Surrey’s Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade, which takes place April 18, is one of the largest Vaisakhi celebrations in the world, drawing tens of thousands of attendees
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Surrey’s Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade, one of the largest of its kind in the world, is expected to attract tens of thousands of festival attendees on Saturday, April 18.
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The Surrey Police Service, along with several other Lower Mainland police forces, will be providing public safety support and traffic control.
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“Surrey Police Service officers, employees and volunteers, as well as officers from a number of other local police agencies and units, look forward to joining families, businesses and visitors at this year’s Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade in Surrey,” said Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton, a spokesperson for the SPS.
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“As thousands of people attend this parade each year, we encourage everyone to plan ahead with family and friends so they can fully enjoy the celebration.”
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Each year, police respond to reports of missing children and elderly persons during Vaisakhi celebrations, police said. Large crowds can make it easy for people to quickly become separated, so police say advance planning is essential.
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Here are some safety tips from the SPS:
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• Take a group photograph before arriving at the parade to help police identify missing loved ones if needed.
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• Review the parade route and surrounding areas and choose a pre-arranged meeting location.
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• Ensure everyone carries identification; place contact information in children’s pockets or shoes.
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• Keep a recent photo of your child with you.
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• Keep children within sight at all times.
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• Notify the nearest police officer immediately if someone goes missing.
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• Leave pets at home, as crowds and noise may cause distress.
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Road closures will be in place throughout Surrey over the weekend.
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On parade day, closures will begin at 6 a.m., with full closures in place from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Drivers can expect significant delays between 72nd Avenue and 88th Avenue, and Scott Road to King George Boulevard. The public is encouraged to plan alternative routes.
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Residents driving in traffic-restricted areas must carry a driver’s licence with a current address to access their homes at police checkpoints.
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Parking passes are required for businesses and staff working during the parade to access closed areas and parking.
