Promenade will turn Princess Street into ‘pedestrian paradise’
Update (Thursday, Jun. 8, 2023):
The Princess Street Promenade, originally scheduled for Saturday, Jun. 10, 2023, has been rescheduled to Saturday, Jun. 24, 2023.
According to a media release, the Downtown Kingston BIA made the difficult decision to postpone the popular event amid concerns about wildfire smoke, prioritizing the well-being and safety of the Kingston community. According to the latest Special Air Quality Statement issued for the greater Kingston area, even low concentrations of wildfire smoke can adversely affect health.
“The rescheduled date of June 24th presents an exciting opportunity for attendees as it coincides with the Skeleton Park Arts Festival,” the BIA stated. “The convergence of these two events will definitely make for an unforgettable experience in downtown Kingston.”
The BIA expressed gratitude to all Promenade participants for their understanding and cooperation.
Original article (Wednesday, Jun. 7, 2023):
Summer is nearly here, and the Princess Street Promenade is making a return to downtown Kingston. The one-day festival celebrates active living and community involvement, and is set to kick off the season with its first event this Saturday, June 10.
According to a release from the Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area (BIA), this year the festival is hitting the streets earlier than ever, inviting residents and visitors alike to join in on the excitement.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Princess Street will be transformed into a “pedestrian paradise”, stretching from Barrie Street to Ontario Street, the BIA stated. Local retailers, restaurants, salons, spas, and many more businesses will spill out onto the street, offering exclusive deals, giveaways, prizes, free samples, and engaging activities suitable for the whole family.
The street will be closed to traffic from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to allow for set-up and tear-down of the activities. Side streets between Ontario St. and Barrie St. (with the exception of Barrie itself and Bagot Street) will also be closed for the festival.
“Princess St. Promenade has become a beloved tradition in our community, and we are thrilled to launch this year’s season with such enthusiasm,” said Sandi Griffiths, Events Coordinator from Downtown Kingston BIA. “By temporarily closing the street to vehicles, we create an immersive and vibrant experience, encouraging residents and visitors to explore the heart of our downtown and support local businesses.”
This is the first of three Promenades scheduled for 2023. Both August 5 and September 23, 2023, will see Princess Street again closed to vehicular traffic for the festival.
The BIA invites everyone to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to support local businesses, get amazing deals, enjoy a day of fun-filled activities, and connect with fellow Kingstonians.
Read more on the Downtown Kingston BIA’s website.