Comments on The Burd Report: Lots of grandparents DownTown this morning and thi...

I am well aware there are substantial costs to sta...

2009-06-18T12:42:51.039-04:00

I am well aware there are substantial costs to staging these events, and those costs are properly paid by a combination of the Town, DBIA and the event organizers. While all have different reasons to contribute, it is right that they do.

My concern is for the increasing numbers of low income families who are shut out of events that carry costs. When I take my grand kids to a play and the tickets are $20 each, I remember keenly that when my own kids were small I couldn't afford to take them to plays. When the choice is culture or groceries, guess which gets dropped?

One of the worst aspects of poverty is the isolation. Shame plays a big part in this, especially for men, who feel a much heavier burden to be financially successful. At least when the community hosts public events everybody can attend and enjoy, without having to ask for a subsidy, without having to stand outside the gate.

That is why I will never support endeavours like the community centre, which I know from past experience will do a thorough job of keeping poor people out. With the Y involved, that is a sure thing, they are experts at exclusion.

Just a small note on Deb's comment "no-co...

2009-06-17T17:45:30.651-04:00

Just a small note on Deb's comment "no-cost open public events". Please explain the "no cost" part, I'd love to know how they do that.

Of course, I think you meant "no charge". You should know that there is indeed a sizable cost to the downtown businesses to arrange and carry out those "no cost" events for the pleasure of all the local folks whom they hope to entice to come downtown once in a while and do some shopping there. 'nuf said.

Oh how I yearn for the kind of public entertainmen...

2009-06-17T13:58:51.328-04:00

Oh how I yearn for the kind of public entertainment that would bring me out of my too-cosy home.

More events like the Rib Fest that features bluesy bands and cold beer along with the tasty ribs and baked sweet potatoes and corn served by the genuine BBQ experts from across North America.

They even let you sit outside in the fresh air on picnic tables with your food and drink, you are not forced into a hot smelly beer tent. Wow, what a civilised concept! Even the Rotary volunteers look happy cleaning up the place, and everybody seems to be having a terrific time. Why there are even people there who aren't senior citizens, a real accomplishment for ole Slow-burg.

Also love the blues concerts put on by James at Zap Records. Have now seen three fabulous blues guys from down South do their thing locally. That's great too - no travelling required, having a spiffy night out here in town.

Took my son and his oldest, my granddaughter in Grade 7 then, to one concert in Victoria Hall, her first exposure to live professional blues, and both loved it too. She and her dad both play in bands locally.

We could use more plays too. That's another type of event I take my granddaughters to, that we enjoy year after year together. My dad used to take me when I was a kid.

Guess I should have gone to the Busker's Festival, it sounds less lame than past efforts have been. I'm all in favour of no-cost open public events that appeal to all ages, not just the high-falutin' and affluent elderly. They already get more attention than what's good for them.

I especially liked the Grand Opening of Poetry Pla...

2009-06-14T13:54:38.700-04:00

I especially liked the Grand Opening of Poetry Plaza at King/Division.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xRNkKmg53L0/SjUuL7vefcI/AAAAAAAABko/X3gkK-VEgS8/s1600-h/Poetry+Plaza+Grand+Opening+WEB.jpg

From one retailer's perspective, it was a very...

2009-06-14T12:52:10.790-04:00

From one retailer's perspective, it was a very good day. The crowds were visibly larger than last year and they seemed to be more engaged in the events. Perhaps it's an indication of the stay-close-to-home approach that's being promoted during these economically challenged times. Whatever the reasoning, it is encouraging to see some positive results for something that takes a fair amount of work to arrange, especially the weather!