HATS OFF TO BC’S BURNABY HEIGHTS MERCHANTS

The Burnaby Heights Merchants Association took their “hats off” again in honour of their community and customers with a boisterous all-day event. About 50,000 people joined in the 11th annual celebration on June 2, 2012. The extravaganza featured a colourful main-street style parade with real local flavor, followed by a big street party. We didn’t get a chance to count all the heads but let’s put it this way — everyone and their dog was there!

What would a street party be without Elvis, or a bunch of Elvis impersonators making an appearance? Even Roy Orbison (looking pale) stopped by to sing “Pretty Woman.”

Cioffi’s Meat Market and Deli (4156 E. Hastings) was at the center of the festivities and went all out to brand their operation “everything Italian.” At the front of the store was Gianni Fucco and his son’s band, Fire, performing old Italian favourites like “That’s Amore” (Everyone together now: “When the moon hits your eyes like a big pizza pie..”)

Out back of the store there was a real fire as hundreds of Italian sausages were barbecued along with a suckling pig. The crowds were lined up enjoying some of the best-tasting pork and Italian sausages on the planet. The whole event was everything pork. There was no “beef” in sight — except when someone double parked their van in the alley and the delivery truck couldn’t get by.

Congratulations to the Burnaby Heights Merchants for once again putting on a great show and taking the time and effort to thank their customers and the community.