The Hedley Makers Weekend
Our community event was more successful than we could have imagined. Neighbours and visitors came from near and far, bringing wonderful energy – and some unexpected benefits – to our small community.
We created three locations where visitors could pick up event maps: the Museum, the Café, and the Store. People were already lined up at the Museum on Saturday morning, and the Café served 136 breakfasts, compared with the six they might serve on a typical morning. The pancake breakfast also welcomed nearly twice its usual number of guests. The event created a wonderful ripple effect for local businesses, community spaces, and the many people who helped make the weekend happen.
The most meaningful moments, however, were the connections between neighbours.
I met a woman who has lived here for four years but had never really participated in the community before. This event gave her a reason to come out, meet people, and feel part of what was happening.
My very quiet and reclusive neighbour – who usually only nods when we see one another – came into my studio to look around. Two hours later, he returned with a pocketful of change to purchase one of my cards. It was completely unexpected and very special.
One of our elderly neighbours came by and immediately settled into a chair on our deck, where another neighbour brought her a glass of iced tea. It was such a simple, lovely moment of hospitality and belonging.
Another local resident arrived at my studio early in the day. We talked for more than half an hour and discovered that we shared some experiences related to children and parenting. We agreed to meet again. That conversation felt like a blessing and reminded me that community events can create space for connection in ways we may never anticipate.
And those are only a few of the stories from one location. Throughout the community, neighbours welcomed visitors, shared their creativity, opened their doors, supported local businesses, and spent time getting to know one another.
Our social media campaign reached an incredible 171,000 views, but the real success was found in the conversations, new relationships, and small acts of kindness that happened throughout the weekend.
We are already imagining what could grow from here.
Thank you to Neighbourhood Small Grants for helping us bring this event – and our community – to life.
