After two long years, the community is ready to party again with the return of Ladner Pioneer May Days, providing a weekend full of fun and excitement at Memorial Park.
The 126th edition of the fair, which always takes place the last weekend of May, has been dark since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to some creativity, a virtual event was held a year ago but there is nothing quite like doing it in-person.
It was back in late March of this year when the City of Delta gave the greenlight for this year’s fair. It’s been non-stop work since for a group of volunteers, most of them lifelong Ladner residents that know exactly what May Days means to this community.
“Even after two years, I don’t think there has been too many challenges. We’ve just had to really pull from different people in the community because everyone wants this to happen,” said May Days vice-chair Missy Coghill. “Everyone is excited to see it back.
“You can really feel it, especially with the kids. Parents are saying ‘I can finally take my kids again’ or ‘I used to go when I was a kid and now my kids are old enough now.’ They want to make those same memories from their childhood.”
This year’s theme is “Neighbours helping Neighbours,” recognizing and appreciating the local frontline workers over the past two years.
May Days kicks off on Friday at 4 p.m. when the Shooting Star Amusement’s midway opens. The rides and games will run until 10 p.m.
The Ladner May Days Invitational men’s fast-pitch tournament also begins on Friday with its first game at 6:30 p.m.
Activities really get going on Saturday, running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. In addition to the midway and fast-pitch tournament continuing, there will be a May Days Market, stage entertainment, petting zoo and pony rides, gold panning with Yukon Dan, beer garden (noon-to-6 p.m.), food trucks and more.
Sunday begins with a pancake breakfast at the park from 8 to 11 a.m. The parade starts at noon in Ladner Village and will make its way to Memorial Park.
Sunday’s in-the-park line-up will include many of the same activities as Saturday, highlighted by the crowning of the 2022 Royal Court on the main entertainment stage at 1:30 p.m.
The May Days' website has all the details.
