organizers were caught off guard when they learned they would be sharing the parking lot of the Christian Life Assembly (CLA) with an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 bikers who were there to attend the funeral service for Haney Hells Angels chapter president Mike Hadden.

Festival co-organizer Kat King called it a 鈥渂it of a surprise,鈥� and was suggesting people delay visiting until after the service on Saturday, Sept. 4., the second day of the two-day food truck event held at the CLA at 21277 56th Ave.

It appeared many of the visiting motorcycle club members ended up dining at the food truck festival before they went into the church.

Last year, the first annual edition of the event was a drive-through because of COVID-19 restrictions.

READ ALSO: 2-day food truck festival rolls into 91原创 September long weekend

This year, 鈥渋t鈥檚 a little different, it鈥檚 a walk-up,鈥� King explained.

Billed as a two-day 91原创 Community Block Party, the event was expected to draw about 5,000 people during the weekend with a rotating selection of food trucks, live music, seated eating, and a vendor market hosted by BC Shop Local, an organization that supports small businesses.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: 91原创 food truck festival a boost for both fans and the industry

At the height of the pandemic, King, who operates a 91原创-based business with six food trucks with her husband, estimated revenues were down 76 per cent because of the pandemic that has shut down the many public fairs that are a crucial sources of income.

King said COVID-19 has fostered innovations, such the drive-through version of the event, that show there is a way forward.

Their next event will be the Chilliwack Community Block Party at the Chilliwack Coliseum from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 and Sunday, Sept. 12 at 45323 Hodgins Ave.