“THIS is McCauley,” commented a volunteer and long-time McCauley resident as she observed the beautifully diverse crowd assembled at the McCauley Community Rink on September 24th in celebration of Community League Day.

After being surprised with a line-up outside the gate 30 minutes before the event began, we were delighted to welcome over 600 attendees throughout the day. Folks from all walks of life were welcomed with free coffee, cookies, and muffins on arrival, followed by hot dogs, beverages, and ice cream sandwiches. Children and youth enjoyed a bouncy castle, face-painting, and balloon artists. Attendees were treated to top-notch live performances from The Prince Charles Fiddlers, Ron Pearson Magic, Alain Intwali, Shang De Tai Chi Praying Mantis Martial Arts Association, Homofonik, and Melafrique.

The day was made even better thanks to contributions from our community partners. E4C hosted a craft table where participants transformed McCauley Community League t-shirts into vibrant orange tie-dye, in preparation for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th. Courtesy of the Chinatown Transformation Collaborative, the God of Wealth mascot graced us with his presence and entertained us with some pretty spectacular dance moves. Two players from the Edmonton Elks signed autographs and posed for photos with fans alongside their mascot, Punter. And REACH Edmonton, with funding support from McCauley Revitalization, gave away 100 sets of decorative string lights and 144 motion sensor lights to McCauley residents as part of Light Up McCauley.

A cheerful team of community volunteers were the lifeblood of this event. We didn’t expect quite so many folks to come out, and the volunteers were run off their feet to ensure the day went as seamlessly as possible! We are so grateful to each of them for giving so generously of their time.

The McCauley Community League Board is committed to ensuring that its events are open to all, and entirely free. Heartfelt thanks to McCauley Revitalization and the Edmonton Arts Council for helping make that happen!

On a more personal note, as I reach the end of my term with the MCL Board, I want to express how proud I am to have worked with such a solid group of board volunteers over the past two years. Regardless of many pandemic roadblocks, we accomplished a great deal together, not least of which were two of the best-attended Community League Day events ever. When I feel overwhelmed by the challenges our community faces, it’s events like these that remind me that there’s so much beauty, vibrancy, and love in McCauley.

Alice is the President of the McCauley Community League.