Fort Langley’s traditional Cranberry Festival is happening Thanksgiving weekend this year.
First started in 1995, the Cranberry Festival is held each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, which happens to be Saturday, Oct. 7 – two days before Thanksgiving Day.
Rachelle Cashato, executive director of the Eric Woodward Foundation and festival organizer, said more than 120 vendors are scheduled for the event with the majority being from Langley and the Fraser Valley.
Some local vendors include Fluffy Bunny Cotton Candy, Cedar Rim Nursery, and The Bog Riverside Cranberry Farm.
Cashato added that vendors will also be located at Pop Up Park, the greenspace located on Glover Road and Mary Avenue, in addition to the usual vendor space along Glover Road.
“We have some new entertainers this year, including music that has been very popular with the crowd at the night markets,” she said.
Live music will run throughout the day on a pop-up stage in front of the Fort Langley Community Hall.
Each year about 35,000 people participate in the event, and Cashato expects the same this year.
“[We like] seeing the community come together to celebrate and give thanks. [It’s] always great to support the local artisans and musicians,” Cashato said.
The day kicks off with the Lions Pancake Breakfast at 10 a.m. at Pop Up Park. The market runs until 4 p.m.
Like last year, the area of Glover Road and Mary Avenue will be closed for vehicles.
“Fort Langley is such a great community that continues to grow and offer so many unique experiences for locals and visitors. We are so happy to be able to steward the festival to its full capacity and provide a fun day for attendees of all ages,” she concluded.
Initially started by a community of farmers, the festival was later transferred to Fort Langley Business Improvement Association (BIA). In 2020, after the closure of the BIA, the Eric Woodward Foundation assumed the long-term stewardship.
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