When I first moved in here in 1992, there was much more of a community feel. With city expansion, we've somehow grown apart.
I'm all about community events. I love the Jam in Jubilee. It's a great idea. Local music, local vendors, local people and it's free.
I'd love to see a summer night market in Abbotsford. Imagine walking in the warm summer evenings, tents to either side of you. Stores selling their wares, restaurants serving food from all over the world. A few game tents here and there with children trying to win that huge, nearly impossible to get, teddy bear. In the centre, various performances from people in the community. Music, poetry, martial artists, jugglers. Displays by local artists showcasing painting, drawing, sculpture... The Mayor walking around smiling and greeting everyone. The best part? A sense of community.
For Canada Day, I'd set up a dunk tank at Exhibition Park and get dunked for charity. All the proceeds benefiting the Food Bank and other local charities.
I loved the outdoor movie at Mill Lake. Not every family can afford to head out to the Twilight Drive In.
And how about a Santa Claus? Several of our residents can't make it out to Mission to see theirs... and it's such an amazing time of the year. At the same time, as I mentioned before, I'd really like to improve the look of our Christmas Tree downtown.
More outdoor music, a children's festival in the park, increased community. This is what I'd love to see here. When we create a sense of community, people appreciate it and it shows.
We really need more outlets for arts, music & community.
