Calgarians enjoy Marda Gras Street Festival despite construction

Calgarians gathered Sunday for Marda Gras, Calgary’s longest running street festival in the heart of Marda Loop, following fears the event would be cancelled due to long-running construction.

“We did have concerns, I did a bit of Googling to have to look to see what would be closed and opened… I have a friend who live on 17^th and 33nd and she was concerned. But they have don’t a great job setting up,” one woman said.

Another resident told CityNews she was just happy to come out and support her community.

“I live in the neighborhood and we love to support anything that goes on down here just to help the businesses get through the construction,” she said.

Local restaurants like Big Fish and Open Range also felt the love.

“I think Marda Gras is really great opportunity,” said Stephen Yan, marketing manager for Big Fish and Open Range.

While the construction has made businesses quieter, local shops say that makes them enjoy the festival that much more.

“I’m so much more thankful for everybody that does come out and want to take time and have a coffee with us, it’s really something,” said Phil & Sebastian barista Benjamin Hunt.

Construction in the Marda Loop is expected to continue until the summer of 2025.