Friends of Northwest Park

Northwest Park Country Fair

The 2023 Northwest Park Country Fair highlighted the power of community collaboration, revitalized and expanded by a CNEP grant. Civic organizations, local businesses, and community members worked together to plan and execute the fair, fostering unity and pride. The grant enabled a diverse range of entertainers, vendors, and attractions, reflecting the community’s demographics and engaging previously underrepresented groups. Highlights included African drumming, Indigenous Peoples displays, LGBTQ+ poetry performances, Caribbean cuisine, and Hip-Hop jazz bands, offering attendees a chance to see themselves represented.

Despite a last-minute date change due to rain, attendance reached an all-time high of 1,800-2,000 people. The grant facilitated an upscale event, attracting a broader array of local vendors and organizations, boosting their exposure and strengthening community bonds. The fair also provided a platform for nonprofits, educational institutions, and community initiatives to engage with the public, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.

This success underscores Northwest Park’s role as a vital community resource, revealing a new, eager demographic to serve with similar programming. The fair has created a beneficial feedback loop of interest and participation, promising even greater community engagement in the future.