Surrey’s sixth-annual Doors Open event takes place this Saturday, June 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Twenty-one venues across Surrey will host free open houses, so that community members can experience the city’s culture, history, art and architecture.
The various locations also offer fun activities for all ages, entertainment, guided tours and more.
Although the Doors Open event is Surrey-wide, many of the locations are located within walking distance or a quick drive of Cloverdale’s downtown heritage district.
Free parking is available at the Surrey Museum, or behind the Cloverdale fire hall, which are both featured locations on the Doors Open circuit. Don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes and keep in mind that Surrey’s Heritage Rail asks that visitors not wear flip flops.
All activities are free, and each location will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In Cloverdale, visitors are welcome to check out the BC Vintage Truck Museum, Cloverdale Library, Harness Racing BC at Fraser Downs racetrack, Honeybee Centre, Surrey Archives, Surrey Fire Service No. 8 and Surrey’s Heritage Rail.
For more information on Surrey’s Doors Open event, or to learn about open locations in other parts of the city, visit www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation.
6022 176 Street
Learn about British Columbia’s history through the stories of the rare trucks housed in the BC Vintage Truck Museum. Each truck in the collection, which includes vehicles from 1914 to 1955, is more than just memorabilia: every one helped shape the province of B.C. The unique building also houses the original 1881 Surrey Town Hall, which is free for visitors to tour.
5642 176A Street
Did you know that the Cloverdale Library is home to the largest family history collection in western Canada? Come check out what the library has to offer, sign up for the summer reading club, or step outside for big board games, button making and prizes. The Surrey Historical Society will have a booth at the library with activities as well.
17740 62 Ave
The backstretch at Fraser Downs racetrack is one of the best kept secrets in Surrey. Come visit the sociable standardbred harness racing horses and learn more about them from their owners, trainers, grooms and drivers.
7480 176 Street
The Honeybee Centre invites you to learn the “A Bee C’s” of the honeybee world this Saturday. Visitors are welcome to watch live beekeeping demonstrations, play games, grab a bite at the Beestro, and, of course, sample some honey.
17671 56 Ave
The Surrey Archives welcomes you to become an archivist for a day. Families can enjoy free activities, including a Then and Now photo matching game and an archival photo colouring station. Retro books, photos and more will also be on display.
Surrey Fire Service No. 8 Cloverdale
17572 57 Ave
Ever wonder what it’s actually like to be a firefighter? Come down to the Cloverdale fire hall to meet your local firefighters, get a behind-the-scenes tour and learn about Surrey’s first fire services, which began with the Cloverdale Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1928. The city’s historic fire engine will be on display, as will the emergency vehicles used to keep Surrey safe today.
17630 56 Ave
Surrey’s Heritage Rail is open for the season, and this Saturday the volunteers will be giving free tours of the car barn, showing off restoration work and historic artifacts. Community members are also welcome to ride on the Speeder and the Velocipede for free. Remember to wear good footwear – no flip flops, please.
