The City of Kitchener hopes their latest event will help people make real-life connections and forget their phones for a little while. King Street Unplugged began over the weekend, transforming part of King Street West in front of City Hall into a pedestrian only area filled with live music, workshops and other free daily activities. “It’s a great opportunity to stop scrolling and start strolling,” Vrbanovic said. The initiative will continue until Friday, with a long list of special events. “It’s going to be an exciting week. Tomorrow night we have the family Splash Jam with entertainment and so on - Drew Ripley and his big balloon show in [Carl Zehr Square] and entertainment throughout the day. Wednesday will be focusing on country swing lessons and line dancing and some live music and board games. Thursday will be a Love Local Market and games competitions. And then Friday we’re going to go a little Latino with some mariachi performances, Mexican bingo, and some free Latin dancing and an opportunity to get engaged in some salsa yourself,” Vrbanovic. A Retro Night had been scheduled for Monday, but in light of potential thunderstorms, a roller-skating session was cancelled and a retro market moved inside. “Moving indoors has been lovely. I’ve met a lot of new people, which is nice. There’s been a really good range of people who have come to visit, old and young, which has been really nice,” Ruby Eagle, a vendor with Filbert Studio said. “It’s honestly really, really cute. I love the variety and the diversity of things that are out today. And I love a good vintage find. So, I’m browsing the racks,” Elisa Titizian, a shopper said. “A bummer that the weather didn’t hold up, but next time, and I’m really glad that they still got to come out and showcase their stuff.” “The event has been fantastic,” Margaret Steel, a vendor from Margaret Steel Jewelry said. A full list of events is available on the city’s website.
