DAGUPAN CITY- More than 800,000 people from various places in the country and even abroad joined this year’s Bangusan Street Party last April 30 at the Jose R. De Venecia Expressway Extension.

This was the report of the Dagupan City Police Station headed by Supt. Christopher Abrahano that secured the event, deploying more than 300 policemen at the site to ensure peace and order up to the end of the celebration.

As a result, no untoward incident happened whatsoever.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez said she was overwhelmed by the big turnout of revelers who outnumbered last year’s attendance estimated at 600,000.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) proclaimed in 2009 that the Bangusan Street Party was one of the biggest street parties in the Philippines.

“My heartfelt thanks to all for your overwhelming support to our Bangus Festival as the crowd gets bigger every year, which only manifests that we are one of the top and well-attended festivals in the entire country,” Fernandez said.

Around than 20,000 freshly harvested and pure Dagupan bangus, in addition to other products such as oyster, eggplant, barbecue, hotdog, pork and beef were grilled during the party that lasted during the week hours in the morning..

The grill lighting ceremony was graced by former congresswoman of Pangasinan 3rd District Rachel Arenas, Exequiel Robles, president of Sta. Lucia Realty, some city councilors and department heads.

People from all walks of life swarmed nine stages which featured popular bands such as: Parokya Ni Edgar, Hale, Callalily, Gloc-9, Kamikazee, Spongecola, 6 Cycle Mind, Abra, Lunar Lights, Join D’Club, K.A. Antonio and some famous disc jockeys.

Kapuso celebrities like Ai-ai delas Alas, Tom Rodiguez, Dennis Trillo and Boobay also joined the party. (CIO photo by Mitz Cresencio By Leziel Cayabyab