PORT COQUITLAM, BC – April 4, 2023… The City of Port Coquitlam is excited to bring back the Kids’ Race formally from the PoCo Grand Prix as part of the 100th celebration of May Days on May 13.

Registration is now open for the Kids’ Race – a free, fun and non-competitive event taking place in downtown Port Coquitlam, 1.3-kilometre loop track.

A much-loved Kids’ Race event that gives children age 3 to 12 the chance to race the 1.3-km track as the pros did while being cheered on by spectators. In 2019 the Kids’ Race at the PoCo Grand Prix attracted over 360 kids and was a highlight of the event.

“I am very excited to have the Kids’ Bike Race event brought back again as it was a highly recognized and anticipated element of the PoCo Grand Prix event. We received many kudos from our community about the popular kids races and what a perfect complement to add to our centennial event,” Mayor Brad West said. “This is a great way to continue to introduce kids cycling as a sport for free, Its all about fun, being active and outdoors and being part of an event that no one will want to miss.”

The Kids’ Race will take place from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. and will be divided into three heats racing the 1.3 kilometre course: ages three to four years old at 10:15 a.m. racing 100 metres, ages 5 to 8 years old at 10:25 a.m. racing 1 kilometre and nine to 12 years old racing 1.3 kilometre at 10:35 a.m.

Registration is open and free at portcoquitlam.ca/register (3 to 4 yr. – use barcode 80958, 5 to 8 yr., use barcode 80959 and 9 to 12 yr., use barcode 80960). Advance registration is required. Participants must provide their own properly fitting bike in good working condition, and a properly fitting bike helmet.

The Kids’ Race will be part of the kick off of the Rotary May Day Parade, live entertainment headlined by JoJo Mason at the at the Terry Fox Hometown Square (Port Coquitlam Community Centre), family activities and so much more on May 13 in downtown Port Coquitlam.

“We encourage residents to come to downtown Port Coquitlam to support the Kids’ Bike Race and cheer them on,” said Cllr. Paige Petriw, Council’s designate on community experience, celebrations, events and inclusion. “Bring a bike, and a helmet and come ready to ride. “

May Days

The festival officially kicks off with the May Day Opening Ceremony on May 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jon Baillie Arena in the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC), maypole dancing by local children and seniors, dance performances and the presentation of the 2023 May Day Royal Party.

The Rotary May Day Parade starts at 11:00 a.m. May 13 in downtown Port Coquitlam, followed by the Party in the Square at the Terry Fox Hometown Square. An afternoon of live entertainment featuring and activities, featuring JoJo Mason. A Canadian country music singer-songwriter and winner of the Entertainer of the Year award at the 2022 B.C. Country Music Association awards. JoJo Mason is known for crowd pleasing, fun and high energy performances.

Opportunities to Get Involved

Community members interested in volunteering at May Days events can learn more and apply under special events opportunities at portcoquitlam.ca/volunteer. 

May Day’s roots go back centuries. In ancient times May was a time of outdoor celebration, and May Day was celebrated by the Romans with flower-decked parades in honour of Flora, their goddess of flowers. While the festival has evolved and grown over the years, it has maintained many of its original traditions, including Maypole dancing and the crowning of local children as May Day “royalty” – a May Queen and Ambassador along with a Royal Party.

May Days is organized in partnership with the May Days Committee, the Port Coquitlam Centennial Rotary Club and funded by Canadian Heritage.

Sponsors include:

• Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association (PoCo BIA)
• PoCo Heritage Museum and Archives
• Tri-City News – Media Sponsor
• Quantum Properties
• Barclay Restoration

Full event details are available at portcoquitlam.ca/maydays.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email ibacachex@portcoquitlam.ca