Dear Editor,
It was proven last Saturday that a few dedicated and enthusiastic merchants operating with a small, privately-funded budget, can stage a great community event, and that a simple street party wouldn’t result in chaos and signal the end of the world, as our local government would have everyone believe.
Davood Khatami and Dominique Jarry, both Steveston business owners, aided by a number of other Steveston merchants, sponsors, as well as a small army of volunteers, threw a fun and family-friendly bash complete with face-painting, live music, DJs, car show, street barbecue, beer garden and more.
The blocked-off portion of No. 1 Road between Moncton and Bayview was a hive of activity all day with people of all ages simply out enjoying the activities, the food, their community and each other.
The beer garden, located in the space behind Steveston Seafood House, was humming with food and beer service and music until 10 p.m., with absolutely no trouble or people wandering drunkenly into the streets — another bogey-man, nanny state fallacy that authorities use as a weapon in its usual efforts to prevent, rather than assist, well-intentioned citizens wanting to simply do something different for the community at which people can have a good time.
It’s often said bigger is better.
Comparing the City of Richmond’s usual big budget, taxpayer-funded, splashy events to a grassroots event like OktoberfeSteveston, that statement is certainly questionable.
I had as good, if not better, time at this street party than at just about anything I’ve attended in Richmond, with the possible exception of the 2010 Olympics.
So, city council, loosen your ties, stop being so uptight, protective and rules/regulations-bound, and start helping those who come to you with an idea, and need some of your support in doing events which will make Richmond a more interesting and entertaining community in which to live.
Congratulations and a hearty “well done” to everyone involved who helped make OktoberfeSteveston a resounding success.
I hope this will become a yearly event.
Donald Grant
Steveston
