comes to town. The City of Surrey has sent maintenance to mow the grass growing alongside the city boulevards on the Cloverdale Bypass and 57th Avenue along the block where the Legion is and the old Cloverdale Mall parking lot. Plus the big grassy area on 58th and the bypass, closing in on where the ambulance station is has been mowed. It looks like the maintenance crew isn't doing anything more on 57th Avenue alongside the old Cloverdale Mall parking lot. They mowed/trimmed the grass between the sidewalk and the street but they didn't clean up the broken glass on the sidewalk. Also the grass and juniper bushes between the sidewalk and the parking lot only got one swipe with a lawnmower. It looks pretty messy.
Today I see the street sweeper making the rounds of Cloverdale streets. Then that'll be it for another year!
So far the hanging plants haven't showed up on 176th Street. It'll be nice if they're up in time for the rodeo. Fortunately so far the water hasn't been turned on, a problem they had before, which meant they either had to put some hanging plants up to be watered or turn the automatic timer off because the only thing being watered was the sidewalk and any unfortunate pedestrians who may have been standing nearby!
Today I see the street sweeper making the rounds of Cloverdale streets. Then that'll be it for another year!
So far the hanging plants haven't showed up on 176th Street. It'll be nice if they're up in time for the rodeo. Fortunately so far the water hasn't been turned on, a problem they had before, which meant they either had to put some hanging plants up to be watered or turn the automatic timer off because the only thing being watered was the sidewalk and any unfortunate pedestrians who may have been standing nearby!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Rodeo Paintings on Cloverdale Shops
Here are some photos around downtown Cloverdale where the shopkeepers have hired a painter to decorate their windows to celebrate the Cloverdale Rodeo. Photos taken from iPhone with dog yanking on the leash and some of these windows have glare and a couple of them are mirror images so you can see the cars on the street! At least this gives some idea of how some shopkeepers are getting into the rodeo spirit.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Parking around Cloverdale during Rodeo and Parade
I thought this year I would tackle where to park your car if driving to Cloverdale to attend the rodeo/fair or the parade.
To start off with - the City of Surrey has fast moving parking bylaw enforcement officers who work 24 hours. The company who gets the contract with Surrey keeps getting it renewed because they bring in LOTS of money, well over the quota. The parking enforcement officers congregate in Cloverdale during the long weekend in May because it is a windfall for them. I see cars with parking tickets on their windshields everywhere! This is a good place to remind everyone if they see "no parking" signs, don't be tempted to park there because you see a lot of other cars parked there. If you see signs that say 15 minute parking or 2 hour parking, don't think that does not apply on a holiday weekend. Don't park too close to stop signs or fire hydrants or otherwise park illegally. Saving $10 on parking at the fairgrounds will cost you a $40 ticket or whatever the city charges for parking infractions.
If you are coming into Cloverdale for the rodeo parade on Saturday May 19 2012 you need to arrive in the 176th Street area no later than 8:30am. The streets are closed off around that time and besides all the parking spots will be taken. Look for temporary "no parking" signs. They will be roughly everywhere between 176th Street and 177B Street and all the side streets from 58A Avenue and Highway 10. This is either the parade route or where the parade entries are setting up.
If you arrive early enough before the streets are closed down, head to the public parking lots on 176A Street. One is close to 57th Avenue, behind the Clover Inn and the Clova Theatre, the other is down on the corner of 58A Avenue, across the street from the bowling alley. Not lots of parking. Maybe 100 spots between the two lots. The other option is the old Cloverdale Mall. Enter on 57th Avenue between the Cloverdale Bypass and 176th Street, closer to the Legion. There are still spots available. I guess at least 100 cars can find parking here if you're early enough that is.
The other parking is in an alley behind 176th Street. Access is from 56A Avenue or if you're on 57th Avenue, its behind the Cloverdale firehall. There is parking there for about 40 cars.
The next option is the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. There is room for hundreds of cars to park. When the lot is full they send them up a roadway above the racetrack and Stetson Bowl and they also park cars on the racetrack. Parking cost $10 in 2011. I'm not sure if its going up this year.
For free parking the best place is to look on residential streets. The above streets that I mentioned that are closed on Saturday morning for the parade route and set up have lots of parking. The next best place to find parking is on residential streets between 176th Street and 172nd Street and 60th Avenue and 64th Avenue. This place will be jam packed with cars once the fair and rodeo starts. Not so much during the parade because its farther to walk.
Getting back to the parade, its almost impossible to find a parking spot on 60th Avenue mostly due to no parking signs but the further you get away from 176th Street the more likely a spot can be found. Also south of 60th Avenue in the residential area there might be some parking spots. Stay away from 57th Avenue south of the Cloverdale Bypass. Its no parking on the street anymore since they changed it after the new strip mall Brick Yard Station went in. I'd also recommend not looking for a place to park on 58th Avenue west of the Cloverdale Bypass. Its currently under road work and putting in new water lines. These are union workers. They're not working on Saturday. But all their machinery, the pipes, their trailers, etc are all on the side of the road where people would normally be able to park their cars.
Some residents offer paid parking on their driveways for a few bucks less than the fairgrounds charges. Also the local churches offer parking in their lots for a couple of bucks less than what the fairgrounds charges. Check the United Church on the corner of the Cloverdale Bypass and 58th Avenue, Cloverdale Reformed Church on 60th Avenue in the 174 block.
Riding a motorbike? I don't know for sure this year but in past years motorbikes park for free near the ticket booth on 62nd Avenue. This is a restricted area during the rodeo weekend so you need to have a rodeo pass or a license at Fraser Downs racetrack to get down this road. But there has always been free parking in the past if you're riding a motorbike in a small dirt lot near the barn area. Might be worth checking out.
Oh another warning. Do not even think about parking your car at Clover Crossing on 64th Avenue and 176th Street and walking over to the fairgrounds. This is 2 hour parking for customers only. The mall hires security during the rodeo weekend to keep an eye on the cars and that people who are parking there are going into one of the stores there. If you go into Tim Hortons or McDonalds, buy something, go out the other door and head to the fairgrounds, you'll probably still get caught and might not have a car waiting for you when you return. I usually avoid this whole area due to traffic but a couple of years ago I had to stop at PriceSmart or London Drugs for something. I had my dog in the car, windows open of course, and parked near one of the security guards. My dog kept barking at him and he moved away but clearly I was heading into the store to buy something real quick. I think he might have been on to me if I'd left the dog in the car parked there for a few hours.
I can't stress enough not to park where you shouldn't be parking with those fast moving bylaws officers on the prowl. And arriving early to look for free parking if you want to see the parade.
To start off with - the City of Surrey has fast moving parking bylaw enforcement officers who work 24 hours. The company who gets the contract with Surrey keeps getting it renewed because they bring in LOTS of money, well over the quota. The parking enforcement officers congregate in Cloverdale during the long weekend in May because it is a windfall for them. I see cars with parking tickets on their windshields everywhere! This is a good place to remind everyone if they see "no parking" signs, don't be tempted to park there because you see a lot of other cars parked there. If you see signs that say 15 minute parking or 2 hour parking, don't think that does not apply on a holiday weekend. Don't park too close to stop signs or fire hydrants or otherwise park illegally. Saving $10 on parking at the fairgrounds will cost you a $40 ticket or whatever the city charges for parking infractions.
If you are coming into Cloverdale for the rodeo parade on Saturday May 19 2012 you need to arrive in the 176th Street area no later than 8:30am. The streets are closed off around that time and besides all the parking spots will be taken. Look for temporary "no parking" signs. They will be roughly everywhere between 176th Street and 177B Street and all the side streets from 58A Avenue and Highway 10. This is either the parade route or where the parade entries are setting up.
If you arrive early enough before the streets are closed down, head to the public parking lots on 176A Street. One is close to 57th Avenue, behind the Clover Inn and the Clova Theatre, the other is down on the corner of 58A Avenue, across the street from the bowling alley. Not lots of parking. Maybe 100 spots between the two lots. The other option is the old Cloverdale Mall. Enter on 57th Avenue between the Cloverdale Bypass and 176th Street, closer to the Legion. There are still spots available. I guess at least 100 cars can find parking here if you're early enough that is.
The other parking is in an alley behind 176th Street. Access is from 56A Avenue or if you're on 57th Avenue, its behind the Cloverdale firehall. There is parking there for about 40 cars.
The next option is the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. There is room for hundreds of cars to park. When the lot is full they send them up a roadway above the racetrack and Stetson Bowl and they also park cars on the racetrack. Parking cost $10 in 2011. I'm not sure if its going up this year.
For free parking the best place is to look on residential streets. The above streets that I mentioned that are closed on Saturday morning for the parade route and set up have lots of parking. The next best place to find parking is on residential streets between 176th Street and 172nd Street and 60th Avenue and 64th Avenue. This place will be jam packed with cars once the fair and rodeo starts. Not so much during the parade because its farther to walk.
Getting back to the parade, its almost impossible to find a parking spot on 60th Avenue mostly due to no parking signs but the further you get away from 176th Street the more likely a spot can be found. Also south of 60th Avenue in the residential area there might be some parking spots. Stay away from 57th Avenue south of the Cloverdale Bypass. Its no parking on the street anymore since they changed it after the new strip mall Brick Yard Station went in. I'd also recommend not looking for a place to park on 58th Avenue west of the Cloverdale Bypass. Its currently under road work and putting in new water lines. These are union workers. They're not working on Saturday. But all their machinery, the pipes, their trailers, etc are all on the side of the road where people would normally be able to park their cars.
Some residents offer paid parking on their driveways for a few bucks less than the fairgrounds charges. Also the local churches offer parking in their lots for a couple of bucks less than what the fairgrounds charges. Check the United Church on the corner of the Cloverdale Bypass and 58th Avenue, Cloverdale Reformed Church on 60th Avenue in the 174 block.
Riding a motorbike? I don't know for sure this year but in past years motorbikes park for free near the ticket booth on 62nd Avenue. This is a restricted area during the rodeo weekend so you need to have a rodeo pass or a license at Fraser Downs racetrack to get down this road. But there has always been free parking in the past if you're riding a motorbike in a small dirt lot near the barn area. Might be worth checking out.
Oh another warning. Do not even think about parking your car at Clover Crossing on 64th Avenue and 176th Street and walking over to the fairgrounds. This is 2 hour parking for customers only. The mall hires security during the rodeo weekend to keep an eye on the cars and that people who are parking there are going into one of the stores there. If you go into Tim Hortons or McDonalds, buy something, go out the other door and head to the fairgrounds, you'll probably still get caught and might not have a car waiting for you when you return. I usually avoid this whole area due to traffic but a couple of years ago I had to stop at PriceSmart or London Drugs for something. I had my dog in the car, windows open of course, and parked near one of the security guards. My dog kept barking at him and he moved away but clearly I was heading into the store to buy something real quick. I think he might have been on to me if I'd left the dog in the car parked there for a few hours.
I can't stress enough not to park where you shouldn't be parking with those fast moving bylaws officers on the prowl. And arriving early to look for free parking if you want to see the parade.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Cloverdale Window Painting on Local Pub
Many of Cloverdale's merchants have signs painted on their windows to promote the Cloverdale rodeo. I don't know who the painter is. Back in the 70's it was a friend of the people who lived across the street from us and I don't recall what he charged per window. $50 or so. He lived on Vancouver Island and he'd show up in Cloverdale in his van and at nights park it in our friend's driveway. Whoever is painting the windows these days is continuing in the fun cartoon like caricatures of cowboys and horses.There's a pub on the corner of 58A Avenue and 176A Street. It has a rodeo sign on it but the word "live" is spelled "lvie". I doubt the typo was intentional. Even if the artist didn't catch the typo I would have thought the proprietor would have noticed and asked the artist to fix it. I don't know. Maybe he got a reduced rate to leave it as is. At any rate it was picture worthy. Fortunately I had my phone with me and snapped a pic.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Cloverdale Rodeo Weekend May 18 to 21st 2012
The posters are starting to appear on the shopkeeper's windows in downtown Cloverdale advertising the Cloverdale Rodeo weekend on the long weekend in May.
I'll have more information on the festivities happening around Cloverdale next month.
For now further information is available on the Cloverdale Rodeo website.
I'll have more information on the festivities happening around Cloverdale next month.
For now further information is available on the Cloverdale Rodeo website.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Bank of Montreal Cloverdale Staff 1949
Here's a photo taken of Cloverdale's Bank of Montreal staff taken in 1949. Judging by the outfits they were wearing I'm guessing it must have been around the time of Cloverdale Rodeo days.
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