On Saturday, April 23rd, the Surrey RCMP will once again participate in the Surrey Vaisakhi Day Parade, one of the largest Vaisakhi celebrations in the world outside of India. Last year, over 300,000 people participated in this fun and safe family event.
Road closures this weekend due to #SurreyVaisakhi (parade route in red, impacted road closures in yellow) pic.twitter.com/I9ZSkhFNVf
— Surrey RCMP (@SurreyRCMP) April 22, 2016
Surrey RCMP is involved with the Vaisakhi parade not only for traffic control and public safety but to take part in all the festivities the event has to offer, says Corporal Scotty Schumann.
There will be an RCMP information booth with resources about programs and initiatives and many RCMP officers in attendance will be wearing their traditional red serge. Every year our officers take advantage of this opportunity to engage interactively with citizens of all ages.
A number of road closures will be taking place in the City of Surrey this weekend due to the parade. Police ask that members of the public make arrangements to use alternate routes. Road closures will be in place from 7:30am to 5:00pm on the day of the parade.
Increased delays may be expected for travel through and within the area between 72 Avenue to 88th Avenue and Scott Road to King George Boulevard. For a full list of road closures and route details please visit the City of Surrey’s website.
The Surrey RCMP typically responds to dozens of incidents of missing children or elderly persons who have become separated from their parents or group at this large event. Fortunately all missing people are eventually reunited with their families.
The Surrey RCMP reminds parade participants that it is important to have a plan in place with your family prior to the event to reduce your risk of separation, says Cpl. Schumann.
A PLAN MAY INCLUDE THESE SIMPLE TIPS:
Familiarize your family members with their surroundings and have a pre-planned meeting place
Equip your family members with some form of identification and your contact information.
Make sure everyone in your party is aware of the location of the Surrey RCMP missing person’s tent and the location of emergency personnel.
Keep a current photo of your child on you in case you need to describe them to police.
Keep your children within eyesight at all times.
The Surrey RCMP wishes everyone a very safe Vaisakhi Day!
