Maple Ridge draws estimated 20,000 to Our Neck of the Woods festival

An estimated 20,000 people attended the third annual Our Neck of the Woods Festival in downtown Maple Ridge on Saturday, Sept. 5.

The free, all-day event took place in Memorial Peace Park and on 224 Street, with live music, food, shopping and family activities. Nine live performances were presented across three stages, from afternoon programming at the Bandstand to evening headliners on the Golden Ears Main Stage.

The lineup included Juno Award-winning country act Tim & The Glory Boys and Bedouin Soundclash, whose set blended reggae, ska and feel-good anthems. Vancouver-based Dear Rouge closed the evening, keeping the crowd energized through the final song. The band also told the audience they are expecting their second child, drawing a warm response.

Canadian artists Elise LeBlanc, Janky Bungag and Antonio Larosa also performed, along with rising artist Emmett Jerome.

Mayor Dan Ruimy said seeing Memorial Peace Park filled with thousands of people was special. He said the festival is about more than live music, making music, arts and culture accessible, bringing neighbours together and giving families opportunities to make lasting memories.

The first festival was intended to celebrate the city’s 150th anniversary. In each of the past two years, Ruimy’s council approved a $350,000 budget to continue the event.

The festival also included a downtown car-free zone, food trucks, a Shop Local Market, Katzie First Nations art and storytelling, and other activities. Nicole Archer, executive director of the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association, said the festival and Shop Maple Ridge Market gave residents and visitors a chance to experience the energy and businesses of downtown Maple Ridge while exploring local shops, food and entertainment.