Good Neighbor Fest, a free community festival, was held Sept. 24 at St. Mark United Methodist Church’s wildflower meadow at 601 W. Braker Lane, Austin. The festival offered game tables and conversation areas to create connections between neighbors and businesses. Attendees also browsed through local vendor booths and enjoyed live music, family-friendly activities and a petting zoo.
“It was so exciting to see these diverse groups participating in discussions, sharing a meal, or playing games together,” festival organizer Emily Shaughnessy said.
Shaughnessy is the co-founder of local nonprofit We're All Neighbors and said about 1,250 neighbors of all ages attended the festival.
Local businesses, including Fox and Brie, Backyard Bliss, Texas Sewn, Works of a Quirk and Quail Creek Plant Stand, took part in the festival. Local nonprofits, such as the North Lamar International District, Carrying Hope, Austin Holistic Real Estate Group and St. Mark Church, set up booths to give out information.
Local neighborhood organizations, such as the Gracywoods and Walnut Creek neighborhood associations, also had booths at the event.
Food stations included local Middle Eastern restaurant Peace Bakery, Bullseye Bakery, Yeasmin’s Kitchen and Tony’s Jamaican food truck. Blowcomotion, a big brass band with more than 25 musicians, and Love of China children’s dance performances entertained the guests who sat on the grass and picnic chairs.
We're All Neighbors, a local nonprofit that brings community events to North Austin, hosted Good Neighbor Fest with the aim to connect neighbors with ways to get involved in the community. It plans to host the same festival in 2023, Shaughnessy said.
Local businesses have come together to fund it and make it happen, including the North Lamar International District, Austin Holistic Real Estate Group, and Humana and Clay Imports.
