Be sure to arrive early and plan to make a day of it this Saturday as Langley City hosts its annual Community Day.

The unofficial kick-off to summer features the parade which starts at 10 a.m.

Prime viewing is along Fraser Highway for a route that stretches from 201A Street to 207th St.

At around noon, the fun moves over to Douglas Park for the afternoon festivities which wrap up at about 4 p.m.

That's where Langley City firefighters will have their Junior Firefighter Challenge all afternoon.

Young people taking part get to suit up in pint-size fire gear and try firefighter tasks such as spraying a fire hose.

At 1 p.m. is the adult challenge where several community teams will compete for bragging rights.

Other activities include an array of live entertainment and demonstrations, vendors, community booths, seniors activities, kids crafts and games, as well as giveaways, including a draw for a barbecue provided by Canadian Tire.

The City firefighters, in addition to offering activities, will have the grill fired up for its annual barbecue.

They manage to get all the supplies donated so that the funds raised can go to charity each year.

Around the downtown, watch for businesses taking part in the new feature this year, the Block Party. They will have various offerings out on the downtown streets, whether that's coupons, special promotions, live entertainment or giveaways.

It's free to attend Community Day, something the organizers insist on so there's family-oriented fun available to all citizens.

The event began as a way to showcase all the community groups Langley has to offer.

They still come, setting up information booths, but the event has broadened to include a variety of fun activities.

The annual festivities attract thou-sands to the downtown core.