James North Supercrawl

[ihateittoo]

Who went? what were your thoughts?

I was not at this years because I no longer live in Hamilton but on hearing the estimates that 20000 people attended I was quite happy. This event goes a long way in opening the eyes of regular hamiltonians into the potential of renewal. A nice shot of self-confidence and pride for the average hamiltonian and their downtown. I am not saying that this is the immediate reaction for anyone who attended but these kind of events make a city more livable and the recognition of downtown (esp. james st north at this point) as an area where there is life and happenings can only spread positive feelings for the community.

[mattgrande]

I didn't get to see much due to time constraints, but what I saw was wonderful. There was a real "community spirit" vibe going on. I spent way too much money.

Can't wait til next year!

[Anders Knudsen]

I was there from 6-11 or so. I was excited to go into 118 James, it looks amazing. Also the Tivoli had dance lessons going on - what an amazing space. It's just sitting there waiting for someone with vision. I say a live music venue.

Otherwise most galleries were packed and I saw at least a little buying taking place. The restaurants on the York side were packed. Wax Mannequin played an amazing set. There was a guy with an inappropriate moustache wearing a Liuna power shirt who was busting a serious move in front. I was also impressed by many of the buskers and side acts, at any given time there might have been 5 acts playing and many were really good.

I'd change two things if I ran this show; organize a food tent and hold it a month earlier. Small complaints, overall a fantastic event.

[padthai]

I went from about 7:30 on. It was a great vibe, every place was alive and busy.

A couple comments I overheard:
- "Wow, this is like something you'd see in Toronto"
- "See - this is what Festival of Friends should be"

I agree with Anders about a food tent. We could only find the main tent selling coffee and some biscotti. A hot dog/sausage cart would've been perfect. Although I'm not sure if this was on purpose to drive people to the brick and mortar restaurants/vendors on James, as they all looked jammed (although apparently not Ventura's - based on the Spec article - what a party pooper).

I liked the late September timing. A bit cool, but I'd worry that August would get too hot....plus August has Festival of Friends, Cactus festival, etc.

I'll definitely be going in future years.

[coalminecanary]

the city makes it very difficult for food vendors to legally operate.

[oldcoote]

It was a fantastic event. I was there in the afternoon with my kids and came back with a few friends for dinner.

Instead of a food tent, I would like to see the local restaurants bring their wares outside. Maybe have a taste of James North. Each restaurant could pick a menu item to serve outside.

I think a beer tent might be a good idea, although it might create more problems than not.

I think the real appeal of the Supercrawl is being outside on the street enjoying the music. Art Crawl is more about checking out the galleries. For me anyway.

[matt602]

Originally Posted by coalminecanary

the city makes it very difficult for food vendors to legally operate.

Two art crawls ago there was a guy and girl with a hot dog cart at James/Vine. My friend and I got talking with them and told them how we'd love to see more food vendors downtown. They told us exactly what you just said. There's also a guy that occasionally sets up shop at This Ain't Hollywood and he echoed similar comments on the situation.

[pEte fiSt iN Ur fAce]

If I had a restaurant on James I'd be out in the street giving people a taste of what's on the menu; you'd be sure to lure a few dozen in off the street that way.

And yes, as a former resident, I always complained about the lack of street food available. We need to losen up a little bit in the Hammer and allow people to be creative and to make a few bucks in the process. I don't think that's ever been on the agenda in Hamilton, though.

[FRM]

nobody took pictures of this event? not even the spec

[padthai]

A few are posted on the Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hamilt...86592&view=all

[emge]

This probably surpassed Locke Street Festival as the largest one-day festival in Canada.. interesting.

[DC1983]

Broken Social Scene, amongst others, to play this year's JamesNorth Supercrawl!

http://www.supercrawl.ca/news/

(maybe we can change title of Thread to JamesNorth Supercrawl?)

[SteelTown]

James North Supercrawl gets $60,000 boost from city

http://www.thespec.com/news/local/ar...oost-from-city

The James Street North Supercrawl is getting a financial boost from the city, as it moves to expand the festival this year.

Councillors approved the $60,000 request put forward by Ward 2 Councillor Jason Farr at general issues committee Thursday, pending the presentation of full budget documents.

Farr said the festival will be expanding to five stages and 20 additional art installations.

He said considering “spin-off benefits” the “premier festival” made Ontario $3.9 million.

Tim McCabe, the city’s general manager of economic development, said staff supported the funding and believes it's “a good start to whole new way of thinking.”

The city needs to start looking at “different approach” to funding economic drivers, such as large festivals.

Councillor Sam Merulla said Hamilton is a city going through “a renaissance.”

[CaptainKirk]

Great news!

I hear they going to go bigger this year, and include Gore Park.

Anyone know the date for this year's Super Crawl?

[drpgq]

Their twitter feed says September 14th and 15th.