It was my neighbourhood association‘s annual Streetfest last weekend. Excellent turnout. People connecting. Conversation. Having fun. No rain! And, gifts galore… locals sharing their time, talents, and community spirit.
Many of those things that make for a healthy neighbourhood were there, all orchestrated by neighbours, volunteering, including:
- Food; donated, baked, cornucopia
- Music; DJ, musicians, musical activity
- Neighbourhood school; Victoria College of Art
- Neighbourhood partner; Threshold Housing Society (transitional housing for youth)
- Neighbourhood businesses; e.g., including one of my faves, Ten Thousand Villages
- Kids (and adults) activities; many
- Local dance troupe; Victoria Capoeira School
- Dogs on parade; emotional intelligence!
- Neighbourhood Asset Map; showing where the gifts are
- Blocking off the street; even if just for a day, a good thing (though much of the activity was in an adjacent park something about grass is nice, too!)
Are you are welcome in your neighbourhood?
“A life well lived is one in which we each find an opportunity to give our gifts rather than to have our needs met.” (Margaret Wheatley, Deborah Frieze in Walk Out, Walk On)
How does your neighbourhood share its’ gifts? What’s your Streetfest?
Neighbourhood asset map
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stilt walkers
Victoria Capoeira dancers, at-ease
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Looks like a great time. It’s unfortunate that I barely know any of my own neighbors. 🙁 Everyone around here pretty much keeps to themselves.
It was Jen. And, its a low-stress way to meet, discover, maybe even get-to-know-a-bit, neighbours.
Hi Ben thanks for mentioning Ten Thousand Villages, you’re one of our favourite customers! and Jen S. stop by the store on December 10th, for another opportunity to meet your neighbours as they drop off non-perishable food donations for Mitchell House – details are on the South Jubilee website
You’re welcome, Maria. Great to see neighbourhood businesses/organizations connecting, like TTV & Mitchell House. Maybe we should have a semi-annual Streetfest. 🙂