So, you’re not planning on heading out of town, but would still like to do something fun this May Long Weekend in the Fraser Valley. Am I right?

Of course I am, that’s why you clicked on this post! There’s no need to be envious of your neighbours who will be pitching a tent in the woods — there are tons of fun, family events happening close to home. This means you won’t have to fight the holiday traffic madness or sleep on a half-deflated air mattress.

Here are 6 fun things to do this May Long Weekend in the Valley.

1-Royal Canadian Family Circus (Abbotsford)

The Royal Canadian family Circus Spectac! 2017 is coming to Abbotsford at the Sevenoaks Shopping Centre this May Long Weekend. For 50 years, the Royal Canadian familyCircus has been providing fun activities and entertainment for kids… and for the entire family! Most adults still recall their first trip to the circus as a youngster; sharing this experience with sons and daughter of any age creates memories and traditions that will last a lifetime. Imagine sitting under the BIG TOP, popcorn in hand, as you are awed by the gravity defying performers of the Royal Canadian family Circus Spectac! 2017.

For more information, visit www.royalcanadiancircus.ca.

NOTE: Use promo code valleymom to get two tickets for the price of one.

2- Royal Victorian Party (South Surrey)

Party like it’s 1845 at the Historic Stewart Farm from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The whole family will enjoy this royal celebration with dancing, birthday cake and a chance to meet Queen Victoria herself. Our “faux” queen will cut birthday cake and grace visitors with selfies and royal portraits. Waist coats and feathered hats are encouraged but not mandatory. Subjects attending the free, all ages event are invited to:

• Watch the Vancouver Morris Men perform their colourful and lively dances. Also set to perform are their female dance troupe counterparts, the Tiddley Cove Morris dancers and the fabulous Little Mountain Step n Clog.
• Revel in the reels of the Brigadoon Scottish Highland dance group.
• Enjoy new-style comfort cooking from Hot Grandma’s Kitchen food truck.
• Create a bejeweled crown and craft a scepter fit for royalty.
• Take a turn churning ice cream the old fashioned way.
• Play croquet, make bubbles and hula hoop on the farmhouse lawn.
• Take a moment to relax on the veranda while sipping lemonade and indulging in a slice of birthday cake with ice cream.
• Enjoy a family picnic on the scenic grounds.

For more information, visit www.surrey.ca.

 

3- Fort Langley Beer and Food Festival (Fort Langley)

The Fort Langley Beer + Food Festival will feature live music, Fraser Valley craft breweries, local food vendors and much more in a beautiful outdoor setting. In 2017, as part of Canada’s birthday celebration, free admission to the Fort Langley National Historic Site will provide something extra special for visitors.
Event is rain or shine, sorry no refunds! 19+ (two pieces of ID required). We recommend car pooling or taking transit as parking is limited. Please don’t drink and drive!

Purchase tickets HERE.

 

4- Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair (Cloverdale)

Release your inner Cowboy or Cowgirl by heading to the 70th Annual Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair which starts with the traditional Rodeo Parade on Saturday morning.

The streets of the Cloverdale Town Centre will be filled with music, freshly made food, and a whole lot of western spirit.

For more information, visit www.cloverdalerodeo.com.

 

5 – 22nd Annual May Day Parade  (Fort Langley)

The 22^nd Annual May Day Parade returns to Fort Langley on Monday, May 22. The parade will form up on Church Street, commencing at 11 a.m. to go west on Mavis to Glover Road.  Once on Glover the floats will go south to 88th Avenue.

At 88th Avenue, the parade will turn west again to Trattle St.  It will then turn north and travel along Trattle to St. Andrews.  At St. Andrews they will turn east and head into Fort Langley Community Park.

Once in the park, the May Queens and the Royal Party will be piped in.  There will then be May Pole Dancing followed by live entertainment through until 4 p.m.

The Lions famous BBQ Chicken will be available at the park.

There will be rides for the children, Mini Golf for Everyone, vendors, food and much more.

For more information, visit www.fortlangleymayday.com.

6- Bradner May Day (Abbotsford)

Bradner community is gearing up to host its 98th annual May Day celebrations, offering all kinds of good ol’ fashioned fun for the whole family.

This popular tradition, which includes the colourful May Pole Dancers, rides, games, concessions, face painting and more, kicks off at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, served in Bradner Community Hall, 5305 Bradner Road (north of Fraser Highway).

 

And there you have it Valleyites, 6 great events sure to suit even the pickiest member of your clan. Have a safe, fun and memorable May Long Weekend. We’ll be attending a few of these festivities so make sure to come say hello. I’ll be the frazzled red-headed mom clutching a Tim Hortons’ coffee, while loosely holding on to my sanity. To view what other events are coming up this summer, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter, stay connected on Facebook and check out our community calendar.