No Cars Allowed

Ten years ago, a movement started on Commercial Drive and has spread to other neighbourhoods in the city. That would be 'Car Free Days'.

On June 15, 15 blocks from Venables to Grandview were blocked off from traffic. Instead, the streets were lined with rag tag bands, musicians, roller derby, lots of food stands and almost anything else you could think of. Even the rain - and it did rain - couldn't keep the people away.

This festival is run by volunteers and I am certain they are setting up for 2015 Car Free Days as I write this. This festival is a chance for the people to reclaim the streets of the community. It is an opportunity for businesses to interact with the people in a way they don't usually. More importantly, it is fun.

While I was walking the 15 blocks this year, I saw petitions and booths for non-profit organizations. I talked to the woman with Wholly Noggin Bars (they look interesting and taste pretty good) and I talked to a couple of people from the Vancouver Coop Radio. Of course, I made a special stop at the Grandview Heritage Group booth and spoke with Jak King. No wonder it took me over two hours to walk those blocks and back! Of course, I did stop and buy some vegetables at Donald's Market as well.

I enjoy walking through festivals like this because of the things I see. These headpieces are gorgeous! In the next set of photos, I will show you one of a model wearing one.

One year, I was strolling along the street for Car Free Days when I saw the actor Mark Hamill. I didn't recognize him at first, I only noticed him because he was asking someone not to take his photo - I think he had children with him. This year I saw a giant frog but I couldn't get a clear photo of him. Or her.

I realize this isn't the usual sort of entry I post on the Vancouver Vagabond but I hope you enjoyed it. History is great, I have always loved learning about the past, but we have to remember to live in the present too. And have some fun sometimes! Events like this don't cost anything - I never bring money with me since it would be gone so fast - but it gives people a chance to get out of their homes and mingle. Maybe even experience something new?

I hope you find the beauty around you.

Car Free Days -Informing The Public

First of all I would like to wish all my American readers a very happy 4th of July. I hope your long weekend is going well.

When I went to the Car Free Day on Father's Day there were booths set up for organizations to promote their causes.

The Communist Party of Canada was distributing flyers urging people to vote yes to repeal the HST. TRAC - Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre - had a table where volunteers answered people's questions and would sometimes direct them to the next table which belonged to the BC Civil Rights Coalition.

The Purple Thistle is a youth run centre for arts and activism. They are a group of young people who get involved. The flyer I picked up listed the group as 'radical gardeners' that garden in the heart of East Vancouver's industrial district.

Saving our natural beauty and resources. A popular theme at festivals such as this.

This booth caught my attention because it was run by the union I belonged to when I worked for the federal government - PSAC. (That is the Public Service Alliance of Canada)

This booth was not only to show what the PSAC members do for the community but also to promote fair trade. The nice lady behind the table gave me a package of coffee.

These events are also great to promote different health and medical organizations.

Petitions were all around - someone is usually fighting to change something. Which is good. Even if I don't agree with the cause being promoted I like that people not only have an avenue to let their views be known but also have the freedom to do so.

So, as you can see, even though there was lots of fun things to do like listen to music, eat various types of food and many things to buy there was also a social conscience. People trying to get others involved in making the world a better place.

I hope you find the beauty around you.

Karen Magill, Car Free Days, Vancouver,The Drive,PSAC,History,change,health

Car Free Day

Although I do have more photos inspired by the mural I wanted to take a moment to tell you about an event that happened on Father's Day. Car Free Days from Car free Vancouver are a way to have a street festival without the hassle of cars driving through. And a lot of activities go on during this period.

This is for people that get tired during the day. LOL Actually it was an event for kids. Later on during the day I saw kids playing croquet with feathered croquet mallets on the grassing area in the front and people were dressed as storybook characters.

'What a beautiful plant' I thought when I saw this from across the street. I know it wasn't there a couple of days before. Then I walked across the street and got a closer look.

When I walked by the second time I saw children painting the flowers. What an original idea!

There were a few things for children on the Drive that day. Like balloon hats.

And other hats as well.

And this next display seemed to be a kid favorite as well.

One child I saw really liked this display before it was all put  together. He was busy pulling on the sticks that form the base.

This next fellow was an amusement for young and old alike.

And what festival would be complete without a parade?

And music filled the air -  both live and from sound systems.

So that was a look at the events on Sunday. Next time I will feature more images from that day.

Until then I hope you find the beauty around you.

Karen Magill, Car Free Days, Vancouver,The Drive,balloons,History,music,tee-pee