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2011 Blackout Anniversary Party hits Queen West

Posted by Derek Flack / August 15, 2011

9 Comments

2011 Blackout Anniversary TorontoThe 2011 Blackout Anniversary Party wasn't exactly a well-publicized affair, but nevertheless a few hundred people showed up near Queen and Spadina last night to commemorate the major power outage that hit Toronto and a host of other Northeastern cities on August 14, 2003. Organized variously by Streets Are for People, the Urban Repair Squad, Fedora Upsidedown Collective and others, this year's festivities included live music from Samba Elégua, parking space performances (pay the meter and then perform in the space), fire artists, the unofficial creation of a new public square, and a Critical Mass bike ride to wrap things up.

Check out photos of the street party below. Lead image by tapesonthefloor.

Blackout Anniversary Party TorontoPhoto by redgeckoTO

Blackout Anniversary Party TorontoPhoto by redgeckoTO

Blackout Anniversary party TorontoPhoto by Martin Reis

Blackout Anniversary Party TorontoPhoto by tapesonthefloor

Schmatta Square TorontoPhoto by Martin Reis

Blackout Anniversary Party TorontoPhoto by redgeckoTO

Video

Blackout Anniversary Party 2011 from Lisa Logan on Vimeo.

Discussion

9 Comments

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zxc / August 15, 2011 at 10:48 am
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Would have been nice if they blocked off the streets so cars and streetcars wouldn't get caught in all this.
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Fred / August 15, 2011 at 11:25 am
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This was awesome. I was walking along Queen Street, got caught up in the party, and didn't bother with my original destination.
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Jerrem / August 15, 2011 at 01:14 pm
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Im new to Toronto and it was great being a part of this. Im a digital street artist and Im very happy that you have photos and video of my projection art on here. I heard about the event on facebook and decided to show up. So Glad everyone had a great time. How great where all the Musicians!!! the Bikes! the fire twirlers! the crowd! Thanks!

look forward to getting more involved
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really / August 15, 2011 at 02:18 pm
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Running out of ideas to find a reason to party i see.
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Nick replying to a comment from really / August 15, 2011 at 02:56 pm
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Nah. The only excuse anyone needs to have a party like last night's is: "We are."

Looking forward to next year!
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typical905er / August 15, 2011 at 04:09 pm
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Why was this party thrown downtown when the blackout occurred all over Ontario, including where I live at Hurontario and Burnhamthorpe? Way to leave the rest of us out, BlogTO!
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Drew replying to a comment from typical905er / August 15, 2011 at 04:57 pm
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complaining 'cuz nobody threw you a party? why didn't -you- throw a party?
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coelha / August 15, 2012 at 03:51 pm
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Was a few blocks away...would have been nice to know that this was going on. Thumbs down for the event promotion.
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get a calendar / August 15, 2012 at 04:12 pm
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this article is from last year.
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