‘Parties at the Shops’ is back for 2014 and is in full swing with the first party happening at Garran Shops last Saturday!
This weekend kicks off on Friday 14 March at Scullin Shops from 3pm to 7pm. This party has an arts-focused line-up of events, including sounds of music by the Shooting Stars Choir, followed by an invigorating drum workshop by music teacher Jim Sharrock, and live music by The Gaps and Blues/pop duo Ultraviolet.
It’s a jam-packed day on Saturday 15 March with a total of five parties! We have Downer Shops starting at 10am to 2pm. It will be hosted by Downer Community Association and feature live performances by Leon Arundell, The Burley Griffin and Capoeira Dance. Activities include art displays, coffee by SlyFox, a sport training session, art and craft, the World’s Greatest Shave and a pop-up farm by See-Change and Canberra City Farm. A BBQ and cake stall will be set up for morning tea and lunch!
Next, for the southsiders we have Theodore Shops on from 10am to 2pm, with a BBQ, live performances by The Neverwillbees and Trick Winter and a range of activities and stalls. Over at Wanniassa Shops from 10am to 1pm there will be heaps of activities such as balloons, a chalk drawing competition, face painting and a range of stalls. If you get hungry a fundraising BBQ will be cooking sausages and a visit from Capital Chemist’s Billy Bilby is sure to be a hit for the kids!
Hackett Shops will be hosted by the Hackett Community Association and is happening from 2pm to 8:30pm. From 4pm enjoy games and competitions for kids and adults and entertainment including a roving clown. From 4pm-5pm there will be bush dancing with the Bush Dancers Display Group and from 6:30-8:30 pm guests are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and enjoy music performances by Queen Juanita and the Zydeco Cowboys.
From 6pm Watson Shops will also be providing a few activities, encouraging families to bring a picnic dinner and some games and musical instruments to keep them entertained.
Parties at the Shops is produced by Amy Moon who says the party atmosphere is a perfect way for locals to meet other residents, business owners, artists and those from community groups, schools, sporting groups and more! In 2013, 29 parties were held in 27 suburbs; 13,000 people attended a Parties at the Shop event; 335 artists were involved (performing, exhibiting etc.); 164 businesses and community organisations were involved.
Let’s celebrate our suburbs, meet each other to create a fantastic community spirit and above all have a great time with family and friends!
