This year's South End Day carried on the tradition of neighbourhood spirit and relationship-building.
The South End Community Association held its South End Day event Saturday, June 14 at Deverill Square Park with activities for the whole family, including a celebrity soccer game featuring Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP Tamara Kronis and City of Nanaimo councillors Erin Hemmens, Paul Manly and Sheryl Armstrong.
Ed Wong, volunteer, said the concept was inspired by an all-ages game that he plays in on Sunday mornings and seeing the politicians at South End Day – Mayor Leonard Krog, Coun. Janice Perrino and Nanaimo-Gabriola Island MLA Sheila Malcolmson were also in attendance – was a good way to connect elected officials and residents.
"It's just a good way for us to make connections with our with our local politicians and build relationships … it can't help but be positive," Wong said.
Hemmens lives in that part of the city and said the picnic has been a staple in the neighbourhood since she moved there 13 years ago.
"I come every year. It brings everyone out, everyone eating together. It doesn't cost families anything. There's sport, there's recreation, there's music, there's everything. The South End knocks it out of the park," she said.
Sydney Robertson, South End Community Association chairperson, said the day went exactly as hoped, saying "everybody's having fun, there's cute kids, we're getting all the marks."
