Parade and festivals - how to attract more to downtown

[halifaxboyns]

I'm not sure if I should be starting a new thread for this, but what the hell. Having Stampede on here in Calgary, got me thinking about some of the joys of living in downtown Calgary.

Now don't get me wrong - we're not like Montreal or Toronto with a bustling downtown at night. In non-stampede times and outside of any festivals - downtown dies at 6pm and is dead on weekends. The only traffic is to cut through downtown - not stop in it.

But with Stampede week on; it got me thinking about what keeps me living here in downtown and what could help HRM's downtown attract more people, if more towers get built (big if there).

When I first moved to Calgary - I completely forgot about stampede. I only knew it was going on when I woke up; heard all this noise outside my balcony, got up (in my house coat) and came out to find thousands lining 6 ave SE for the parade. I ran indoors and changed quickly and invited people over. I now do an annual stampede parade viewing party; with a breakfast - my balcony spans my entire unit, so I've managed to get about 20 people on it (the record so far).

Parades and festivals help bring people to downtown and inspire them to do other things in the core..

So I wanted some people's help about parades and thoughts about things like this as something to pitch to interested councillors as HRM grows more, especially with more downtown residential development.

Now I know there is a Natal day parade, a parade for the tattoo and one for gay pride - are there any others? Perhaps a parade for the multi-cultural festival or is there already one?

I know there is a lot of festivals, the jazz fest, buskers, multicultural and even some festival style events for tattoo - but do any of these festivals, parades or events do extra things like say public breakfasts or lunches? One of the things I love for stampede week is the free breakfasts all over downtown. I don't have to worry about making anything! I can get up, go get my coffee, walk into work and then around 9 line up somewhere for a free pancake with a slice of bacon. In fact, today was the City of Calgary City Hall Cafeteria stampede breakfast - it was actually quite good. Most city departments and big corporations put on a breakfast too (I know planning had one on Monday - it was okay; although the sausages caused me some 'issues').

So if we've talked about how doing something like Calgary's Zoo lights in winter at the public gardens could attract people downtown in the winter; beyond building more condo units - how do we get them downtown in the summer?

Are there any festivals where organizations could sponsor free breakfasts (which are often cheaper than a lunch) or even an outdoor bbq?

I can think of a number of groups that could easily do it: HRM, WTCC, Scotia Bank, CIBC, TD Bank - all the banks do stuff for stampede. I don't know how expensive it would be; but you could also promote stuff going on at the stampede either by putting an entry into the parade or a booth on the grounds? Gay pride typically has a big gathering, as do the concerts - but I'm thinking more in terms of week long events that could take place during the day for office workers around the lunchhour or even during the morning (since the tourists would come for these events too). Even the Province could do something; since they had Premier Steady Eddy flipping pancakes down at one of the government buildings the other day. The Mayor, council - even the big directors of various HRM departments could be involved (in an HRM event).

Certainly something to think about - because you can build all the condos and bring people to live downtown; but activities like these truely make a downtown a great place to be.

[JustinMacD]

HRM needs to shut down SGR from South Park to Queen Street maybe 3-4 times a summer for street festivals.

There doesn't have to be a special occasion.

Maybe you could have one dedicated to promoting all of the different restaurants in the area. Each restaurant could set up free sample stations and they could turn the street into separate sections of outside restaurants.

They need to get creative. SGR should be a pedestrian street anyways, I'd love to see them do something like this.

[halifaxboyns]

I was also thinking about something like a festival of lights - like Vancouver or Calgary.

Calgary calls it Globe Fest and it's the 3rd week of August. It's a competition (I think?) and 5 different presentations of fireworks occur.

Here is a link about the one in Vancouver:
Vancouver festival.

This could really bring people downtown.

[planarchy]

Originally Posted by halifaxboyns

I was also thinking about something like a festival of lights - like Vancouver or Calgary.

Calgary calls it Globe Fest and it's the 3rd week of August. It's a competition (I think?) and 5 different presentations of fireworks occur.

Here is a link about the one in Vancouver:
Vancouver festival.

This could really bring people downtown.

They had something like this years ago - I think it was called the Alexander Keith's Festival of Lights. I think it may have lasted a few years.

[halifaxboyns]

Originally Posted by planarchy

They had something like this years ago - I think it was called the Alexander Keith's Festival of Lights. I think it may have lasted a few years.

One of the things that I think is causing festivals to fold and suffer in Nova Scotia (and it's starting out here in Alberta too) is lack of people volunteering. Let's face it; these things don't organize themselves and there is a lot of volunteer time put into them - especially to secure sponsors.

That being said; I think a festival like this would be worth of few hours a week getting out to organize and I'm sure there would be lots of groups willing to sponsor. Considering Bell Aliant is getting trash talked in the media for job cuts; you could probably easily get them to sponsor; that or Telus or Rogers. Heck, get one of the new mobile companies to sponsor it. Or Westjet; they sponsor many activities and often throw the event into their inflight magazine!

I'd also add that it would be worth organizing a Christmas type festival (beyond the parade of lights) with the Public Gardens. I've said it before and I'll repeat it again, Calgary's zoo lights is an amazing event and a similar festival in the Public Gardens (with people singing Christmas songs; santa for the kids and hot chocolate/cider) would be fantastic! You wouldn't need a skating rink or anything like that, but put up lights all over the park - you could even open only a small section and build it up as you go.

[halifaxboyns]

Pride parade bigger, bolder than ever
Participants celebrate growth of annual event
By BILL POWER Staff Reporter
Sun, Jul 25 - 4:53 AM

Halifax Pride co-organizer Ed Savage remembered his first gay parade Saturday as about 160 different groups marshalled on the waterfront in preparation for a celebration of sexual diversity.

A decade ago "we wove through all the backstreets of Halifax. Now we go through the front door," the co-organizer said in an interview as the massive line of sequins, big hair, satin gowns and blaring music rumbled to life toward the big show on Barrington Street and Spring Garden Road.

It took more than 50 minutes for the colourfully costumed crowd to move through the navy dockyard gates and make its way up to the central business district where sidewalks were thickly lined with supporters, many of them cheering and some dancing.

Pride festival co-organizer Liz McQuaid said it was difficult to estimate the size of the crowd lined up to take in the 23rd edition of the annual event.

"Last year we attracted between 40,000 and 60,000 observers. The pride parade in Halifax is almost as big as the one in Montreal and considering the size of our city . . . this is pretty fantastic," she said.

There was some debate among participants and observers about the possibility that the pride parade was overtaking the Natal Day event, traditionally the city’s largest celebration. Everybody agreed the pride event that brought a weeklong celebration of diversity to a raucous climax is a heck of a lot of fun.

Thousands of observers followed the dazzling display of glitz and good humour up South Park Street and toward the Garrison Grounds. The sunny afternoon party seemed to just keep getting bigger and louder.

A huge number of fans gathering for the Halifax Rocks event on the Halifax Commons added to the massive gathering of people that brought traffic in the business district to a standstill.

"Everybody is here to show their respect and admiration for the gay community," said Mike Schmid, owner of Reflections Cabaret, a popular downtown dance bar.

"The first parade I was in about 10 years ago was about a third the size of this one."

Halifax MP Megan Leslie and a group of young women were all decked out in roller blades and costumes in the style that actress Ellen Page displayed in her hit film Whip It.

"Today, it’s a wonderful celebration but we want people to remember it comes from protest. We want people who are gay, lesbian and transgender to know they are safe in our community," she said.

To suggest the pride parade is good for downtown restaurants and bars would be an understatement.

"Our patio has been packed since morning. I wish there was some way we could double-deck it," said business owner Helen Davenport as costumed super-heroes entertained the crowd outside Gatsby’s Pub and Eatery on Spring Garden Road.

"It’s entertaining and it’s educational," said one observer who did not want to give his name.

There was a post-parade concert at the Garrison Grounds festival site and a week of Halifax Pride events will conclude today with a family picnic at the Dartmouth Common at 1 p.m.

( [email protected])
From the Sunday Chronicle Herald.

I should say; I saw some of the pictures friends and even Councillor Sloane's pictures of the parade and I was amazed at just how many new floats there were from when I marched in the parade.

I remember when I was 17, I stood in the crowds and when a camera came I would hide. Then as I got older; I marched with the GLB youth project and then with friends. Nearly ended up on the HRM float one time (long story). I always thought it was a great time. I'm so wonderful to see the festival getting bigger and bigger and I'd love to see it out do the Natal day parade. Calgary and Edmonton's parades are a joke (maybe 5000 people), but then again you are in conservative land.

But this goes to show just how great these parades are! I'm really glad Ed and the committee did a great job and when I run into him in Edmonton I intend to buy him a drink to congratulate him.

[someone123]

Part of the purpose of the Pride Parade is to push people a little to question why they feel uncomfortable. Nudity doesn't hurt anybody, including children, who only start to think of it as a big deal when their parents point it out.

I personally think that it's very positive that society has opened up since the 1950s. There were so many things that people back then refused to talk about because it made them uncomfortable, even though that only made things worse (e.g. people not talking about illness or disability).

[halifaxboyns]

Originally Posted by someone123

Part of the purpose of the Pride Parade is to push people a little to question why they feel uncomfortable. Nudity doesn't hurt anybody, including children, who only start to think of it as a big deal when their parents point it out.

I personally think that it's very positive that society has opened up since the 1950s. There were so many things that people back then refused to talk about because it made them uncomfortable, even though that only made things worse (e.g. people not talking about illness or disability).

Fenwick - it's a tired expression to someone whose heard it uttered for some many years as a negative response to the parade. So for me; it's not really something origial - I've heard it a lot lol. But feel free to use it!

I think we all agree that any parade is a take it or leave it sort of deal - although an office pride would be interesting? Desks on wheels? LOL

What impresses me about it; is that it has kept growing. I was on the board for the parade for 2 years before I moved out west. We always found it easy to get sponsors. I remember when I sat with one of the managers at Hillcrest Volkswagon (who had been regular sponsors). They were just like - oh god; gay people buy tones of VW's - we'll be there. They fell over themselves to double the money the gave the year before.

I was looking at Councillor Sloane's pics on her facebook page - there were lots of floats that hadn't been in the parade when I was there. The marriott hotel; the bridge commission (that one threw me) and those big puppets. Even people with dogs! So bringing my dog home with me for that next year.

But what impressed me about the clip I saw on the news was business at all the places along the routes was crazy busy! I honestly would be really happy to see this parade surpass the Natal Day one. Will it ever get to the size of Toronto or Montreal's where its 1million +? Someday...

Although the year we had the gay firefighters and policeman associations from NYC (who were on a cruise that stopped in Halifax during pride) - that brought a tear to my eye. Someone happened to see a poster about the parade on a Friday and the committee got the call at 9pm the night before. We fell over backwards to get them in. They marched in full uniform and people just cheered like crazy. I'd like to see them join again - I'd even tolerate Rosie O'Donnell (so long as I had a few first). Ellen would be kewl.

But it just goes to show you that parades like this just really bring out all sorts of people for a great time and business reaps the rewards. Imagine how well business will do as that block fills in with more ground and 2nd level commercial where the DQ is?

[halifaxboyns]

The early rumoured numbers for pride is in the range of 70 to 100,000 people participated along the route and at the after gathering. This was mostly boosted by the concert at the commons I suspect; but if the higher number holds true - that means 1/4 of the population of HRM was downtown watching the event (either on purpose or watched because it happened).

That's great for business. I know a couple of people who worked at various restaurants along the route and they said the places were packed all day - their best numbers in years.

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by halifaxboyns

The early rumoured numbers for pride is in the range of 70 to 100,000 people participated along the route and at the after gathering. This was mostly boosted by the concert at the commons I suspect; but if the higher number holds true - that means 1/4 of the population of HRM was downtown watching the event (either on purpose or watched because it happened).

That's great for business. I know a couple of people who worked at various restaurants along the route and they said the places were packed all day - their best numbers in years.

That certainly is impressive (needless to say). Now if only the municipality could think of a few other festivals that would be just as successful. (I guess there is Natal Day).

[halifaxboyns]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

That certainly is impressive (needless to say). Now if only the municipality could think of a few other festivals that would be just as successful. (I guess there is Natal Day).

Well then I guess that means that from the parade perspective; the main parades in Halifax are:

1. The Tattoo parade;
2. The Pride Parade;;
3. Canada Day;
4. Natal day;
5. Parade of lights (winter).

That's it - wow; did I miss any? There needs to be more.

[alps]

Nocturne is amazing.

They shut down Argyle for some Buskers this year too.

[halifaxboyns]

One of the festivals that I really enjoy out here (which alas I'm going to miss part of this weekend) is the Global Fest festival. Each night there is a fireworks display from a different group with the winner at the end of the festival putting on a finale show.

Vancouver has a similar fireworks festival. I'm sure that would be a stunning weekend event - start on a Friday with shows Friday night, Saturday night and the finale on Sunday night during the summer. What a great excuse to come downtown and see the fireworks!

I'm sure if you got a bunch of big corporate sponsors in, the festival could grow. Buskers was always a great festival for the city but to be honest, I don't remember much about Nocturne.

[Wishblade]

I'd have to say Nocturne is easily my favorite festival that happens in Halifax, followed by the Busker fest.
My avatar picture is actually of a building during Nocturne in which they put video of moving eyeballs in all the windows. Cool yet kinda freaky at the same time lol.

I really have a soft spot for the arts .

[halifaxboyns]

I don't think I made it to Nocturne before I moved...when is it usually?

[haligonia]

It takes place on an October night. Last year, I believe it was Saturday the 16th from 6pm 'til midnight. It truly is a great night. The city feels so alive and vibrant and creative.

I'm with Wishblade. I love the arts. And I love that Halifax is such an artistic city. The creative talent that is produced here is incredible.

[beyeas]

Man downtown was hopping on Saturday night.

Warmish fall night that was perfect for Nocturne, and there seemed to be thousands of people walking the streets enjoying the vibe.

Add in the Mooseheads game (their 5th win in a row I think) and a fundraiser event at the Cunard Centre, and the downtown was certainly a fun place to be this weekend. It was great to see so many people taking it all in.

[Waye Mason]

Originally Posted by beyeas

It was great to see so many people taking it all in.

Amazing. Drove back from Moncton that night after a business dinner to make it for the last bit, met up with my wife and daughter at the ferry and took in a fair amount of stuff.

Happy wash. Enough said.

[halifaxboyns]

Awesome pumpkins - all these festivals got me thinking winter activities. I would still like the parks department to pave the paths at the public gardens or find a way to do some sort of Christmas themed event there, along the same line as zoo lights in Calgary.

The park would be open from December into say first week of January, with thousands of lights all over the park. You could barrier off areas you wouldn't want people in and just restrict it to a portion if need be. Find a sponsor or two and just put millions of lights up and sponsors help pay for the staff time, the power bill and the cost of hot chocolate. Also get some choirs or singers to do carols at the bandstand and have santa up until Christmas time. If the paths are paved, they could then be easier to keep clear of ice/snow (especially since the last few winters there hasn't been that much snow in December anyway).

Plus you could charge a little bit of money and perhaps a portion could go towards Christmas Daddy's or something.

I also seem to recall that Parks Canada did a 'Victorian' Christmas at Citadell Hill. Do they still do that?

Also Fenwick's comment about a stadium at shannon park - might be a good opportunity to have some sort of team/fan appreciation event at the stadium or a near by park (regardless of the location)?

[Wishblade]

I just read that Tall Ships will be back here next year, so theres another economic boost via tourist numbers. Apparently in 2009 it attracted nearly 100,000 tourists. It will take place from July 19-23 in Halifax and July 24-30 in other various N.S ports. This is a festival I really love and I'm really glad to see it back .