The city looks to promote the downtown core with a series of block parties this summer at Towne Square.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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Starting in June, Towne Square will host a series of block parties weekly that will include free activities and games for all ages, vendors and, according to the city, will be “loosely centred around a new theme each week.”
The weekly block parties will generally run from noon to 4 p.m. each Saturday. City officials say they hope to cultivate the vibrancy of downtown by extending programming efforts to Towne Square.
“My hope is that Hatters will be encouraged to come back every Saturday because a new experience will await them every week,” says Candace Lundrigan, cultural programs co-ordinator. “At minimum, you can expect to see opportunities to be active like water fights, mini golfing and bouncy castles, along with creative and artistic opportunities like face painting, chalk art and sensory play, and of course, a rotating selection of retailers from our food truck community.”
The series of block parties kicks off June 15 with a theme of Celebrating Nature and will continue each week until Sept. 7 with themes that celebrate Indigeneity, music, heritage, car culture and first responders.
“By extending our programming efforts to Towne Square, we have another avenue to unite our community and foster the creation of memorable experiences,” says Paul Francis, acting manager of cultural experiences and events.
The city has created an online form available for market vendors interested in joining the block parties and can be found on the city’s website under their Arts, Heritage, Parks & Recreation tab.
“We value our vendor community and, by demonstrating Towne Square’s potential, we hope various user groups will capitalize on the energy we’re building here and will be encouraged to rent the space for their next event,” says Francis.
This summer the city is allowing free parking on the third level of the Transit Terminal Parkade and says they will also open 10 free spaces at Towne Square.
There are no block parties scheduled during Stampede as well as the annual Chili Cook Off.
