Preparations are underway for the Surrey Vaisakhi Day Parade, which takes place on Saturday, April 20.
The Parade is one of the largest Vaisakhi celebrations in the world outside of Punjab, India. The parade is a major attraction for the city, drawing visitors from across Canada and the United States. The Vaisakhi Parade, which started in 1998, has brought people together like never before. People from all walks of life are welcomed with open arms by the Sikh Community. The annual Surrey Khalsa Day (Vaisakhi) Parade in Surrey attracts over 500,000 people annually in a celebration of one of the most significant days in the Sikh calendar, the creation of the Khalsa in 1699. The event welcomes people of all cultures and communities who come together in this communal gathering of understanding, sharing, and goodwill.
Having a plan in place with your family and friends prior to the event can be very helpful to ensure everyone stays safe throughout the celebration.
“It is our honour to be part of Vaisakhi Parade (Nagar Kirtan) as we work with our partners in the community to keep this event safe for everyone and be part of the parade,” says Corporal Sarbjit Sangha, Surrey RCMP Media Relations Officer.
“With the large crowds, it can be easy for people to become separated from their group. During previous Vaisakhi celebrations, the Surrey RCMP has responded to dozens of incidents of missing children or seniors,” she says.
A safety plan may include these simple tips:
Take a family photo before you leave the house, this will help in locating them if needed;
Familiarize your family members with their surroundings and have a pre-planned meeting place;
Equip your family members with some form of identification and your contact information;
Keep a current photo of your child on you in case you need to describe them to police;
Keep your children within eyesight at all times;
If a family member goes missing, notify the nearest police officer;
If you live in the area that has been closed to traffic, please have your driver’s license with current address to provide to police at check points in order to get to your residence.
A number of road closures will be taking place in the City of Surrey this weekend due to the parade. Police ask that members of the public make arrangements to use alternate routes.
The Parade begins at 9:00am at the Gurdwara Sahib Darbar (12885 85th Avenue, Surrey) and travels along 124th Street, turns left onto 75th Avenue, continues on 76th Avenue onto 128th Street then returns to the Temple at approximately 5:00pm.
On the day of the parade, road closures will be in effect from 72 Avenue to 88 Avenue, and between 132 Street and 122 Street starting at 6:00 am until 8:00 pm. Travel delays may be expected between 72 Avenue to 88 Avenue, and Scott Road to King George Boulevard.
More information on the event can also be found at www.surreyvaisakhiparade.com.
If you have any issues with parking, and or any concerns regarding the content on display at the parade, please call Surrey Bylaws at 604-591-4370. Call 9-1-1 to report a crime in progress or an immediate threat to a person or property.
