People Coming Together!
On June 20, the Highland Park Community Association was buzzing with activity as neighbours, families, local artisans, volunteers, and community partners came together for the Neighbour Day Community Market.
What began as a vision to create a gathering place for the community became a vibrant celebration of local talent, connection, and neighbourhood spirit. Throughout the day, about 300 visitors explored 30 vendor booths featuring an incredible variety of handmade and locally crafted goods, including pottery, woodworking, jewelry, crochet creations, sewn clothing and bags, 3D-printed products, paper crafts, printmaking, body care products, and much more.
The market offered something for everyone. Children enjoyed crafts, outdoor games, face painting, a magician and the inflatable obstacle course, while adults browsed unique artisan products, connected with neighbours, and enjoyed the lively community atmosphere. Guests were also treated to delicious food and refreshments from Marietta's Gelato, Rocky's Sausage Haus, and Congress Coffee.
We are incredibly grateful to the many organizations and community partners who helped make the day special. A heartfelt thank you goes to Calgary Youth Central Volunteers, Tutor Doctor, Forever 41, Zumba with Suzy and Ethan, Youth Community Blood Services, Little Free Pantry, Resonant Blooms Music Studio, and Origami with Evelyn for sharing their time, talents, and enthusiasm with our community.
Special recognition goes to the dedicated volunteers who served on the Market Planning Team:
● Tina – Market Coordinator
● Catherine – Vendor Liaison
● Amrit – Market Promotion Lead
● Lonnie – Kids Crafts and Games Organizer
● Julie – Volunteer Organizer
Their countless hours of planning, organizing, promoting, and coordinating helped create an event that brought neighbours together and supported local makers and entrepreneurs.
We would also like to recognize the members of the HPCA Events Committee—Chris, Marika, Tina, Anne and Rosa—for their support in securing food vendors, organizing the inflatable obstacle course, and volunteering throughout the day to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Events like the Neighbour Day Community Market are only possible because of community members who generously contribute their time, energy, and creativity. Together, we created an event that celebrated local talent, strengthened neighbourhood connections, and reminded us of the value of gathering as a community.
Interested in Helping Build the Future of the Market?
As the market continues to grow, we are looking for new volunteers to join the planning team and help ensure the long-term sustainability of this beloved community event.
If you are interested in contributing your skills and ideas, please contact Tina at yourcommunity@hpca.ca.
Planning Team Opportunities
Coordinator
● Provides framework for Community Market and timeline for planning team
● Collaborates with members of planning team
● Completes Alberta Health Services Special Event application and food permits
● Liaises with HPCA Executive Director and HPCA Events Committee
Vendor Liaison
● Manages vendor communication and registration
● Coordinates table assignments
Market Promotion Lead
● Oversees event publicity
● Coordinates promotion through the HPCA website, newsletter, social media
● Book outdoor street signage
Concession & Music Coordinator
● Procures food and beverages
● Liaises with food vendors
● Ensures AHS compliance
● Coordinates live or streamed music
Kids Activities Organizer
● Plans crafts and games
● Decorates the children's activity area
● Supports volunteers
Volunteer Organizer
● Secures volunteers via schools, youth groups, signup.com online
● Provides volunteers with their responsibilities on event day
Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, performed, exhibited, and supported the Neighbour Day Community Market. We look forward to building on this success and creating even more opportunities for our community to connect, celebrate, and thrive together.
Volunteers
Neighbour Day Community Market Bingo Winners
Carson won a insulated carry on bag while Madi won a Duffel Bag
