Join us on Wednesday September 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 108th street from 102nd to 104th Ave as we celebrate the first day of classes, showcase downtown business and services, and enjoy some amazing activities and programming with our community.

The Downtown Campus Block Party had its humble beginnings as a welcome back barbecue for students. Over the years, it has evolved with the growth of MacEwan’s downtown campus as well as other key players in the downtown core, including Norquest Community College and Women Building Futures. Today’s Block Party is a celebration of not only the students who attend post-secondary in the center of the city, but also a celebration of the strong relationships and partnerships that have developed between post-secondary institutions, businesses, community groups and residents.

This year in particular is a defining moment for this event as we have extended our invitation to include not only students, staff and faculty, but also the community. We are expecting an audience of 3,000 – 5,000 people, and it will take place along a larger stretch of 108 St (from 102 ave to 104th avenue), linking the MacEwan and Norquest campuses. There will be many activities on site including exhibitors, radio stations, live performances and – thanks to a generous donation by SaveOn Foods – there will be free food!

We also encourage all staff and faculty to check out the activities on the kihêw waciston green space including Indigenous performances and the showcasing of the Canadian Prayer Rug, a collaboration between the prairie’s Muslim and Indigenous communities. The Canadian Prayer Rug is a tapestry that celebrates the many communities and people who helped nurture and develop the Canadian landscape.

From 1 to 4 p.m., Parlour will be hosting an “after party” including live performances from three local musical artists. Make sure to get to the Block Party early to get a $10 off food coupon so you can enjoy a bite on the Parlour’s patio to wind down after all the fun.

Everyone is in for an extra bit of fun this year as they can witness MacEwan’s Provost and Vice-President, Dr. Craig Monk, be dunked at the “Dunk The Monk” tank by MacEwan staff and faculty who participated in MacEwan’s “Students First” fundraising campaign. Proceeds from the dunk tank will support the Students First campaign.

Hope to see you there,

Dr. Annette Trimbee
President and Vice-Chancellor

Distributed by GlobalMail on September 1