Abbotsford, BC – The Abbotsford Heat are pleased to announce the inaugural Punjabi Night in Abbotsford, celebrating the beginning of Vaisakhi at the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre Wednesday, April 4, 2012. Opening faceoff against the Rochester Americans is scheduled for 7:00PM PDT.

Wikipedia Definition
• Vaisakhi (Punjabi: ਵਿਸਾਖੀ visākhī, Hindi: बैसाखी baisākhī), also known as Baisakhi, Vaishakhi, or Vasakhi) is an ancient harvest festival celebrated across the northern Indian subcontinent, especially in the Punjab region by all Punjabis regardless of religion.

Summary Notes
• 5:00-7:00 PM: Party on the Plaza with live DJ and Dholis (drummer).
• 6:00 PM: Doors Open
o DJ playing music in Arena
o Ryan Walter and Heat staff will be welcoming guests in Indian Apparel.
o Dholis will be at every other tunnel to welcome guests
o Henna artist on concourse
o Indian food and beverage available
o Community Corner with the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies where information about the Punjabi culture and Vaisakhi will be provided to people
• 7:00 PM: Puck drop
o Dholis kicking off the game
o Abbotsford Mayor Bruce Banman puck drop wearing cultural attire with President Ryan Walter
o Video informational pieces will be played on Heat Vision throughout the night educating fans about Vaisakhi and Punjabi Culture
o Punjabi Music playing in game during timeouts or when applicable
• 1st Intermission: Bhangra Performance at Centre Ice

Quote from Mayor Banman
• "I’m proud of the Heat for giving Abbotsford a place to host its inaugural Vaisakhi celebrations. I’m encouraging our entire community, no matter your ethnicity is, to join us in celebrating Vaisakhi and cheer the Heat on to victory at the same time!!”