This past weekend an impromptu concert popped up in the park in my new neighborhood. The group that performed at the gazebo brought together musicians from a half dozen bands. They invited neighbors to bring their instruments and join in and one person sang a lovely song with accompaniment by a now growing neighborhood band. The concert was wonderful and also provided an incredible opportunity for neighbors to gather on a Sunday evening. Many of the people seemed to be from nearby streets, but I met some who were biking by from across town and stopped when they heard the music.

The 100 in One Day Community Festival occurred in several cities across Canada the previous day. The aim was to create as many welcoming spaces and events that would build community an and give people a opportunity to share their gifts similar to the invitation offered at my neighborhood concert but on a city wide scale. During this event citizens transform parks, gardens, alleys and all types of places into welcoming spaces for conversation and activity by incorporating their gifts.
It struck me how the informal and sometimes more formal events and gatherings can strengthen our neighborhood ties in many ways.