By Pepper Parr
September 23rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The weather worked; the crowds were good – actually very good. There were more than 130 tents set up either side of Appleby Line from Fairview all the way down to New Street.
Teen Tour Band getting ready to march south the New Street. Then they marched back to Fairview.
The Teen Tour Marching Band with 130 of its members turning out with Army cadets clearing the roadway.
The St. John Ambulance people has a team on site – nothing of any concern at that level.
We did see Councillor Sharman marching along behind the Teen Tour band.
People were out having fun. Lots of food – maybe half a dozen food trucks serving the public. A lot of police officers walking about, all kinds of police cars at the intersections.
Noticed a lot of Fathers pushing the strollers.
The two main line political parties had tents staffed with people handing out literature.
Connor Fraser chatting up a woman explaining that he wants to represent Burlington in the next federal election.
Emily Brown who also wants to represent Burlington in the House of Commons.
Two of the three people seeking the provincial nomination were out chatting people up.
There were a couple of bands – the open guitar cases set out in front had a disappointing amount of paper money in them
Councillor Sharman has to be given credit for building this event from what was – how do we put this – something that had some promise.
It has become something people look forward to – a nice way to spend time bumping into people you haven’t see for some time.
Margot Shuttle worth pulled me into a dance with her; Emily Brown did not pull me into a dance with her.
Alan Harrington mentioned that he had just returned from a trip to Iceland – and mentioned that he had taken his second flight out of the Warplane Museum – this time in a gypsy moth.
A Burlington Teen Tour Band member hydrating after the march while a young boy sits on a piece of public art.
The weather was fine and everyone seemed to have a place to go.
Sharman has managed to build an event – something none of the others have yet managed to. Sharman give his team of volunteers all the credit.
One of the questions that crops up for the Gazette is – how is this event funded. I know the city puts some money into it – I couldn’t help but get the sense that there was quite a bit of revenue from the retailers who had tents set up. The Food and beverage people did well.
The crowds were great. More than 30 tents lined the street where you could buy pop corn, a hot dog, a Canada sweater and get advice from a number of health services who had tents.
And so did the community – kudos to Paul Sharman and his volunteers for holding the event
Emily Brown is a strong smart educated Woman, and she will have my vote.
Remembering Wayne Brown (deceased 2024) who was integral to the running and organization of past Appleby Line street festivals. Well done faithful servant. Your legacy continues.