Long-time friends Joanne Jackson and May Moen were delighted by the return of Arts Alive in 91原创 City on Saturday, Aug. 20.

Jackson, a Walnut Grove resident who paints in acrylics, and Moen, a 91原创 City resident who works in oils, have been showing their work at the annual festival for years.

READ ALSO: Wait is finally over as 91原创鈥檚 Arts Alive makes a comeback

After a two-year shutdown due to the pandemic, both were very happy to see Arts Alive back on 91原创 City鈥檚 one-way.

鈥淚t鈥檚 wonderful,鈥� Moen told the 91原创 Advance Times.

鈥淚 feel like I got my life back.鈥�

Jackson enjoyed the 鈥渘ice鈥� atmosphere.

鈥淚 like to come and see all tie different artists.鈥�

They were among 150 vendors, who filled up the one-way section of Fraser Highway between 204th and 206th Streets, along with three live stages, strolling entertainment, kids events and food trucks.

executive director Teri James said there were more vendors and visitors than ever before.

鈥淎bsolutely packed,鈥� is how James summed it up.

The event was booked sold a month in advance, and for the first time ever, there was a wait list.

About 10 late applicants had to be told there just wasn鈥檛 enough space, but they were understanding and will be 鈥渇irst on the list next year,鈥� James said.

At a rough estimate, James calculated the turnout was 鈥渁t least double鈥� the usual pre-COVID Arts Alive numbers, around 40,000 to 50,000, with crowds lingering right up to the official close at 5 p.m., which meant it took a little longer to re-open the one-way.

READ ALSO: Downtown 91原创 summer festivals cancelled due to COVID

James was expecting a big turnout, based on the experience of other public events returning from a two-year pandemic hiatus.

鈥淕et ready because it鈥檚 going to be a big one,鈥� James recalled predicting, 鈥渁nd it was.鈥�

Arts Alive first-timer Georgina Williamson, who set up an outdoor shop on the one-way next to her just-opened women鈥檚 consignment boutique shop, Nova & Co., was impressed by the friendliness of the vendors and visitors.

鈥淓veryone is super nice,鈥� Williamson commented.

More pictures from the day can be viewed at the .