Growing up, impromptu family gatherings around my grandparents’ kitchen table or outside on their veranda was a common occurrence. I often found myself lulled into quiet observation, as casual conversations about the weather and recent concerns gave way to recounting of days gone by.
There is nothing quite like the laughter and energy that flows from the sharing of memories and stories. I eagerly filed away interesting characters that had been previously little known to me and new insights into those that were familiar. I found these stories helped me understand the people around me, my surroundings, and myself.
Our stories and our memories teach us something about what was, what is and what could be. It forges a connection that spans differences and time. It helps us understand more about our identity and sense of place. I am very excited to share with you a new experience that we have developed in the spirit of community connection and our shared sense of place – Downtown Stories.
In the coming weeks, you will see signage that doubles as entry points to Downtown Stories. Scan the QR code, text the number with the code word or follow the link to enter into a fun and meaningful way to explore downtown anytime, for however long you would like. Check out the whole tour, or just the sites that interest you.
More than a tour of facts and dates, it is a storytelling experience that we invite you to be a part of. Filled with living memory, it invites you in to not only stop and listen, watch or read as the case may be, but also to share and engage.
Like any good story, we intend for it to evolve and reshape over time, carrying with it the fingerprints of its storytellers – our community. Leave a memory on a comment board, take a selfie, answer a poll and add your voice to the mix, or test your knowledge with one of our quizzes!
Downtown Stories celebrates our past and present, as well as the spirit of community connection. I hope this experience offers you a new way to enjoy our downtown and the inspiration to envision more of the vibrancy that could be.
Candace Lundrigan is the cultural public programmer at the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre
