Yarrow Days return for its 52nd annual celebration this weekend
CHILLIWACK — Yarrow epitomizes small town living south of the Vedder River, where a mix of unique stores on Yarrow Central Road beckon to residents, visitors and pedestrians alike.
There’s still a post office, fire station and general store on the town’s main drag, preserving the town’s rural vibe.
And every year for the past half-century, residents from the quaint streets of Yarrow and beyond have packed the town for the annual Yarrow Days celebration, which is back this weekend for its 52nd annual shindig.
The festivities get underway Friday evening, May 31 at Yarrow Pioneer Park, 4390 Kehler Street, where the Yarrow Farm Market will open starting at 5 p.m. and going until dusk.
The farm market isn’t the only thing happening Friday. The Fun Run starts at 6:15 p.m. and will feature a 2K walk and a 5K run. Registration is by donation, with proceeds to benefit the Yarrow Volunteer Society. The starting point is the Yarrow Community Centre at 4670 Community Street. The finish line is greenspace at Elizabeth/Kehler. The first 100 people registered receive a free T-shirt, sponsored by Dreamscape Painting and hosted by Yarrow Fitness. There will be drinks, snacks and prizes.
Saturday morning events (June 1) include a pancake breakfast by donation of cash or a non-perishable food item at Yarrow Christian Reformed Church, 42285 Yarrow Central Road, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Salvation Army Food Bank in Chilliwack. Of note, the CRC parking lot will be open for free parking all day Saturday.
The Show & Shine car show is another Saturday morning highlight starting at 8 a.m. Entry is by donation with proceeds to benefit the Yarrow Volunteer Society. Spaces are limited, but cars are welcome at 8 a.m. on a first come, first served basis. The location is the Yarrow United Mennonite Church at 4336 Eckert Street. More info and entry details at t.ly/fP9vK Of note, the parade entry is separate. Register here: t.ly/LG5ir.
The marquee event of the community celebration is the parade, which starts at Yarrow Community School (4595 Wilson Road) at 10 a.m. sharp. The parade then heads south on Wilson Road, west on Yarrow Central Road to Yarrow Mennonite Brethren Church, 41995 Yarrow Central Road. Please note, there will be road closures from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Pre-registration is required to participate in the parade! Please complete this form: t.ly/LG5ir.
Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / The Yarrow Days parade drew several thousands of people along Yarrow’s main drag. The parade gets underway at 10 a.m. sharp this Saturday, June 1.During the parade, there will be sales of Krispy Kreme doughnuts from 10 a.m. to noon at Yarrow Alliaance Church, 42479 Yarrow Central Road, as a fundraiser for their upcoming Mexico missions service trip.
Yarrow Fire Hall will hold an open house from roughly 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 42385 Yarrow Central Road. There will be a fire safety demo house, water play, a chance to explore the fire trucks and more.
After the parade, Hazelnut Inn at 42402 Yarrow Central Road will hold a grand opening for its newly renovated magical boutique hotel. Tours are free and everyone is welcome to check out the latest enchanted creation from Imagination Corporation.
Another post-event parade is the boat show at Extreme Boat Sports, 42420 Yarrow Central Road, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and “Party in the Park” from 11-3 at Yarrow Pioneer Park, 4390 Kehler St. Party in the Park includes an all-day entertainment stage, kids games, feature attractions, concession, merch sales, vendor village, and much more!
***Entertainment Schedule (subject to change)
11:00 am – Opening Ceremony
National Anthem sung by Adi Reitsma
Dignitary Welcome
Presentation of Yarrow Volunteer Society bursary
11:30 am – Drumline (TBD)
12:00 pm – Little Kings Olive Tree
1:00 pm – Bhangra Dancers
1:45 pm – Disney Princesses
2:30 pm – The Maybelles
Cap off the day’s festivities with a wonderful BBQ chicken dinner from Simply Savory, live music from Full Tilt, and dancing under the stars from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Yarrow Volunteer Society. It’ll be located in the park behind the Yarrow Community Centre, 4670 Community St. Pre-purchasing tickets is highly recommended, this event sells out each year! t.ly/70dMB
Sunday, June 2
9 a.m.-noon
Brunch for All
Enjoy live music and a great meal. Gourmet breakfast sandwiches, fruit platters, yogurt & granola. $6 per person or $24/family. Yarrow Community Centre, 4670 Community St.
11:30 a.m.
Non-denominational Church Service in the Park
All are welcome! Rain or shine. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. Co-hosted by the Churches of Yarrow. Yarrow Pioneer Park, 4390 Kehler St.
Find “52nd annual Yarrow Days” on Facebook for more information.