At the end of May, the City of Camden and Connect the Lots partnered once again to present the third annual Camden Night Gardens. Building off of the momentum gained in past events, this year’s Camden Night Gardens was a huge success, drawing its largest crowd to date.

For the first time in its short history, the celebration of culture and community was held at Roosevelt Plaza Park, in front of City Hall. The decision to use this public space in particular, proved to be a great one, as the setting was a prime location in attracting people who were simply traveling in the area at the time.

The theme of this year’s event was “Intergalactic Block Party,” offering an out-of-this world experience that included neon lights and projections, illuminated play spaces for children, and entertainment from groups such as the Camden High School Marching Band and Camden Sophisticated Sisters and Distinguished Brothers drill teams. With music from DJ Cosmo Baker playing throughout the night, a car show featuring classic and exotic vehicles, and a variety of food trucks lined along the park, the ongoing festivities created a level of excitement that lasted throughout the night.

Mayor Dana L. Redd and Congressman Donald Norcross were also on hand to address the audience of residents and visitors. Looking out at the space in front of him, Norcross spoke about the significance of Roosevelt Plaza Park and its ability to hold events such as Camden Night Gardens. Upon thanking Mayor Redd for seeing that her vision for the public space came to fruition, Congressman Norcross said “This space wasn’t always like this. This is all proof that change is coming.”

As Mayor Redd took the podium, she spoke about the purpose behind Camden Night Gardens, as it was implemented with an aim to “utilize open space and encourage residents, visitors, and performers alike to celebrate Camden.”

The community-based celebration was made possible through Connect the Lots, a collaboration between Cooper’s Ferry Partnership, the City of Camden, and stakeholders of the North Camden and Cooper Grant neighborhoods. The Connect the Lots initiative addresses the need to activate and utilize Camden’s public spaces through the implementation of artistic, cultural, and recreational activities. Through events and activities such as Camden Night Gardens, Connect the Lots hopes to continue to cultivate vibrancy, as well as catalyze neighborhood transformation.

--Submitted by Alexander Darling (Backdated May 31, 2016)