In discovering the joys of block parties and how easy it is to actually find parking in the area, if deciding to attend one, I am hooked.
The latest Strathcona Block Party marks my second neighbourhood celebration of the year. The goal here was to bring folks to the area in hopes of discovering something new. A new coffee shop worth driving down for, a brewery and its beer garden worth stopping at, and a whole list of local businesses worthy of your support.
Businesses opened their doors with specials and giveaways. Like my new go to coffee shop Prototype for gourmet small batch beans.
And Hype Chocolate, my new go to for some fun local chocolates with unique flavours and designs. Also they’re made to order ice cream sundaes I have recently tried and now declared the best in the city.
There was also a market place were local shop owners ran booths to showcase their wares. The following is a few of the businesses that caught my eye and the free activities we were able to engage in.
Poppy Barely was showcasing their collection of premium animal leather and vegan leather goods. Advertised as stylish comfort.
Local brand Duer were promoting their comfortable and stretchy day to day pants in denim, cargo, and dressy.
Feel Good is a fitness centre that was challenging guests to step right up and dead hang for a full minute in order to win 2 weeks passes to workout at their fitness centre.
Homecoming had lovely home scents and fragrance in candles and incense.
Liv Finely Designs featured handcrafted jewelry made with polymer clay painted in pastels.
Londre Bodywear has sculpting swimwear that looks good and feels great against your skin. All created ethically and designed sustainably to last, in Canada.
You could even shop for a unique outfit or piece with Forastera Vintage. They even brought through their functional throne made from old tin cans.
Wai Wai had a collection of leather accessories that included necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and home decor pieces.
And you can stock up on preserves with East Van Jams and their collection of gourmet spreads inspired by eclectic characters that make East Van so unique. All jarred with only a fraction of the sugar and more fruit.
Outside in the parking lot turned entertainment plaza for the day was a tailgate party. Here there was live performances and the option to purchase food, all while taking part in family fun activities.
Leave your mark in chalk at the “Strathcona” block sign. This soon became a sidewalk chalk affair.
You can play giant tic-tac-toe that required the flip of a block Vanna White from the Wheel of Fortune style.
I faced off in giant Jenga with Finn, the Canucks mascot and lost after a nerve-racking bout.
At each picnic table there were bubbles for blowing and colouring sheet with crayons to colour in Strathcona’s cartoon mascots; in or out of the lines.
You could also take photos with these characters, posing with any of the free standing cut out versions.
Looking to take them home? You could have done so on one of the Strathcona Block Party commemorative tote bags, pressed to order.
For food, aside of the restaurants and cafes the likes of Strathcona brewing, VV Tapas, Liquids + Solids, and the Garden Cafe; event goers were invited to order at one of the two parked food trucks.
Either Japadogs, the all pork or beef dogs dressed like Japanese appetizers with traditional Japanese toppings like seaweed, sesame seeds, and bonito flakes.
Or Mama’s Fish and Chips which is more that’s just lightly breaded fish served with crispy fries. They also had burgers, shrimps and yam fries.
In short there was so much to see and do and I didn’t even cover all of it. So for those interested in the next one, to see what you missed, or to know more about the area, visit the link below.
lowtideproperties.com/events-strathconarsvp
On Saturday, June 17th, from 12 — 5 PM, join us to celebrate the community of Strathcona.
* Enjoy music, food trucks, and fun activations at the 840 E Hastings parking lot
* Shop the businesses on the 600, 700, 800, and 900 blocks of E Hastings
* Have a beverage at the Strathcona Beer Garden at 895 E Hastings (Strathcona Beer Garden open until 7 PM)
* Visit MakerLabs at 780 E Cordova for tours, maker activities, open studios, live DJ, and more.
* Stop by 848 E Hastings to shop a curated pop-up market featuring makers and local brands
