Mike Robinson was blindsided Saturday, and not by the record crowd of people who attended the Aldergrove Fair Days.

Instead, it was the volunteer of the year award bestowed upon him that sent him into a state of shock and surprise.

Not usually one to be tongue-tied, Robinson was apparently at a loss for words when he was called up to receive the Hilda Reddick Community Service Award during the fair's opening ceremonies Saturday.

"All organizations rely on a group of volunteers and every year, there's one volunteer who stands out, who goes that extra mile with an extra smile. That's Mike," said Robin McIntosh, president of this year's Aldergrove Festival Society.

It was an honour, McIntosh said, to recognize Robinson for just a little of what he's done to promote Aldergrove through the years.

"He's so cheerful, and he'll lend a hand to the community, wherever it's needed. He never says no," McIntosh added.

"Mike Robinson epitomizes for all of us how volunteers are the backbone of every organization, like the festival days."

Robinson, who is past president of the festival society, was touched by the recognition - once the initial shock wore off.

"That was the first accolade I've had from Aldergrove, so it's really cool," he told the Langley Advance as he ran off to host the new farm boy or girl challenge.

On those late nights, while he's toiling away at his computer on volunteer work, he said he'll be able to look up at the beautiful plaque he was given and know he's appreciated.

"They do love me," he'll tell himself.

Robinson first came to Aldergrove in 1997, immigrating from New Zealand with his wife Suzanne.

The Otter couple wanted to find a spot close enough to the city, but still in the country, and they found what he calls the best of everything in the little Langley community of Aldergrove.

After a year of settling in at work, he became involved in Toastmasters. Looking for ways to increase the profile of Toastmasters, he thought he'd see how the group could tie in with the Aldergrove Fair Days.

Half way through the first meeting, he realized how much he could offer the festival society, and he's been active ever since, including three years as president.

Both Robinson and McIntosh hailed this year's summer fair a huge success, excited by the inclusion of several new activities, a larger midway, and especially the addition of a new classic car show on the Friday night that attracted upwards of 500 people.

Maybe in part due to the new admission by reasonable donation, attendance was way up this year, McIntosh said, estimating the crowd on Saturday was potentially record breaking.

Robinson was particularly happy to see the sunny, albeit hot weather this year.

"This time last year, we got drowned," he said, noting the attendance overall was at least two times more than last year - likely more.

"We're very happy," McIntosh said, grabbing a hot dog before running off to operate a new fundraising game called Meal, or No Meal - a roulette-style game that cost $10 and ensures every participant wins at least that much or more in gift cards and certificates donated by local eateries.