Calgarians came together across the city to celebrate another Neighbour Day, an annual tradition that encourages people to celebrate our community spirit and come together for a quick chat, a barbeque, or outdoor activity that helps build strong and lasting connections.
“This is an incredible legacy that we’ve made to last. After more than 10 years now as a tradition, it’s very clear that Neighbour Day is part of Calgary’s bones – it’s a day about Calgary, and being the best neighbours in the world,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas.
Despite periods of rain and windy weather, this past weekend, on Saturday, June 20, neighbours across our city carried out their Neighbour Day events.
One of this year’s featured celebrations took place at the Millican Ogden Community Association, where residents marked MOCA’s 70th anniversary with a parade, historical tours, interactive activity stations, cultural performances, food, and celebrations. Mayor Jeromy Farkas joined residents, volunteers and community leaders to recognize the role community associations play in creating welcoming, connected neighbourhoods.
“Neighbour Day is about showing up for one another and taking pride in the places we live,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas. “Across Calgary, neighbours came together through block parties, community concerts, barbecues, crafts, gardening and more — simple ways to spend time together and strengthen local connections. Thank you to everyone who hosted, volunteered, and took part in this year’s celebrations.”
Neighbour Day events included arts and crafts, community markets, live music, family games, garden gatherings, cultural activities and neighbourhood picnics in communities such as Sherwood, Kensington, Highland Park, Triwood, Edgemont, West Hillhurst, Dalhousie, Acadia, Auburn Bay, Chaparral, Maple Ridge and more, giving residents many ways to connect close to home.
Willow Ridge hosted a community picnic with neighbours’ invited to paint tiles to be added at the Greener Grounds Grand Opening of a mural mosaic. In Tuxedo Park, a free outdoor art station was offered, and the Capitol Hill Community Association hosted cool experiences to celebrate the end of the school year, the day before.
In Acadia, the Osten & Victor Alberta Tennis Centre celebrated its 10th anniversary with tennis activities, face painting, a barbecue, and opportunities to gather. The Hidden Valley Community Association celebrated a Neighbour Day carnival with fire dances, stilt walkers, carnival games, and an outdoor movie.
Neighbour Day also connected with Sport Calgary’s All Sport One Day, giving children and youth a free opportunity to try new sports, while Tourism Calgary’s Come Together, Colour Calgary initiative invited participants at select events to help colour collaborative canvas murals celebrating Calgary’s people, places and diversity.
For the second year in a row, the #YYCNeighbourDay microgrant helped bring celebrations to life. This year, 54 microgrants of up to $2,000 supported community associations, business improvement areas, and non-profit organizations in hosting free, community-led events across Calgary.
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