As a fervent lover and supporter of The Calgary International Blues Fest (IBF), I am writing this petition out of deep concern for its future. This festival represents more than just a musical event; for 14 years, it has been a community gathering, a sanctuary for blues lovers, and a haven where families can relax and enjoy themselves in a unique atmosphere of camaraderie and love for music. However, all this is now under threat, as plans have been revealed to demolish our beloved park to make room for another Stampede-focussed facility.

The park, with its natural grassy amphitheatre, offers the perfect setting for concerts - a place where adults can recline on the grass or in lawn chairs, and children can freely frolic and dance. Its community charm is further enhanced by local vendors who fill the area with an array of tents, and the large, welcoming IBF tent where attendees can enjoy a cold beverage. The potential impact of this demolition extends beyond the festival-goers. It threatens to disrupt the peace of local residents, who are at risk of being subjected to extremely loud music until late at night from a potential Stampede venue.

The Calgary International Blues Fest is rich in tradition and a major component of our city's cultural heritage. For over a decade, it has provided a family-friendly venue at the heart of Calgary, where visitors can relax and enjoy the performances under one of the park's welcoming, shady trees.

This Park is public property, a place where people and music have intertwined harmoniously for 14 years. It’s a perfect venue for relaxation while savouring the rhythm of the blues. Losing it would deprive our community of a key ingredient in our cultural and communal life. Therefore, we call upon the city council of Calgary to reconsider the plans to demolish the park that houses the Calgary International Blues Fest.

Please lend your voice to our cause and sign this petition. Let's preserve the park, protect the Calgary International Blues Fest, and keep the music alive.