The Festival of South Asia is set for Saturday and Sunday. Powerwashers were out in force this morning, taking back the sidewalks from the pigeons. Soon the street will fill with food stalls, dancers and musicians, henna painters and roasters of corn on the cob. Racks of brilliant saris will move in the breeze, embroidered cushion covers will sell for a song. Cool, cool clothing is here, invented for heat waves like the one we are having. Old fashioned Ontario carny games have made appearances in the past, too. I love the mix of cultures.
Local merchants and community groups are fighting urban blight that has been weighing down Gerrard East between Greenwood and Coxwell. What’s more, they are succeeding. Some storefronts present a dreary face to the street. Unwashed windows, grungy, empty interiors. One has been spruced up with a colourful quilt, each square contributed by locals. I was pleased to see that Ula’s Hair Salon had a square. I’ve been getting my hair cut there for a decade.
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I heard about that store window quilt on Matt Galloway’s CBC radio show this morning.
Powerwashers may remove pigeon poop but what’s the cure for city crew dig-ups that get scabbed over with bumpy asphalt and stay that way for years?
Too much for one weekend. There is Little India, an Asian festival on Lawrence East and a Caribbean Festival on St. Clair. We’re lucky to have them but better coordinating would serve everyone.
Quite true, Brian… it is too much to keep up with. Can’t do everything. It has to be picking and choosing because every weekend has multiple events scheduled. I thinlk the big art show is on this weekend in front of city hall, too. Embarrassment of riches, but I’m glad it’s such a vibrant city.