Angelica Haggert
On the Summer Solstice more than 250
people showed up at Optimist Park in
Windsor for the Sunset Stretch & Shop, an
event which brought together half a dozen
local companies and plenty of yogi
enthusiasts.
Organized by LuluLemon Windsor, the
event took place on June 21 from 6:30 p.m. to
9 p.m. and featured vendors including Carrots
‘N’ Dates, Pure Cycle, the Urban Art Market
and Moksha Yoga. With a 30 minute
meditation and a 45 minute “power flow”
session, event-goers could also shop and
snack at the vendor booths.
Reena Kainth from Rain Fitness, a yoga
clothing and activewear shop located in
Tecumseh, was thrilled to participate in the
community event.
Participating in community events,
especially those related to health, fitness, and
yoga is what we are all about! I feel very
fortunate to have a community like we do in
the Windsor-Essex region,” said Kainth.
“It was a great opportunity to collaborate
and give back to a community that is so
supportive of local business.”
Alexandra Lucier is a self-proclaimed
hippie who attended the event.
“I honestly didn’t realize how big the
(yoga) community was until I saw us all in
one place,” said Lucier. “It was a great
opportunity for the yoga community in
Windsor-Essex to come together and share
an evening of mindfulness.”
In addition to the patch of grass lined
with yoga mats, other health-conscious
businesses were on site to tap into the yogi
community.
Yoga enthusiasts and local vendors set up for
Sunset Stretch and Shop at Optimist Park.
Photos by Angelica Haggert.
“I love that the event created a space for
Carrots ‘N’ Dates. I believe there is more of a
deman for food options like these in the city
than people realize,” said Lucier. “Because of
their presence at the event, I will be one of the
first in line when their new location opens.”
As the first event of its kind, the Sunset
Stretch & Shop was primarily advertised on
the grassroots level through the social media
accounts of its various vendors.
“I hope that these events inspire and
encourage others to work with their peers
and set the standard for cooperation rather
than competition,” is Kainth’s view.
“I definitely intend to participate again
in the future and think it is a great platform
to show community members what we have
to offer.”
Lucier feels the same.
“I registered with the purpose of
connecting with like-minded people,” she
said. “It’s so important for these community
events to support the small businesses in
Windsor, and bring together people to
experience what this unique town has to
offer.”
Sunset Stretch & Shop is just one
example of local businesses pooling their
resources and energy to achieve common
goals. If you come across other examples
while exploring in Windsor-Essex, please let
us know!
Where are you exploring this summer? Tell us about it!
Use the tag #ExploringMatters on Facebook and Twitter to let us know!
8 The HUB -July 2017