Hats Off Day 2006

Every year the [Burnaby] Heights Merchants Association and the North Burnaby community shut down ten blocks of Hastings Street for Hats Off Day—a parade, street festival, and car Show & Shine.

We weren't able to make it last year because we were in Seattle shopping. Fortunately for everyone the weather was cooperative this year. The day started off coolish and cloudy, but by noon it was sunny and around 20°C.

The more "serious" faction of motorcycle enthusiasts were out in numbers with their hawgs, in charge of side-street security and traffic.

There were open houses, giveaways, good food, and great music. A street performer did a moving rendition of Louis Armstrong's What A Wonderful World, and I was blown away by the panache and ease-of-playing shown by a nerdy-looking high school jazz drummer. We had chicken gyros for lunch and sampled some Passion Fruit Lemonade at Starbucks. All in all, a pleasant afternoon.

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Click on any image below to enlarge.


The Shriners, of course.


Mosaic 1 (click for larger image).


Mosaic 2 (click for larger image).


The kids got to sit in the driver's seat of this truck. I've always had a weak spot for brushed aluminum and stainless steel, hence the picture.


Get a load of the fire-truck red colour of this, uh, fire truck.


Italian sausage.


Looking east toward Capitol Hill.


There were legions of hungry people at the Legion Hall.


Wonder if passengers are allowed to drink coffee in this car.


Looking west.


Lovely lines.


Looking west, another shot.


I've always wanted to do a panorama of a fruit stand/fruits, so here's something fulfilled (click for larger image).