Kicking Off Calgary's Festival Season: Lilac Festival Draws Tens of Thousands, Boosts Local Business
Calgary’s festival season is off to a vibrant start with the much-loved Lilac Festival. This year marks the 33rd edition, and once again, it didn’t disappoint. Thousands flocked to the downtown core, transforming 4th Street into a lively hub of activity on Sunday.
A Massive One-Day Event
Dubbed the largest one-day festival in Western Canada, the Lilac Festival is a big deal for Calgary. With over 600 vendors and 70 musical acts, it’s a bustling marketplace and a community celebration all rolled into one. Vendors, performers, and attendees alike anticipate this day every year.
A Boon for Small Businesses
For many small businesses, the Lilac Festival is a golden opportunity to connect with the community and expand their reach. Stephanie Teague from Perfectly Imperfect Designs highlights the significance: “It’s huge. You can’t do that on your scale in such a small business. It’s an opportunity to grow your community kind of.”
Michelle Fentiman from Without Co. echoes this sentiment, calling it “the best market of the year for us. It’s a great way to unite the community and support local business.”
Food trucks and pop-up shops line the streets, serving up delicious eats and showcasing unique products. For some vendors, like Laura Gallant from Witch A Makin, the festival has been a game-changer. “It has actually brought in a lot more clientele, and especially if people want customs, they always take my card and then they contact me later,” she says.
Celebrating Spring and Community
The Lilac Festival isn’t just about business; it’s a celebration of spring and Calgary’s vibrant downtown neighborhood. Organizer Jennifer Rempel emphasizes the community spirit that defines the event: “People love Lilac Festival, they love to participate, they love to perform, they love to engage, so we love to have them.”
The festival’s atmosphere is electric, with people of all ages enjoying the entertainment, food, and festivities. Dan Amahazion, an attendee, perfectly captures the mood: “It’s a good start towards summertime and people getting out having a good time. It’s good, it’s really nice.”
A Tradition Since 1990
The Lilac Festival has been a staple in Calgary since 1990. What started as a small local event has grown into a major attraction, drawing people from all over the city and beyond. It’s a testament to the community’s love for coming together and celebrating local talent and businesses.
More Than Just a Festival
While the Lilac Festival is a highlight of the season, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting local. It’s a platform for small businesses to shine and for people to discover new favorites in their own backyard. Whether it’s trying out a new food truck, buying a handmade piece of art, or simply enjoying the live music, there’s something for everyone.
Engaging with the Community
The festival also highlights the city’s diverse cultural landscape. With various performers and vendors representing different backgrounds, it’s a melting pot of cultures and traditions. This diversity adds a rich layer to the festival, making it not just a local event but a celebration of Calgary’s unique identity.
A Day to Remember
For those who attended, the Lilac Festival was a day of fun, discovery, and community spirit. The streets were filled with laughter, music, and the irresistible aroma of street food. It’s a day that many look forward to and cherish, marking the unofficial start of summer in Calgary.
As the day wound down, vendors packed up, and the crowds slowly dispersed, the excitement lingered in the air. The Lilac Festival had once again proven to be a highlight of the year, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating next year’s celebration.
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