Everyone was invited to this street party (18 photos)

Albion Street was jammed Thursday afternoon as residents of the Community Hub Neighbourhoods hosted what they hope is the first of many Game On Neighbourhood Street Parties.

Basketball, street hockey, inflatables, crafts, and food and refreshments provided plenty of entertainment as the Hub welcomed the rest of the community into its neighbourhood.

“This is important because it’s grassroots action. It’s residents taking the leadership,” said Melissa Ceglie, Social Development Coordinator with Sault Ste. Marie. “We’re just there to support them and make sure they have everything they need. There’s just so much power when they get behind it and take the lead.”

The Chapple Albion Community Hub was this year’s host location, but Ceglie sees the event moving to other Community Hub neighbourhoods in years to come.

“We’ve been working really hard with all the residents to promote neighbourhood well-being,” she said. “In order to celebrate all the effort across all the neighbourhoods, we thought we’d throw a party to celebrate end of summer. The residents wanted the community to come to their house to play. They’re really proud about everything they’ve done here.”

Team members from Algoma University athletics were on hand to play basketball with the kids, and Sault Ste. Marie Police Services with other agency representatives instructed the youngsters in the finer points of ball hockey.

To learn more about Sault Ste. Marie’s Community Hubs, please click here.