You won't believe what our Fraser Valley choir just did

Good morning from the Valley — the fields are talking, the rivers are moving, and we've got stories from five communities that matter. You know, out here, we’re often focused on the rhythm of the seasons, the berry prices, or what new crop is going in near Sumas Way. But today, I heard something that just made my heart swell, and it's got nothing to do with agriculture, though it speaks to the deep roots we have here. The Valley Festival Singers, right here in Abbotsford, are celebrating half a century of making music. Fifty years, imagine that. It just warms my spirit, seeing something endure and thrive for so long in our community.

### A Half-Century of Harmony

This isn't just some small gathering; the Valley Festival Singers are putting on a series of anniversary concerts from April 17 to 19. They've been a fixture in our community, singing everything from classical pieces to contemporary arrangements, weaving their sound through countless events and milestones. For five decades, they’ve been practicing, performing, and bringing people together through song. Think about all the faces that have come and gone, all the lives touched. That’s generations of voices echoing through our churches and community halls, from the Mennonite Central Committee building near Clearbrook Road to the big stages at the Abbotsford Arts Centre.

What this means for Abbotsford:

* **Community Building:** These groups are the backbone of our community spirit, bringing people together across all walks of life.

* **Artistic Legacy:** It highlights the vibrant arts scene that often gets overlooked out here, proving we're more than just farms.

* **A Sense of Place:** When groups like this thrive for so long, it deepens our sense of collective history and belonging, something truly special in a growing city like ours.

It’s just a beautiful reminder that while we're working hard, growing food, and building up our city, there’s also this rich tapestry of culture and connection. The Valley Festival Singers are a testament to the enduring power of community, and that, my friends, is something worth celebrating. It reminds me of the langar hall at the Gurdwara on Ross Road, where everyone, no matter who you are, can find nourishment and community.

Harpreet Gill-Thiessen, MiTL Sports Desk, Abbotsford.

Keith and the crew always dig into the heart of these stories — catch their take live at mornings.live.