Blog: Community spirit is still alive

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oiy9Axg771s

Blog: I very much admire the people of Moose Jaw and their strong community spirit, writes Rebecca Lawrence from Canada.

A couple of weeks ago, the Moose Jaw Business Improvement District announced it was cancelling an annual downtown event called Sidewalk Days.

The event saw businesses setting up their wares on the street for three days, accompanied by entertainment, food vendors and a beer tent.

It's apparently a great summer activity and definitely part of the city's social calendar.

And as soon as residents heard it was going to be cancelled they took action.

One resident, Jasmine Jackman, organised a residents' meeting to get things underway.

They only have six weeks to plan the event, which takes place on June 17-19, so they are going to be busy.

But many people stepped up to volunteer for different roles, such as arranging the entertainment or approaching local businesses.

Another resident has set up a Facebook group to support Sidewalk Days and it already has more than 3,000 members.

They will now have weekly meetings to update each other on their progress, and as long as everyone sticks to their promises, Sidewalk Days should be happening this year.

Residents I spoke to told me it's an event which people look forward to every year.

It also attracts people from outside the city and is a way for residents to come together and celebrate their city.

Ms Jackman wants it to become an event organized by the city's own residents.

These people have come forward to take ownership of something which they see as important for their city.

I look forward to find out what Sidewalk Days is all about.