By Alain Lutala
On Saturday, May 11th, the annual Lowertown Celebration took place at Jules Morin Park. The day was full of sunshine, fun, laughter and entertainment. The Lowertown Celebration is an opportunity for the residents of Lowertown to come together and connect with each other through art, sports, games and food.
Thanks to the generous participation of many community partners, more than 350 residents took part in the free BBQ ( thanks to Enbridge for supplying the BBQs), the soccer game with the Ottawa Police, music performances, a free book give away (thanks to Twice Upon A Time), a raffle and more! Let’s just say the Ottawa Police soccer team needs to practice a little more if they want to beat our amazing youth soccer team next year! The raffle prizes were made possible by La Cité collégiale, the City of Ottawa (through the Lowertown municipal pool)and the Lowertown Community House. Local politicians were on hand to take part in the festivities including, Municipal Councillor Mathieu Fleury, MP Mona Fortier and MPP Nathalie Des Rosiers. Residents had fun with the Zorb balls (giant clear balls that you climb inside and roll around the field) and were able to get their bikes repaired. The face-painting station was made possible with the help of our talented volunteers from De La Salle High School. The youth enjoyed the many activities offered at the kiosks, such as the pin-making station and the bouncy-ball-making station. These activities were all made possible by our many wonderful, dedicated partners! Lively performances were offered by Mehdi Cayenne, folk trio Naturally, dances by and with Aboriginal Experiences as well as a series of song by the youth from the Francophone Lowertown Adventist Church. A wonderful time was had by all! Thank you to all the residents and partners who participated. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Lowertown Celebration!
Thank you to all the partners, namely: MP Mona Fortier; Nathalie Desrosiers, MPP; Councilor Mathieu Fleury; Volunteers and residents of Lower Town; The Lower Town Community Resource Center; Patro d’Ottawa; City of Ottawa Recreation, Culture and Facilities Branch; Ottawa Police; Ottawa Community Housing Corporation; MASC; The Francophone Adventist Church of Ottawa; La Cité College; Central Catholic School Board; The Public Schools Council of Eastern Ontario; Enbridge; Twice Upon A Time; Lowertown East Residents Committee; and Co-op M9Medias
Alain Lutala, is a Community Developer.with LCRC/CRCBV