Vancouver Vaisakhi parade set to make a colourful return

The Vancouver Vaisakhi parade is back for the first time since 2019.

The event, which faced cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic,is expected to bring thousands of people to the area of East 49th Avenue, between Main and Fraser streets, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The event marks the creation of the order of the Khalsain 1699 a defining moment in Sikh history, which gave the Sikh faith its final form. Vaisakhi is one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar and is celebrated every April.

A major component of the spiritual and cultural event is aparade featuringmusic, bright colours and decorated floats. The Sikh holy scriptures known as the Guru Granth Sahib are also carried through the streets on a float.

The parade starts at about 11 a.m. from Khalsa Diwan Temple at 8000 Ross St. It travels west on Southeast Marine Drive, north alongMain Street, then east on 49th Avenue, south on Fraser Street, east onEast 57th Avenue, then south alongRoss Street back toSoutheast Marine Drive.

Vendors will be open along the parade routeand festivities are expected to wrap up at around 5:30 p.m.

Road closures are in effect from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.on sections of the following streets:

• 1100-200 SoutheastMarine Drivefrom Ross Streetto Main Street.
• 8100-6500 Main Streetfrom SoutheastMarine Driveto E 49th Avenue.
• 200-600 East49th Avenuefrom Main Streetto Fraser Street.
• 6500-7200 Fraser Streetfrom East49th Avenueto East 57th Avenue.
• 700-1000 East 57th Avenue from Fraser Streetto Ross Street.
• 7300-8000 Ross Streetfrom East 57th Avenue to SoutheastMarine Drive.

Surrey Vaisakhi festival one week away

Vaisakhi celebrations will continue on Aprill 22 with the Surrey Vaisakhi festival, whichis also back after apause due to the pandemic.

Vancouver Vaisakhi festival
When: Saturday, April 15.
Where: East 49th Avenue between Main and Fraser Street.
Time: 10a.m. to 6p.m.

Surrey Vaisakhi festival
When: Saturday, April 22.
Where: Around 128 Street and 76 Avenue.
Time: 10 a.m. to 6p.m.

Sun Run set for Sunday

Sunday will be another busy day in the city, with the Sun Run returning to the streets of Vancouver.

More than 23,000 people participated in last year's Sun Run, the first in-person version of the 10-kilometre road race since 2019.

Several road closures will be in effect for theevent. Road closures will begin at 8 a.m. and end as late as 1:30 p.m.