›› Sarah Murray, North Park Neighbourhood Association
Last year, the NPNA collaborated with community partners from the Masjid Al-Iman Mosque to host two Multicultural Festivals at Royal Athletic Park. We also hosted a monthly food & craft market. In 2022, we have decided to focus our efforts on just the quarterly Multicultural Festival. Not only did we find that the community responded most enthusiastically to the festivals, but this event meets a demand for a community event that does not currently exist in Victoria! We are very excited to continue working with community members from the Mosque, as well as members from surrounding community associations to bring you four Multicultural Festivals in 2022. The festivals will be held from 10:30am – 1:30pm at Royal Athletic Park on May 8, July 24, October 23, and December 18! Keep an eye on our website for applications and event details at npna.ca/north-park-pop-up-markets.
The NPNA is starting to plan a third year of free programming at Royal Athletic Park! Beginning in the spring and summer, the NPNA will be offering (all free) art workshops, soccer for ages 7-13, and sports programs for non-binary/trans/queer youth. We are in the grant application and planning stages with community facilitators to finalize the plans for these free, accessible programs. Details will be posted on our website when available at npna.ca/neighbourhood/recreation-and-events.
Do you love to craft? The NPNA is pairing up with SUPPLY Victoria to bring a little free craft store to the lending hub at the Vancouver Street Plaza! You’re invited to stop by the lending hub on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 2 – 6pm to “shop” from a selection of free craft supplies. Join us for the launch of the SUPPLY Victoria Pop-Up on Thursday, February 3 from 2 – 6pm. Learn more supplyvictoria.ca/shop and at npna.ca/vancouver-street-plaza.
To learn more about what’s going on in North Park and to sign up for our newsletter please visit our website (npna.ca) or find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @wearenorthpark.
Photo caption: Fiesta Latina Folklore Dancers performing at the October 2021 Multicultural Festival at Royal Athletic Park. Photo: Kaye from Here Magazine.
