Queen’s Park was the site of a massive get-together Wednesday as CTV put on Tamara’s Super Block Party 2009, hosted by Tamara Taggart.

More than 2,000 people came out to the event, which featured Taggart and fellow CTV personalities Perry Solkowski and Jason Pires, to enjoy a meal supplied by Mr. Mikes Steakhouse & Bar, and listen to live music from Dr. Strangelove at the Queen’s Park bandshell.

The event brought together the community, but it also showed off the city to people throughout the region, said Tej Kainth, a New West resident and executive director of Tourism New West.

“It was awesome. It was so much fun,” said Kainth.

Previously, CTV did smaller block parties throughout the year, but this year opted to do one “super” block party.

CTV contacted New West earlier this year, and the city took them on a tour of Queen’s Park and showed off what the city had to offer, said city spokesperson Blair Fryer.

After the tour, the TV people were convinced that the park had “it all” in terms of creating a great picnic-themed day in the park.

“It was just a tremendous opportunity to showcase the community and everything we offer,” said Fryer. “CTV was very impressed with New West.”

On Wednesday, the CTV on-air personalities broadcasted parts of the six o’clock news from the park, and the show cut away several times to scenes of people enjoying their time—kids at the spray park, families enjoying their meal, and people listening to music from Dr. Strangelove.

Even the 2010 Winter Olympic mascots—Miga, Quatchi and Sumi—were there, and the first 1,500 people to the event received a free burger and a drink.

The park had a definite picnic feel to it, Kainth said. People brought lawn chairs and blankets.

The event was co-sponsored by the City of New Westminster, Mr. Mike’s and Sylvia the Balloon Lady.

editor@newwestnewsleader.com

Were YOU at the block party? How was it? Give us your two bits with a comment below!

v2