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< SEP 7 2010 > |
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We Have Spirit!
I had a glorious time at the VSO concert in Stanley Park last night, along with 14,999 others. I had been somewhat concerned about feeling claustrophobic when the concert ended, but that didn't happen. So I spent some time thinking about the qualities of yesterday's event that make it qualify for my definition of "Spirit of Vancouver" (as opposed to the fireworks festival, which does not). Both are events -- what is the difference? Well, the concert was friendly and respectful to the environment, to the people of all ages in the audience and to the neighbourhood ("Please enjoy tonight's performance while respecting Stanley Park and the others who have gathered here..." said Laura McDiarmid's message. Bramwell Tovey clearly respected the audience, and the symphony programmers thoughtfully included a young performer, with whom children in the audience could relate to, respond to and be inspired by. And people responded -- no litter, for example: a clear sign of respect for the environment (as well as appropriate planning for sufficient litter bins). Maestro Tovey's message before the VSO's last number helped also: "When you leave," he said, "don't rush. Enjoy the park, enjoy the sunset and enjoy each other." And he repeated those words at the very end. I believe that that message had a significant effect on the manner of people's leaving -- and meant that there would be no panic-inducing crowding. All this in addition to a fun, thoughtful, respectful and high standard performance. I write this message now in the hopes that you can use your influence on the fireworks festival to bring some respect and friendliness to the neighbourhood. Here are some things that The Board could do that would make me hate the fireworks less: 1. URGE people to respect the neighbourhood in which the fireworks are held. This means take home your litter if there aren't enough litter bins. It's one thing to create business through events. Creating jobs for people to pick up the obscene amount of garbage that is left after each of the fireworks events is not, I think, what you mean when you talk about these events as being good for business. 2. URGE people to respect those around them. One thing that helped the ambience at the July 8th concert is that there was no alcohol. Also, the programming of the 13-year old violinist (i.e., the honouring of young people) acts automatically to squelch any stupid and loud behaviour. We were automatically more than observers--we became PARTICIPANTS in the event as well. 3. REQUEST that the police stay on duty until 12 or 1 a.m., to reinforce the fireworks as a family event. Events that reflect 'spirit' are, in my mind, more than simply the spinning of wheels and calling that an activity. Spirit, after all, means "vital animating essence, a prevailing attitude" (Oxford Canadian Dictionary). Sincerely, Brenda Berck
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Copyright 1999-2009 The Vancouver Board of Trade. All Rights Reserved |
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Letter from Brenda Berck, July 11, 2001
