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Vancouver Heritage Foundation Weekly: West Hastings Street- It's A Parade!

Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity supporting the conservation of heritage buildings and structures in recognition of their contribution to the city’s economy, sustainability and culture.

Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity supporting the conservation of heritage buildings and structures in recognition of their contribution to the city’s economy, sustainability and culture.

VHF's Places That Matter plaque project is revealing five more sites this month at a noon hour event celebrating West Hastings Street. Why not join us during your lunch break on Friday June 26th at 12pm to learn about the history of this grand main street with its iconic heritage buildings. Bonus: There will be free coffee, tea, cookies, live music and free goody bags for the first 50 people! All are welcome to attend.

One of the five themes we'll be highlighting during this Places That Matter presentation is that of the Parade. Since Vancouver's early years, Hastings Street has been the venue for thousands of people to come downtown to watch the elaborate processions and spectacle of the parade. Along with the tradition of attending PNE, Vancouverites have also grown up watching the annual PNE parade along Hastings Street. Local businessman Jimmy Pattison recounts in Beverly Cramp's book, Pacific National Exhibition 100 Years of Fun, "My memories of the PNE are mostly of the big parade downtown. It was a big deal. I came downtown early with my parents, usually my mom, to get a good seat. We didn't have enough money to go to the Fair; the parade was how I experienced the PNE as a child."

People young and old have gathered to catch a glimpse of the decorated floats, wagons, vehicles, circus elephants, marching bands, kings, queens, emperors and presidents - Hastings Street has seen it all. All ages are welcome to join us in celebrating this and other stories that highlight West Hastings Street history.

Friday June 26th, 12 noon - 1pm, 12pm plaque presentation, 12:30pm free one hour walking tour with civic historian John Atkin.

Location: The Perch @ Lot 19 (Hornby St. and West Hastings St.)

More details about VHF's Places That Matter plaque project and updates on the presentation can be found here.