The MSA Pioneers Association honours and celebrates long-time residents of Abbotsford with its 86th annual banquet on Friday, May 3.
The event takes place at Matsqui Hall, where friends and neighbors can join in, socialize, enjoy a catered buffet dinner and honour families to recognize their – and their families’ – contributions to Abbotsford’s development.
Honourees this year are Mark Rushton, J.O. Trethewey, Jake and Marilyn Siemens, Vivian Trethewey and Ray Konyha.
Pioneers are those who have been residents of the community for 40 years or are descendants of an MSA (Matsqui, Sumas, Abbotsford) family.
The tradition began in 1938 with the formation of a group whose first president was Tom Straiton. The group decided to hold an annual reunion to meet socially and keep the history and memories alive for future generations.
Doors for this year’s banquet open at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. There will be a no-host bar and door prizes. Tickets are $50.
Call Jean Martens at 604-859-4063 or Frank Keis at 604-853-1693 for tickets or more information.