One Spark opening ceremony tonight

[Dog Walker]

We found one of the white cubes that Temporary Solutions had put out in Riverside.  Returned it to them at the Farah & Farah building.  There were two other exhibitors there with interesting product prototypes.

Went to the library to return books and stopped at three more stations inside downstairs.  We were on a schedule and had to tear ourselves away from wandering downtown from booth to booth.

Wayne Wood has put up a huge wall of portraits in the lobby of the library.  They are of people he considers creators and "sparks" in Jacksonville.  It is just overwhelming in scale.

The excitement and color and activity was completely fantastic.  If you don't go you are missing a fun, and important event.  We will be back.

Ben,  They are running the Riverside Trolley on a special schedule and route for this.  I think it is running during the open hours of the OneSpark event.

[downtownjag]

Heard there was 20K people there last night; it definitely looked like it!

[Captain Zissou]

I showed up at about 7:30 and it was pretty busy. I think most people had moved on from the main stage and creator booths at that point, but the food village and beer lines were full. I did a significant amount of walking and from what I saw the area event looked to be pretty spread out. I get what the bump zones are supposed to accomplish, but I never saw anyone using them. The lounges were also pretty empty. The atmosphere was great and there was a ton of great things to see. I just don't think there were enough people there for some of the things they were trying to do. It was great to ride a packed skyway. I don't know about 20k people, but between 13-15 wouldnt surprise me.

[Coolyfett]

I was downtown earlier today while they were still preparing for the event.  Here are a few phone pics:

More pics please...


and thank you.

[Captain Zissou]

Oh. When the food area was packed and the event was in full swing, I saw an empty parking spot on Forsyth just east of Hogan. If there are open spaces doing One Spark, there is no shortage. I parked near Jefferson street and walked there and skywayed back. I saw about a dozen open spaces as I walked in.

[tufsu1]

This will be a great event....but if you have some time before....

Come check out the JCCI InTown Forum series....tonight we are talking about enhancing our parks and connecting them to the river.

The forum starts at 5:30 at WJCT....and will be done by 7 (which is when the real fun starts at One Spark anyway)....plus there are usually prizes!

I am not familiar with the wjct intown forum. What is it?

sorry for the delay in responding...was out of town....here's info. on the series....one more discussion left (next Wed)

https://community.jcci.org/forward-issue-forums

[Coolyfett]

I also noticed that with that many people downtown the homeless people looked uncomfortable and out of place. If you didn't make opening night, you should definitely give it a try.

Thats the concept and idea that eliminates the fear of the the homeless, when none homeless out number them they become invisible. I dont think the homeless should feel UNcomfortable though. They should be allowed to partake in the fest like everyone else as long as they not bothering anyone. Not saying you said that lol...just saying.

[downtownjag]

I showed up at about 7:30 and it was pretty busy. I think most people had moved on from the main stage and creator booths at that point, but the food village and beer lines were full. I did a significant amount of walking and from what I saw the area event looked to be pretty spread out. I get what the bump zones are supposed to accomplish, but I never saw anyone using them. The lounges were also pretty empty. The atmosphere was great and there was a ton of great things to see. I just don't think there were enough people there for some of the things they were trying to do. It was great to ride a packed skyway. I don't know about 20k people, but between 13-15 wouldnt surprise me.

Can we settle at 17.5K?

[Cheshire Cat]

I am really, really excited.  Headed to One Spark in a couple of hours with family.  The god's have smiled upon me today and I feel good enough to see all the wonderful things going on in downtown.  I have heard nothing but good things from people about the event.  Cant wait to see it for myself.  Hope to see some of you there. 

[Ben Warner]

Last night was a lot of fun -- was down there for 2 1/2 hours and didn't see half of what I wanted to. I was pleasantly surprised at both the quantity and quality of a lot of the work the creators were displaying. Nearly ran out of phone battery life voting for projects -- suggest to all attending to make sure your phone is well charged!

Good crowds last night -- hope today is even better. I have been watching #OneSpark trend on Twitter all day today -- I know it's just in my tailored trends list, but still good to see so many talking about it.

[thelakelander]

A few images from earlier today:

[fsujax]

was down there from 12:30-2pm. fairly busy. Long lines at the food trucks as usual! ended up going to Zodiac. Adams St was little dead except for the band they had in front of De Real Thing Cafe. Lots pf people on the Skyway.

[thelakelander]

I had lunch at the Caribbean food booth on Laura between Adams and Forsyth.  We arrived about five minutes before main lunch crowd came out.  We would have stopped at Corner Taco but they didn't start serving until 12noon.  I took the Skyway in and it had a decent crowd.  I'll try and get back either tomorrow or Saturday to spend more time checking out the creators.

[fieldafm]

Get up with Kona School at One Spark.  I am voting and donating to this awesome innovation for education!  Text 8 to (904) 647-2955

http://vimeo.com/63701141

[thelakelander]

I'm going to try and head their way tomorrow.