Hope’s Reins of Freedom is taking over an entire downtown street Aug. 19 to host the Summer Street Jam.
Third Avenue will be cordoned off from just past the fire department to Hudson Bay Street, clearing the way for five hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) of family-friendly activities.
“It’s going to be a fun-filled day with snacks and entertainment,” said Megan te Boekhorst from Reins of Freedom.
Among the attractions will be skateboarders from Hippie Mike’s showing off their skills. A group from Hope’s Performing Arts Community Theatre (PACT) will be acting out a preview of an upcoming show and the Hope Plant Swap will be open with fresh plants for people to ‘take a plant and leaf a plant.’
“And we’re hoping to turn our sidewalk into a community chalk art project and have kids, both in age and in spirit, decorate in front of the Reins of Freedom office (895 Third Ave),” te Boekhorst said. “I’ll be blowing giant bubbles and we’re giving out bubbles for kids to enjoy.”
Reins of Freedom, an organization offering disability employment services, hosted a smaller-scale event last year called Summer Sidewalk Jam, which was held in the office parking lot. te Boekhorst is happy to see it expanding.
“Our local service providers will be in attendance to share resources, information, and entertain,” she said. “Read Right Society is doing Rock Painting and a book swap for example. Other service providers that will be present include WorkBC, Hope Mental Health, Public Health, Hope and Area Transition Society, Care Transit, Hope Community Services, Hope Scouts, and likely the Ann Davis Transition Society.”
If it’s a hot day, te Boekhorst said the Reins of Freedom office will be open as a cooling station. No matter what the weather, people can pop in for water and cookies and washroom access.
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