Gathering on the Green Kicks Off The Summer

London’s oldest and longest running community festival, took place yesterday in Wortley Village. Gathering on the Green took place for an incredible 36th time, and as always, all of Old South was brimming with people. Filled with local crafters and artisans, as well as music and food all day, and the Kids Corner, Londoners flocked to Gathering on the Green (GOG) in droves once again for some great family entertainment.

Presented by the Old South Community Organization (OSCO), and support from many volunteers in the Old South community, GOG has grown into an incredible neighbourhood spotlight. On top of the incredible event itself, all of Wortley Village and Old South has become this hub of activity – with garage sales everywhere, plant sales, flag sales, businesses getting involved to take advantage of the increased foot traffic – the entire community is exploding with people from all over town. The OSCO has done an incredible job of keeping the event inexpensive, local, and fun for the whole family.

The event itself has grown so much, that it has nearly outgrown the venue.

This year there were some 150 tables, live entertainment all day, food barbecued all day, Charlotte’s Tea Garden, the Dunk Tank, the Kids Corner, Kennedy’s Kridders and more at London’s oldest and largest handmade festival. All of the crafters are local, and make everything they sell. This, along with GOGII are London’s largest local handmade events, and they are proud to support London’s own.

They were also barbecuing up good food all day, and at unbelievable prices. Where else can you get a hot dog for a dollar? In fact, a family of four could each get a hot dog, bag of chips, drink and a sno cone for less than $20. They even had vegan chili this year. No wonder GOG is such a huge family event!

GOG is also London’s largest plastic-water-bottle-free-festival and the City of London Thirstmobile was onsite to keep everyone hydrated. And for free!

There was a new climbing wall, Pulse Spin Studios put on valet bike parking, Charlotte’s Tea Garden where you could get scones with clotted cream and tea under the large Maple Tree, all day concerts featuring some of London’s best musicians, and more.

From reptiles to dunk tanks, awesome arts and crafts, sports and everything in between, GOG was once again an entire day of fun for the whole family.

Gathering on the Green is organized by the OSCO, and all procedes are put back in to the community to improve life in Old South. To date, they have raised over $120,000 for the community.