Virtual May Days 2020
May Days is going virtual!
This year’s online festivities replaced the iconic annual parade, Party in the Square and other events that draw thousands into downtown Port Coquitlam that were cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The online festivities kicked off on May 6, when performances by local artists and other activities were uploaded to this page and the City of Port Coquitlam website leading up to our LIVE online broadcast celebration.
Check out all of the incredible performances below!
May 6th – Choral Connections
www.choralconnections.ca
May 7th – Silver Chord Choir & Golden Spike Can Can Dancers
www.goldenspikecancan.com/
May 8th – Silver Diamond Country Dancers & Lindbjerg Academy
www.dcd.squaredance.bc.ca
lindbjergacademy.com
May 9th – LIVE Online Broadcast Celebration
On Saturday, May 9th, we went live from Leigh Square with the Giggle Dam’s Mark Friebe, Mayor Brad West, and May Day Task Force Chair Bob Lee, to introduce a lineup of safely, pre-recorded local music and performance acts, along with interesting May Days trivia and other interactive activities and surprises.
Watch the whole broadcast below, or scroll down to start with one of our incredible performers.
Paul Filek
One thing that’s certain is that Paul’s confident, accomplished song writing are commercial in their appeal, as evidenced by his charting success on Canadian radio. His smooth and effortless, funky vocals and heart-on-the-sleeve lyrics are infectiously hard to deny. His feel-good songs fit perfectly on Top 40 radio, sandwiched between songs of similar style by Maroon 5 and Train.
paulfilek.com
Etienne Siew
Whether he is performing in a soft seated theatre, a festival stage or a campfire, his blend of warm tones, dynamic melodies, and powerful vocals will speak to your heart and make you feel as though you are walking right beside him in his stories.
www.etiennesiew.com
Antoinette Libelt
www.vanhattanent.com/antoinette-libelt
Ben Cottrill
For Ben Cottrill, a decade of performing on streets and stages across Canada has given him a story that defines his gritty Acoustic-Rock style and resonates with the west-coast romantic in everyone.
www.bencottrillmusic.com
Other May Days Festivities
‘What My Community Means to Me’ Art Project
Express what Port Coquitlam means to you! Download our template on May 6th here. Artwork can be submitted through our online form or the drop box at the Outlet in Leigh Square. submitted through an online form or the drop box at the Outlet in Leigh Square by June 15. Submissions will be shared through social media, become part of a large digital art piece, and will be maintained as a record of this unique period of the city’s history at the Port Coquitlam Heritage Museum.
Mother’s Day Card Online Workshop
Create a special pop-up Mother’s Day Card as part of our Wellness Wednesday series on May 6th. Go to portcoquitlam.ca/recreation for the online link to join.
PoCo Has Heart Street Banners
As an addition to the 2020 Community Street Banner project, we will unveil four new heart-themed banner designs selected from the hundreds of drawings residents have submitted to the city over the past month. Watch for the banners on the Coast Meridian Overpass in mid-June!
Flash Fiction Contest
The City of Port Coquitlam and Terry Fox Library are inviting residents to write a short adventure story (less than 750 words) that takes place in Port Coquitlam. Writer Kevin Spenst will be hosting a virtual writing workshop for teens on Friday, May 8 and for adults on Sunday, May 17. The contest will run May 4 to June 4. More details to follow.
Other Ways to Participate
In support of May Day traditions, the City of Port Coquitlam encourages all residents to support our downtown businesses and celebrate together by:
- Shopping local and ordering from Port Coquitlam restaurants and pubs while watching the performances (check back for participating businesses); and
- Hosting virtual viewing block parties by video conference to get to know their neighbours better and share some laughs, art, stories or even ideas about how to cope. More information on how to host a Virtual Block Party HERE.
Stay tuned to this page for more information about these events and activities.