Calgary’s Pop-Up Care Village Festival Celebrates Community Spirit

The fifth annual Calgary Pop-Up Care Village festival took place at Central Memorial Park on March 14, 2024, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with the scent of freshly grilled burgers and music. This free community event, organized by Bill Zheng, Hannah Woodward, and a dedicated team of volunteers, aimed to provide support and resources for Calgarians facing systemic vulnerabilities.

For the first time, the festival was hosted at Central Memorial Park, running from 10:00 to 16:00. Zheng noted that the new location offered a more intimate setting, allowing visitors to engage with the scenery and interact with various vendors. “It’s more intimate,” he remarked, highlighting feedback from participants about the festival’s inviting atmosphere.

The festival featured numerous stalls offering food, clothing, and essential services. A stage set near the library showcased local musicians, providing entertainment for festivalgoers who sat on the grass or passed by. What distinguishes this festival from others is its commitment to being entirely free. “It’s a free one-day event,” Zheng explained. “It’s going to include lots of stuff for people to do who don’t usually have the capital to attend other events in Calgary.”

Creative Arts and Essential Services

The festival originated in 2021 after Zheng experienced the LavaMae’s Pop-up Care Villages in San Francisco. Initially designed as a resource fair, it has since evolved into a celebration of arts and culture, featuring activities like face painting, tattoo booths, and art workshops. This year, one of the highlights included a large art workshop where participants could create drawings that would be displayed in nearby trees.

Additionally, visitors benefited from essential health services, including free eye check-ups offered by a mobile clinic operated by FYiDoctors. The optometry bus quickly became popular, with festivalgoers forming a long line for appointments shortly after the festival began.

Food played a crucial role in attracting attendees. Volunteers with Islamic Relief Canada grilled burgers, ensuring that festivalgoers were well-fed. “Food is always going to be the one that people drive forward,” Zheng stated. Cody Thompson, a visitor who stumbled upon the event while picking up mail, echoed this sentiment. “It’s great what they’re doing,” he said, sharing his own challenges with rising rental costs in Calgary.

Building a Supportive Community

The festival also included a clothing drive organized by the Central Outreach Hub. Pert, a volunteer, mentioned that the drive focused on seasonal needs, providing t-shirts, pants, and sweaters. “We try to provide clothes that offer people a sense of dignity too,” he said, noting the positive response from attendees looking for essential clothing.

The sense of community extended beyond those seeking help, as many attendees also contributed by donating items. Pert recounted an instance where someone dropped off shoes that were quickly claimed by a festivalgoer in need.

Rinad Al Adani, co-chair of the city’s anti-racism action committee, praised the collaborative atmosphere of the event. “The best part is when you can see agencies come together and work through that collaborative approach to provide clients with the best sort of care,” she stated.

John McKinnon, another festival visitor, expressed gratitude for the accessibility of the event. As a wheelchair user, he often faces challenges at public gatherings. “The people here have been really kind,” he shared, appreciating the assistance he received and the overall welcoming environment.

The Calgary Pop-Up Care Village festival not only provided essential resources and entertainment but also fostered a spirit of community and collaboration, highlighting the importance of supporting vulnerable populations in the city. As the festival concluded, the positive impact on both visitors and volunteers was evident, reinforcing the need for such initiatives in Calgary.