The City of Port Coquitlam is excited to announce the registration dates for the popular May Day Kids' Race (formally Kids Race of PoCo Grand Prix) on May 11.
The Kids' Race is a free, fun and non-competitive event taking place in downtown Port Coquitlam - a 1.3-kilometre loop track that starts on Shaughnessy Street and McAllister Avenue. Registration will open for Port Coquitlam residents on April 2 at 8:00 am. and April 5 for the general public. Register early as space is limited.
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. Last year the May Day Kids' Race attracted 500 kids and was one of the many highlights of the spring festival.
The Kids' Race will take place from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. and will be divided into three heats racing parts of the 2.6 kilometre course:
- ages three to five years old at 10:10, 10:15 and 10:20 a.m. racing 100 metres,
- ages 5 to 8 years old at 10:25 and 10:30a.m. racing 1.3 kilometre and
- 9 to 12 years old racing 2.6 kilometre at 10:35 a.m.
Registration is free at portcoquitlam.ca/register:
- 3 to 5 yr. - use barcode 94405, 94406, 94407,
- 5 to 8 yr. use barcode 94412, 94413 and
- 9 to 12 yr. use barcode 94409.
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 at the Terry Fox Hometown Square (Port Coquitlam Community Centre), family activities and so much more on May 11 in downtown Port Coquitlam.
About May Days
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. In England, village youth would collect flowering boughs to decorate hawthorne trees - the predecessors to the May Pole.
Port Coquitlam first celebrated May Day as a community in 1923, with Maypole dancing and the crowning of a May Queen. 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.
The festival officially kicks off with the May Day Opening Ceremony on Sunday May 5 at 3:00 p.m. at the Jon Baillie Arena - PCCC, maypole dancing by local children, dance performances and the presentation of the 2024 May Day Royal Party.
The May Days Kids' Race at 10:00 a.m. kicks off the event followed by the Rotary May Day Parade at 11:00 a.m. on Shaughnessy Street in downtown Port Coquitlam, and then followed by the Party in the Square at the Terry Fox Hometown Square at 12:00 p.m..Sponsorship Opportunities
City corporate sponsors play a significant role in enhancing Port Coquitlam's cultural vibrancy and economic vitality.
Corporate sponsorship with the City is an excellent way to feature your brand to a targeted audience. The sponsorship team works with companies to align the best solution to meet a range of business objectives. View a list of the City's feature event sponsorship opportunities at portcoquitlam.ca/sponsorship.
Sponsors for May Days include:
- Global BC - Radio/TV Sponsor
- Tri-City News - Media Sponsor
For more information about May Days or more details about the event, visit 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 [email protected]