For the past few months, my YVC sub-steering committee has been working on an awesome event. It all started with a hope to engage more Calgary youth in volunteering, and celebrate those already committed to the spirit of volunteerism. I envisioned a Lilac Fest-esk festival where youth would have the opportunity to come together to enjoy music and live entertainment, partake in fun games, and above all, be exposed to organizations within their community that will spark their passion for change. Over six months later, it’s hard to believe that such an event is going to be happening.
This coming Saturday, June 14 at Shaw Millennium Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Youth Central will be hosting the Turnt Up Block Party, the outcome of the imagination and dedication of my committee and the coordinators who helped this dream become a reality. There will be live music and entertainment, inflatable games (because let’s face it, who doesn’t love inflatable things- it’s like being at a preteen birthday party all over again!), a photo booth, food trucks, and a collection of awesome local agencies that youth can get involved in.
Throughout the entire event, live music and entertainment will be on stage, kicked off by DJs Shannon and Nino from Beat Drop, a Calgary-based electronic music producing studio and DJ school. Performances will include local bands: Coming Out Swinging, Uncommon Figures, and Deluge, alongside dance performances from Beast Machine, FloMatik, and Casa De Naz; and other entertainment for attendees will include a beat boxing session by Easy G. To conclude the event, there will be an All-Styles Dance Battle hosted by Beni J. with music provided by DJ SONIDEF, resident DJ of The Bad Girls Club YYC.
Youth will have the chance to mingle with the various organizations and visit their booths, learning more about volunteer and other opportunities around the city, and potentially even signing up on the spot with their favourites. Attending agencies include the Calgary Public Library, Distress Centre Calgary, GlobalFest, Heritage Park, Kids Up Front Calgary, Pulse Studios, Telus Spark, the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth, the Freed Artists Society, the Salvation Army Community Services Calgary, and the Youth Employment Centre.
Once attendees have chatted with the agencies whom have piqued their interest and enjoyed some great music, they can head on over to the Block Party’s super awesome giant inflatable games, supplied by Carnivals for Kids at Heart. Youth can challenge themselves with a 50ft obstacle course, duel their friends in inflatable jousting, or play some basketball with the monster basketball hoops. Then, head on over to our photo booth with your friends and get a photo taken to commemorate the moment!
If you’re not worn out from all the bouncy awesomeness and from meeting agencies, head over to the local food trucks to grab gelato from Fiasco Gelato, fries from the Spud Mobeel, or Asian inspired burritos from Bento Burrito.
Come out and enjoy the day with friends and family at this FREE event and SPARK YOUR PASSION FOR CHANGE!
