PORT COQUITLAM, BC – April 13, 2021… Port Coquitlam kids and teens are being asked to submit artwork showing why they love their city to help kickstart this year’s 98^th annual May Days activities and brighten up their community.

Similar to last year’s successful “We Are All in This Together” campaign, the City is once again seeking artwork from residents up to age 18 to display online as well as on signs in public spaces and the two digital billboards on Lougheed Highway and the Mary Hill Bypass. This time, the theme is “I Love PoCo” and the signs will also be part of a month-long scavenger hunt with prizes kicking off during May Days.

Art submitted to portcoquitlam.ca/artwork by April 28 may be selected for the printed signs and billboards, and all submissions will be displayed online. The young artists are encouraged to use bold and bright hues in keeping with the 2021 May Days “Bring on the Colour” theme celebrating the Spring season, community spirit and diversity.

“We know Port Coquitlam is a special community – many of our residents have lived here for generations and newcomers quickly feel at home,” Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West said. “We’d love to hear from our younger generation about what PoCo means to them, to help promote community spirit and spread some cheer.”

Submissions must be horizontal letter-sized (11 by 8.5 inches) digital illustrations or photos of drawings, paintings, crafts, handwritten notes or other artwork showing what the artist loves about Port Coquitlam. The artwork should include the words “I Love PoCo” and express positive aspects of the community.

“Art is a great way to brighten up our community and to celebrate our diversity and natural beauty,” said Cllr. Nancy McCurrach, Council designate for the arts. “Young minds often bring interesting perspectives. We can’t wait to see what PoCo’s young people come up with.”

Visit portcoquitlam.ca/artwork for submission requirements and to upload artwork.

Residents are also encouraged to post positive artwork on their own social media accounts at any time, using the hashtag #ilovepoco and tagging the City on Twitter or Instagram @cityofpoco or on Facebook @portcoquitlam. The materials from last year’s signs in public spaces will be repurposed for this year’s campaign.

May Days and I Love PoCo Scavenger Hunt

Throughout May, residents will be encouraged to get outdoors to explore the community’s parks and public spaces, check out all of the inspiring artwork, and to join in a month-long I Love PoCo scavenger hunt with a chance to win one of five $50 gift cards to a Port Coquitlam business of their choice.

Participants will need to find five signs with I Love PoCo stickers on the back, take photos with all five signs and add them to a single post on social media using #ilovepoco #portcoquitlam and tagging or naming the Port Coquitlam business they would like to support with a gift card. Bonus entry will be given to those who express what they love about living in the City. More details will be provided when the signs are posted.

Port Coquitlam staff are now planning a variety of safe and fun activities for this year’s safe May Days celebrations starting the first week of May, including:

• Beautifying the City by giving away hanging basket kits,
• A May Days video to be launched on the City’s social media channels featuring the May Days Royal Party and local talent,
• Creative workshops held with health protocols in place, an online art exhibit, art demonstrations in local parks, themed décor in business windows and more,
• Launch of the Donald Storywalk, featuring stories and artwork along the Donald Pathway, and
• Residents will be encouraged to decorate their windows, plan a picnic with their household and support a local business by ordering in May Days specials and celebrating Port Coquitlam 98^th annual Spring festival.

More information will be posted at portcoquitlam.ca/maydays once details are finalized.

This year’s plans replace the iconic annual parade, Party in the Square and other events that draw thousands into downtown Port Coquitlam and were cancelled this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. May Days is organized in partnership with the May Days Committee and the Port Coquitlam Centennial Rotary Club and is funded by Canadian Heritage.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca