Shade, cool drinks and sunscreen were in high demand on the Saturday of the August long weekend as Calgarians and visitors embraced the warm, summer conditions.
A portion of 10 Street Northwest between the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology campus and 5 Avenue Northwest was transformed into a water slide spanning more than 300 metres as part of the ‘Slide the City’ two-day event.
Following an unexpected delay to the start of the day’s slides, hundreds of people, who purchased their tickets well in advance, made their way down the inflatable track atop inner tubes.
“It was awesome!” exclaimed Rena. “We were expecting really long lines but there were no lines at all.”
“Everyone’s happy to be here and it’s a perfect day.”
Beth says she had a great time at Slide the City despite her early concerns with the organization’s decision to limit access to the slide.
“There’s been a lot of drama about this but it’s a good water slide.”
Several blocks south of the end of the slide, a section of Kensington Crescent was transformed into, what organizers claim to be, Calgary’s first urban beach party.
“Everybody loves to take their sandals off and dance to music,” said Ellen Parker of the Kensington BRZ. “We have buckets and shovels and toys and beach balls. It’s just fun for the whole family and it’s free.”
“We have the perfect weather!”
Free Crave cupcakes, mini-golf, bouncy castles and live music greeted the Kensington sun worshippers.
In Inglewood, a section of 9 Avenue Southeast was closed to traffic for the annual Sunfest. Local vendors erected booths along the street and street performers entertained the crowd.
