Summer is full of fun and pizazz, and this year’s been no exception. Events have hit North Delta streets in the last several weeks, bringing out people of all ages, walks of life, and interests.
Since I was a kid, I’ve always wished that North Delta had more of a cultural core. A heart and soul center of town, where people were drawn to mix and mingle. Growing up, nearly every summer Sunday that had reasonable weather (light rain or better), my whole family piled in the Vovlo and drove way out to Granville Island in Vancouver, just to soak up the buzz and culture – and for my Dad to admire the sailboats that my Mom said he could never buy. (Near their marriage’s 35 year mark, she finally gave in.)
Nothing says summer like face painting at local events!
These experiences gifted me a love for the culture of Granville Island that will n’ere be replaced by another location on the planet, and a small pang for an arts and culture center right here in my own stomping grounds.
As a kid, I sometimes explored the thought that maybe suburban people are less interested in arts and culture. But then why do so many of us clump in places like Granville Island on weekends? Surely there are no less people with artistic talent this side of the Alex Fraser River. Surely there are no less people interested in all that the arts have to offer.
Over the last few years, I’ve learned that Delta has an Arts Council. I’ve discovered a small group of local artists who keep a quaint little Gallery Shop off the central street here that the municipality has been slowly turning into a main drag for our little blip on the map. I’ve witnessed efforts by the municipality and the local residents to start getting more foot traffic to this little strip of road, which is now being built up with Public Safety buildings, a rec center, a softball center, and the old library I’ve regularly visited my whole life. And I’ve started to gain a small bit of hope.
Pre-race festivities at Tour de Delta
If enough people share my vision, and if I as one person can contribute to a larger whole who shares this vision, maybe we can make a difference. Maybe we can get families coming out to a common little street in droves to share in the enjoyment of the arts and of our shared, multi-faceted culture.
This year I’ve started to see a glimmer of hope. Delta Family Days, Tour de Delta. It’s growing. And we can all help give it a little push.
Filed under: Behind the Passion | Tagged: Arts, Arts and Culture, delta, Delta Arts Council, Delta Family Days, Granville Island, hope, Municipality of Delta, North Delta, Tour de Delta, watershed artworks society | Leave a Comment »
