This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on August 24th, 2010.
The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:
Once again this year, FUSION is taking its August Party with a Purpose to the streets and hosting a block party on Princess Street.
“There is a momentum building on Princess Street and the surrounding area,” said Kelly Lawson of FUSION’s Ambassadors Committee. “It’s becoming the centre of an energetic, diverse nightlife in the uptown. The block party is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate this growth and energy.”
“It’s wonderful how we have seen a number of new businesses open on and around Princess Street over the last year,” says Peter Smit, owner of happinez wine bar. “What this all does is provide more choices for the people of Saint John who want to go out for an evening. It’s also becoming more like the night life in larger cities.” Happinez, along with Alley-gria, Callaghan’s, Bourbon Quarter, Magnolia Café, Scores, Big Tide Brewing Company, The Canterbury Lounge, Uptown Saint John and Saint John 225 have partnered with FUSION to host the block party. The host restaurants will circulate food and music will be provided by DJ Mike Hawkins. FUSION will have a cash bar in the street and will host its usual Party with a Purpose 50/50 draw.
Uptown Saint John is also running a contest in conjunction with the event to encourage people to use social media to help spread the word and include the “livelifeuptown” hashtag on Twitter, Foursquare and Plancast. Prizes will be awarded for best event video post and best event photo post, with additional prize draws for anyone who includes the hashtag in tweets on the event. Saint John 225 will also be on hand with prizes.
The block party will highlight more than just the development that this area has experienced in the past few years. It’s also an opportunity for Saint Johners to visit and learn more about the establishments that are opening – and thriving – in the uptown. That the establishments are keen to partner with one another and with community organizations to promote the area is beneficial for the entire city.
“This is a really great event in a setting that features the best of uptown Saint John’s nightlife and is truly unique to our city,” Lawson said. “It’s a hallmark event for living life uptown, and a great opportunity for people who love the area to connect with like-minded Saint Johners.”
The August Party with a Purpose – a Princess Street Block Party will take place this Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Princess Street, between Prince William and Canterbury Streets. For more information please visit www.fusionsj.com
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Note: You can read more about the first event that took place last year, right here!
