Appreciating our volunteers

On Saturday June 22nd, The Hyack Festival Association held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Barbecue at Queens Park to celebrate the over 160 people who helped make the Hyack International Parade, Street Festival, May Day Heritage Picnic, Rose Planting Ceremony, Cannon Salute and Northwest Festival Hosting Hospitality Banquet and planned weekend activities a huge success overall!

Volunteers helped with duties during the official Hyack Festival Week of May 20-26 ranging from parade assembly, dispersal, booth set up, parade marshalling, hospitality escorting, decorating, set up and take down, judging, announcing, driving vehicles in the parade, organizing and escorting the May Queens and Royal Knights and much, much more! The Hyack Festival Association and its Volunteers were Nationally recognized with certificates of appreciation from MP Peter Julian and the Parliament of Canada for their dedication and involvement to the Community, Local Economy, Cultural Well Being and Diversity in the City of New Westminster.

Mr. Julian offered the following encouraging words to the volunteers: “I’d just like to thank you profoundly for everything! You make such a difference in our community. The festival and all the work that you do really changes the quality of life in New Westminster. Don’t underestimate the impact and the work that (each of) you do. It makes New Westminster a very special place to live in, so thank you on behalf of the Parliament of Canada.” As part of the celebrations, attendees were graciously entertained by guitarist Leonard Pallerstein, a local musician who teaches at Neil Douglas Guitar Shop and performs instrumental music on his classical guitar. The musical entertainment was provided by the New Westminster Arts Council who also helped organize the Volunteer Appreciation BBQ through Executive Director Stephen O’Shea. Hyack Festival Association Executive Director Brunella Battista mentioned, “The Hyack Festival Association is a volunteer-run organization. Without our hard-working volunteers, there would be no events, no community building and no fun! We would like to express our appreciation for each and every one of you!” President 2019, Lili De Capite presented certificates to the volunteers in attendance as part of her Shining Bright Recognition Program. You can find a list of all who have been recognized online at www.hyackfestival.com