October was a very busy month at uCity Square, made busier still by an election lead-up series called uCity Square Votes! hosted for the uCity Square Knowledge Community and neighbors. This event series was a three-part series that was designed to shepherd voters through three phases:

  1. Voter Registration and Confirmation on October 10:
    1. This event focused on helping voters to register, confirming polling place and status, and confirming key documents needed to vote in person or to receive a mail-in ballot.
    2. This event, coupled with a Food Truck Thursday, was a success! People waiting in line were able get the voter information relayed to them while they were waiting in line and learn about other upcoming uCity Square events.
  2. Voter Education and Understanding the Issues on October 17:
    1. We were joined by Committee of 70, a nonpartisan nonprofit civic leadership organization that advances representative, ethical and effective government in Philadelphia. Committee of 70 representatives were joined by food truck vendors and local artisan vendors, and attendees who visited the info table were given a coupon for the vendors.
  3. Wellness Before Election Day on November 4:
    1. We partnered with Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy, a non-profit organization in Philadelphia dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding programs and equine-assisted services (EAS) for children and adults with disabilities, diagnoses, and those in at risk populations.  Pegasus brought two goats and two miniature ponies for petting and calming nerves.
    2. In addition to the petting zoo, our favorite yoga instructor, Alicia, hosted two yoga classes at The Lawn and all attendees received a coupon for the coffee truck on site.
    3. From 11am to 2pm, The Lawn was bustling. Many people had heard about this event through our marketing efforts, and many more people saw the commotion out of their windows and came to see what was happening. Without exception, visitors were delighted to be able to interact with the animals. People proclaimed that they left feeling calm, which was the goal of the event (in addition to encouraging increased community interaction). 

All three events were met with curiosity and enjoyment, but none more than the petting zoo. This was also a great opportunity to talk to tenants about their interests, how they learned about the events, and how we can better serve them in the future. We can’t wait to bring more creative and memorable events back to uCity Square soon!