Tags
4th Street Block Party, Calgary, caring, community, courage, Diana Schwenk, Hump Day Chronicles, Southern Alberta Floods 2013, Supporting local business
In an effort to bring business back to the Mission Area of Calgary, the 4th Street BRZ organized The 4th Street Block Party on Saturday October 19, 2013.
4th Street was closed to traffic from Elbow Drive to just about 12 Ave SW.
Although some businesses have been open for several months since the flood in June, they are not seeing the usual foot traffic in the area.
The 4th Street block party was organized as part of the yyc is open campaign to invite people back into the area.
I had hoped more people would have attended but it was a fun event and several restaurants that aren’t even re-opened yet were providing food to those who attended.
I had a lot of fun at the event which included music, food and various sales. I took full advantage of Twitter and tweeted out pictures, along with the best of them, inviting people to come down and check out the block party.
I’m a huge fan of supporting local business and think this event was a great idea. Please – if you’re a Calgarian, come back into the areas that were affected by the flood and support your local businesses.
The Urban Barn had a bed on display in the middle of the street! I was thinking what a great idea in case I become tired of walking!
There were several bands to enjoy, I only took a picture of these guys and (yikes) I cut the one’s head right off!
I was pleased to run into the president of the BRZ (far right) John Mar (middle), my ward’s Alderman… well he had been for two terms…he was not voted back in on our election 2 days ago. Thank you for your service to ward 8 John. You were always a wonderful support for housing for the homeless and I learned a lot in my time working with you to build a good neighbour agreement and engage our community.
Featured below, a volunteer reminding us to vote and strongly suggesting we vote for Mayor Nenshi again! Which I did and judging by the results, many others did as well.
I also saw these awesome vintage cars and various businesses displaying their wares.
Overall, I think Calgary is responding well to the needs that presented themselves in the aftermath of the flood. It is my hope that we continue to rally together to make our city better than it was before. Supporting local businesses is one of the ways we can contribute.
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
Jean said:
Sadly my favourite cream puffs bakery in Mission on 4th closed down permanently. Cruffs…sometimes they had mango crème filling, etc. 😦 I know the bakery owners worked hard…they are from Indonesia.
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dianasschwenk said:
I never did try that bakery (I try not to eat too much sugar) One of my fave places is SAJE!
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this is lemonade said:
So uplifting to see this post Diana! There’s such a feeling of camaraderie from the smiles in your photos! We townies don’t do enough of this kind of thing, pity it takes disaster and tragedy to mobilise us often (I say, sitting on my backside, staring at the computer screen….)
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dianasschwenk said:
it’s so true (I’m not picking on you but including myself and other townies) It does seem to be true outside rural area. It’s funny in rural Alberta people drive around, sometimes for miles, to connect with each other and in cities, we often don’t even know the name of our neighbour.
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When in New Places said:
I love this post Diana! I’m so happy things are starting to come together in Calgary post flood, and I’m thrilled that Mr Nenshi was voted back in, great news! I love 4th St – this makes me really miss the Lilac Festival.
I really appreciate your posts, they really connect me to Calgary via your amazing community spirit and I just think it was wordpress fate that I found you and your lovely blog!
~Andrea<3
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Andrea. I’m glad you stumbled across my blog as well because it alerted me to yours! I don’t know if I ever mentioned it but my best friend tutors Korean students here in Calgary. I often share your stories with her.
xo
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When in New Places said:
That’s fantastic! What an awesome coincidence ~ I love that, Diana! 😀
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sedge808 said:
Love the pig.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you, although I can’t take credit for it! Always nice to see you here sedge!
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sedge808 said:
🙂
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Our Life In 3D said:
What a great idea! It looks like a fun time. I hope it met its goals.
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dianasschwenk said:
I thought it was a great idea too! If I know the locals, and I do, I’m sure business well get back to normal soon.
xo
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elizabeth2560 said:
This looks as if it was a fun event full of community spirit. I hope that all the local businesses pick up back to normal in the not too distant future. I loved the commentary on all your photos.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Elizabeth – from your lips to God’s ears! Glad you enjoyed the photos and commentary. Wish I was a better photographer but I’m sure folks will capture the feel of the event!
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billgncs said:
supporting local business is crucial to our communities !
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dianasschwenk said:
It sure is Bill! Thank you for emphasizing that important point!
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billgncs said:
spend you money locally when you can — it helps keep jobs and the locality strong.
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dianasschwenk said:
Wow you need to come to Calgary and develop our key messages!!!
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billgncs said:
I’ll start walking tomorrow 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
could you at least ride your bike?? (hands on hip and stern facial expression)
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mrs fringe said:
Beautiful, looks like it was a great event! I hope business picks up for all in the area quickly 🙂 Also, I love that bed 😉
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dianasschwenk said:
Sorry, I’ve already asked the Urban Barn to ship the bed to Paula in Oklahoma! Timing is everything! 😉
On a serious note: I hope business picks up quickly too. ❤
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mrs fringe said:
😀
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dianasschwenk said:
How about the walking billboard? I could ship her to NY or a vintage car perhaps??
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mrs fringe said:
I could go for one of the vintage cars. Can I have a driver to go with? 😀
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dianasschwenk said:
what the heck we’ll throw in a driver! 🙂
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mrs fringe said:
You always come through, Diana 😀
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stuffitellmysister said:
A great gesture of your community to want to bring folks together again! Our town just started a monthly “gathering” in the summer and it has as already become a thing! We just need your bed in the street and the cute pig! 😉
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dianasschwenk said:
You got it! Attention Urban Barn and Wurst people: Please send the bed and the cute pig to Paula in Oklahoma!
Let me know when it gets there!
xo
Diana
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bulldog said:
This is a great post.. and I love that you push for “Local is Lekker” as we say in South Africa…
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks bulldgog – which I had a flare for photography like you to do it justice!
and lekker sounds like licker in Germany which reminds me of liquor…. oh somebody stop me!
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bulldog said:
“Lekker” is nice… not liquor.. nice like your figure in the photo… lol
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dianasschwenk said:
haha!
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Jennifer's Journal said:
Well done! I love your community-minded spirit. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Jennifer! But you people in the east, now you got that whole family and community spirit thing down pat!
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Jennifer's Journal said:
🙂
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