The West End is more than just the sum of its parts. Each one of those parts has something different to say about one of Vancouvers oldest neighbourhoods. Each one speaks to the diversity and the eccentricities that have kept the neighbourhood real. Choosing a favourite part would be impossible.
That said, Davie Street is one of the main arteries that pumps life into the heart of the West End. Its always evolving with the times but it also strives to retain the reasons why people love to live here in the first place. It is still a vibrant LGBTQ community and seniors love it for the accessibility of services. Students and young families find it an affordable and accessible place to start their new lives, too.
Stephen Regan is the executive director of the West End BIA, which is behind the September 8 West End Fest on Davie Street. Its a street party for people who not only live there but who love it as one of their favourite city destinations.
He rejoices in the planning choices that have made the West End home to an eclectic mix of businesses that reflect the neighbourhoods sense of community.
The BIA is part of the West End evolution. In 2007, the former Davie Village BIA added a few more blocks of Davie, plus the stretch of Denman to Robson and Robson to Jervis to its catchment area, transforming itself into the West End BIA. To continue incorporating a larger sense of community, this year it is changing the former Davie Day to West End Fest.
While only Davie Day from Burrard to Denman will be closed to vehicles on September 8, there are plans to expand the party onto other streets in the future.
Bookending the celebration will be two performance stages, one at Burrard and Davie, the other at Denman and Davie. Performers at the Burrard stage include Really Rod, Deep Seated, Dating Myself, Mathew Presidente, QLUTCH Project and Zak Santiago. Drag Queen Joan-E will be providing the entertainment at the Friends for Life bingo.
The Denman stage at English Bay will be emceed by Ryan Steele. Entertainment includes My!Gay!Husband!, Nina Mendoza, Michael Fraser and Ronnie Mejia.
Its not just the music that will be playing. Activities will be clustered in different zones.
Theres a family zone, artist gallery, Urban Rec dodge ball tournament and charity ball run, in addition to more than 75 street vendors.
Restaurants along the street will be making sure people have enough sustenance to last them through the day.
West End Fest is on September 8 from noon till 7. For details go to WestEndBIA.com.
