United Neighbors 2021: Connecting Us
Photo by Four Youth Productions
Wilmington, DE: United Neighbors is an annual collaboration of community leaders and residents that have come together to organize a collaborative mural and celebration on the West 8th Street bridge, across I-95, between Adams & Jackson Streets. This free community event will take place on Saturday, October 9th from 12 to 6pm.
The W. 8th Street Bridge between Adams and Jackson Streets will be closed to car traffic from 9am to 8pm on October 9th.
About United Neighbors:
With the involvement of community members, residents, local organizations and churches, United Neighbors has returned for a third year to celebrate the communities bordering I-95, emphasizing their unique experiences, rich history, and impact of the construction of I-95, as well as our hope for the future of our community. This year’s event will include an art installation (mural) on the West 8th St bridge; art activities for youth; temporary bridge improvements such as plants, flowers; and a Community Mural Celebration. In realizing this event, United Neighbors believes that we will grow our communities together and ‘bridge’ the gap between the neighborhoods that I-95 divided back when it was introduced. The theme this year is “Connecting Us”.
This event will follow COVID-19 safety guidelines including: requirement of face masks at all times, encouraging social distancing, and provision of hand sanitizer/hand wipes. For the safety of all attendees, please do not attend if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or otherwise feeling unwell. For more information: coronavirus.delaware.gov.
United Neighbors 2021 Schedule:
Thursday, October 7 and Friday, October 8: Paint the Bridge!
9:00am - 5:30pm
Come and help paint the Mural on the bridge! This year’s theme is “Connecting Us”. The design and artistic direction is led by Jo Redbird of Redbird Art Lab. Local artists are helping to facilitate the community mural project. Additional experienced artists and painters wanted. Visit westsidegrows.org/unitedneighbors or email unitedneighbors@westsidegrows.org to sign-up.
Saturday: Community Celebration
12:00 - 6:00pm
Fun activities for the whole family. Bring your own lawn chair. Please bring and wear your face masks.
Free Food from Veronica’s Kitchen, Dino’s Water Ice Truck, and West Side CommUnity Nation
Dance, Art, and Exercise Activities on the Bridge!
All day mural painting
12pm Urban Bike Project
1pm Pop Up Paint & Plant
2pm DJ Big Ant (Karaoke and local performances)
2:30pm Chalk Art & Coloring
3:30pm Hula Hoops with Bree
4:30pm Zumba and Fitness with Shayla
5:30pm Salsa Dancing with Tres Y Treinta
This event would not be possible without our sponsors and partners: Kiewit Corporation, M&T Bank, City of Wilmington, Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware, Hilltop Lutheran Neighborhood Center, West Side Grows Together, City of Wilmington Parks & Recreation, DelDOT, WILMAPCO, Urban Bike Project, Be Ready CDC, WPD, Redbird Art Lab, Local Street Art Group, Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington Alliance and numerous residents and community leaders.
For additional information about the event, visit United Neighbors on the web or Facebook, or contact unitedneighbors@westsidegrows.org.
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West Side Grows Together is a coalition of residents, businesses, churches, and local leadership in the West Side of Wilmington, Delaware, working together to transform & strengthen their community. Follow West Side Grows Together on the Web, Facebook & Instagram for more information and program updates.