Ten years ago at the first Car Free Day, Commercial Drive turned away vehicles as streets were taken over by artists, artisans, performers and businesses. The smell of food and music filled the air as Vancouverites mingled.
The neighbourhood banded together in response to the provincial government’s Gateway Program, a highway development project. Thanks to 30 core organizers and 300 volunteers, the event was a success and 25,000 people came out.
Today, Car Free Day has expanded to Kitsilano, the West End and Main Street. Each festival is organized by volunteers from its own community. An estimated 250,000 people are expected to attend all four events.
All of them take place Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15, with the exception of Kitsilano, which is holding an extra day on June 14.
Though this makes it difficult for Vancouverites to visit multiple celebrations, it helps accommodate the tens of thousands who now attend Car Free Day and encourage residents to interact with their own communities without having to drive.
Car Free Day is a non-profit and organizers request a small fee from those who wish to set up a space on the street to help out with costs. Visitors have the freedom to wander around, visit stalls set up by shops, and poke inside if they are curious. Many restaurants sell quick eats outside so those who wish to grab a bite can do so while browsing the streets and watching the performances.
Dawn Blohm, manager at Commercial Drive’s Havana, has worked in the area for five years. She believes word of mouth year after year has helped the festival grow. Businesses have also expanded what’s available on the day itself, but above all, she says the community feeling draws people out. “I believe in our day and age a lot of people hang out in their houses and are not as social,” said Blohm.
Although the purpose of the festival isn’t solely to promote businesses, it is a great way for locals to see what their neighbourhoods have to offer. Restaurants report accommodating three times the usual traffic, according to organizers.
Non-profits and vendors get a chance to know the people who live in their area.
This is what Dan Carlos, manager at Main Street’s Front & Company, loves about the event. “You get to learn who are the local people supply local products,” said Carlos. He adds this is especially true since not many chain storefronts are found along Main Street.
Matthew Carrico volunteered seven years ago at Main Street’s first Car Free Day and is now one of the organizers.
Seeing residents interacting and working together inspired him to take a larger role.
“Attending the festival and the organizing process gave me a chance to personally engage with the community I grew up in,” said Carrico. He encourages all those interested to consider helping out at one of the festivals. “A lot of work goes in every year, but it’s very rewarding.”
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