Hi Neighbour back again

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/06/2019 (2577 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In Transcona, the Hi Neighbour Festival means summer is just around the corner.

For over 50 years, the annual festival has set up shop in the Park City, bringing local businesses, organizations, and neighbours together.

“We’re kind of the benchmark for what a real community street festival looks like,” said Ray Ulasy, chair of the long-running festival. “It’s become a bit of  cornerstone of our community. Not only do our community members love it, but they’ve come to expect it.”

This year’s festival kicks off on Fri., June 7 at 6 p.m. with opening ceremonies at Transcona Centennial Square (135 Regent Ave. W). 

“That evening is really fun for everyone,” Ulasy said.

Following opening ceremonies, young musicians from the School of Rock will warm the crowd up for headliner Honeymoon Suite.

“Honeymoon Suite’s no joke,” Ulasy said. “They’re one of the biggest classic rock bands to come out of Canada. They bring a lot of folks out.”

The festival continues through Sat., June 8 and wraps up on Sun., June 9 at 4 p.m.All weekend, kids of all ages can enjoy rides and games on the midway, provided by Select Shows, which will once again be set up between Kanata and Winona Streets. Foot trucks and vendors will be on hand, local bands will perform on the stage at the square, while an array of entertainers and activities have been booked specifically for young children.

“There’s always lots of things to do for teens and adults, but we’ve really tried to add more for the little kids,” Ulasy said. “We’ll have princesses, free face painting, Mr. Bubbles, all that stuff.”

Festival goers will also have the opportunity to win a pair of all-inclusive tickets to ride VIA Rail to Churchill.

“Tickets are $5, and all proceeds (go) to keep the festival going,” Ulasy said.

Festival organizers are also hoping to tap into the community spirit to help revitalize a local icon: Hi Neighbour Sam.

“Sam, he needs a makeover,” Ulasy said. “He needs more than paint. He needs a good makeover, a serious investment. We’ll be looking for City funding and whatnot, but we’re looking for the community to chip in.”

To contribute to the Help Fix Sam fund, or for more information on the Hi Neighbour Festival, visit www. transconahineighbourfestival.ca

Sheldon Birnie
Managing editor

Sheldon Birnie is the managing editor of the Free Press Community Review. Email him at sheldon.birnie@freepress.mb.ca or call him at 204-697-7112

   Read full biography