Pitt Meadows Day, and all of the activities that go along with it, was a great success today as thousands of people came out to celebrate the 74th annual festival.

The morning started off with the traditional pancake breakfast served up by the Pitt Meadows Lions Club.

According to Marie Spetch, who manned breakfast sales, 291-full and 92-half-size breakfasts were sold.

“It was a little bit quiet first thing this morning, but now it’s busy,” Spetch said at about 10 a.m.

After pancakes and sausages were enjoyed, people lined up and down Harris Road to claim their spot for the parade. There were 75 entries to cheer on, including firefighters who doused spectators with water guns.

Float 55, the Maple Ridge Alliance Church, took the top prize for best community float and best over-all float. Vintage Car Club – Golden Ears Chapter took first in the antiques division. Air Cadets, Squadron 583 placed first for marching bands. Ola Puppy Dog Grooming earned first for the animals division.

Andrew Thompson, emcee of the opening ceremonies, introduced the dignitaries, award winners, and the royal party.

Miss Pitt Meadows 2011 Rose Smyth crowned the new Miss Pitt Meadows 2012, Leigha Luschnat.

Citizen of the year was presented to Dolores Lutner. The winner of the Lynn Papp Award in the 15-to-17-year-old category was Jessica Howitt, a student at Pitt Meadows Secondary.

The winner of the Lynn Papp in the 12-to-14-year-old category was Samuel Lachance.

Mayor Deb Walters took a moment to acknowledge all of the volunteers.

“Recently on Facebook there was a question that asked: What is your favourite part of Pitt Meadows Day? I can honestly say it is all those wonderful volunteers in yellow shirts who make this event happen year after year,” said Walters.

“They are the most valuable part of this day,” she added.

Stay tuned for much more in print and online versions of The TIMES.