Community Links’ upcoming Linking the Community Festival will provide an opportunity for families to build stronger connections with their neighbours and local organizations, against a backdrop of family fun, Aug. 20 at Nose Creek Park from 3 to 7 p.m.
Laurie Jacob-Toews, community engagement manager with Community Links, said the festival is a celebration of the community, giving residents a chance to spend time in the park and get to know their neighbours.
“A lot of what we do at Community Links is about connecting people and getting people linked to their community,” she said. “So, this is just a really great event for us to do that and have a fun event where families can come and interact.”
Jacob-Toews said the annual event is moving to the park this year, after previously being held at Community Links’ offices. The event, now in its seventh year, has grown steadily – last year’s festival was attended by about 300 people, Jacob-Toews said, and organizers are hoping for at least that many this year.
The festival will feature activities for young and old alike, with live music, face painting, henna and games. Mr. Mike’s will serve hamburgers in exchange for a $5 donation to Community Links. Other community organizations, such as the Airdrie Public Library, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and the Airdrie Lioness Club will also be on hand to man stations and meet residents.
According to Jacob-Toews, events like the Linking the Community Festival can be especially important in rapidly-growing communities like Airdrie. Moving to a new city can be isolating, she said.
“When people are new to a community, it’s sometimes challenging to get connected, or sometimes people don’t know how to get connected,” she said, adding Community Links receives many requests from families dealing with this particular issue.
Events like this, she said, help families that might otherwise feel isolated meet other residents, learn about local organizations and put down roots. Additionally, she said, the event aligns with Community Links’ mandate to foster community connections in Airdrie and build a stronger community.
“Anytime you can connect and meet other people and get engaged in your community, it’s going to strengthen the community as a whole, and also help you build that natural support network that’s so important,” she said.
