This community is some kind of marvel and the love and support you showed us yesterday was spectacular. A huge thank you to our sponsors – The City of Waterloo, Insight Eye Care, Words Worth Books, Tamarack Institute for Community Engagement, and Folkway Music, for helping make yesterday a possibility and to our community partner Community Car-Share for imparting invaluable knowledge to all our visitors.

A big thank you to the Uptown West Neighbourhood Association for making sure we all stayed hydrated, the Princess Cafe for keeping our musicians fed, the Princess Cinemas for helping spread the word, and Words Worth Books for giving our merch tent some love.

Thanks goes to Jane Bond and King St. Cycles for giving us some fancy prizes to give away.

Finally, the biggest thank you goes to each one of you. Thank you for supporting us, for lending your talent,  your porches, your time, and your enthusiasm. The third Grand Porch Party was certainly the biggest and best yet.

Want to see what other people are saying about their time at GPP2013? Check these spots out (we’ll be updating this list throughout the day):

Make Bright
The Waterloo Region Record
The Open Stage Adventure
The Regionalist
Jason Hashimoto (Photography)
CBC KW

Didn’t have a chance to make it or want to relive the awesome through photos? Check out our album on Facebook or, check out all of the amazing photos posted to Twitter by reading through #GPP2013.

Have photos to share? Send them over via email (info[at]grandporchparty.com), share them with us on Facebook, post them on Twitter and use the tag #GPP2013.

1. The streets are not closed
Uptown Waterloo West isn’t known as being an overly busy neighbourhood and street entrances will be well marked by our fantastic poster crew but, keep in mind that cars could be driving through. Be sure to give them lots of space while you’re listening to all of our fantastic musicians and keep an eye on any little ones that may be roaming.

2. The event belongs to the community
That means that it’s for everyone, of all ages, all abilities, from anywhere in the region! Grab a wagon, grab a bike, throw on some shoes and come on out and have fun!

3. Check the weather!
It’s been a bit gloomy the past few days and a bit on the chilly side but, that’s supposed to change! Currently forecasted to be 21 (feels like 24), with cloudy periods, you shouldn’t need a rain coat but a sweater may be an idea. You won’t want to forget your sunscreen either. It may be a bit cloudy but, the UV index is high and we don’t want anyone going home as a lobster.

4. Sustenance
You’ll definitely want to bring a reusable water bottle with you to keep hydrated. The Uptown West Neighbourhood Association water station is located at 107 Alexandra Ave. For food, there are a bunch of fantastic restaurants in uptown that you could stop by for lunch before heading to the porch party. Also, Valu-Mart in the town square mall is just minutes away and full to the brim with snacks should you feel a bit peckish while wandering around. Remember to take home any garbage you may have.

5. Washrooms
Public washrooms can be found just minutes away in the Waterloo town square mall.

6. Bring a bell!
Both 2011 and 2012 started off with a ring, so let’s keep the party going! Bring your bike bell, a cow bell, your cellphone even and at 2pm we’ll kick off #GPP2013 together!

7. Get ready to wander
There will be ambassadors and volunteers walking around should you need any help getting somewhere. You’ll be able to identify them by their Grand Porch Party 2013 buttons. Maps will be up at the four major corners, you can check out/download our digital map, or you can just let your feet guide you.

We’re looking forward to spending a fantastic afternoon with each of you!

10. Regardless of the weather, it’s a great way to kick off the summer! So far, the forecast is looking pretty darn lovely. Not too hot, not too cold, just right.

9. It’s a great opportunity to check out what the Waterloo Region Arts Awards calls the Region of Waterloo’s best new event or festival from 2012. By coming out, you can make it the best event for 2013!

8. Porch Party fever is growing and we became twins! Inspiring Kitchener’s Hohner Porch Party wasn’t the only way. Our fantastic founder, Tenille, had twin girls – Mae & Vela!

7. We’re changing Waterloo Region! Nominated as one of 10 ideas that are changing Waterloo Region by the Cord Community Edition, take this opportunity to come out and explore uptown Waterloo west!

6. The musicians need an audience! All of our musical acts are looking forward to this Sunday’s event. From opera singers and folk rockers, to pop super stars and those crazy Skalywags, there’s something for everyone!

5. Come play on a wooden xylophone at the Childrens’ music garden, which in fact isn’t just for children but for people of all ages! Get your craft thumb on while listening to fantastic music.

4. It’s free and our musicians get paid thanks to our fantastic volunteers and amazing sponsors! With at least half of the acts being new, you’re bound to find a new group or artist that you love. Looking for a GPP alum? We have some major fan favourites revisiting us this year. Don’t forget to print or download a map before heading out!

3. Get social! Hop on Twitter or Facebook and tell us what you’re loving. Take photos, blog, you name it! Connect with the musicians, with the city and with us.

2. To learn about and show our sponsors, our community partner, and the City of Waterloo that all of their support is extremely helpful!

1. Because it’s our third birthday and it really won’t be the same without you!

Just popping by to see your favourite local musician? Here’s a list of who’s playing where and when:

Ashley Dean: 2pm-2:30pm
55 Menno St (MERCHANDISE TABLE)

Skalywags: 2pm-3pm
82 Alexandra Ave (CHILDRENS’ MUSIC GARDEN)

Adrian Jones Music School:  2pm-5pm
62 Roslin Ave S

Ten Years Gone: 2pm-3:30pm
44 Roslin Ave S

Richard Garvey: 4pm-5pm
44 Roslin Ave S

Porchulaca:  3pm-4:30pm
72 Dunbar Rd S

Onion Honey: 2pm-3pm
66 Dunbar Rd S

Rovin Spokes: 3pm-4pm
66 Dunbar Rd S

Brendan Stephens: 4pm-5pm
66 Dunbar Rd S

Maleidoscope: 3pm-3:45pm
135 Dawson St

Ever Lovin’ Jug Band: 2pm-3pm
25 Avondale Ave S

The Jinks: 3:45pm-5pm
25 Avondale Ave S

Ian Reid: 2:15pm-3:15pm
51 Avondale Ave S

Lucas Stagg: 3:45pm – 4:45pm
51 Avondale Ave S

Young Neils: 4:15pm-5pm
64 Avondale Ave S

Roberta Hunt: 2pm-3pm:
64 Menno St

Dan Root & Laura Dyck: 3:30pm-4:30pm
64 Menno St

Coloured Marshmallow Brigade: 2:30pm-3:30pm
50 Menno St

Silvia Dee + The Boyfriend: 4pm-5pm
50 Menno St

Grand River New Horizons ensembles: 2pm-5pm
34 Menno St

Dave Rozell Band and Guests: 4pm-5pm
25A Menno St

James Downham: 2pm-3pm
21 Menno St

Phil Lehmann: 3:30pm-4:15pm
21 Menno St

Paul Rempel: 2pm-3pm
28 Euclid Ave

Hanna + Phil: 3:30pm-4:30pm
28 Euclid Ave

Christa Mercey: 2pm-3pm
47 Euclid Ave

The Dancing Plague: 4pm-5pm
47 Euclid Ave

Luke Michielsen: 3:15pm- 4pm
54 Euclid Ave

Shade Valley Citizen Band: 2:30pm-3:30pm
65 Euclid Ave

The Ragged Bankers: 2pm-3pm
69 Alexandra Ave

Uncalled Four: 4pm-5pm
69 Alexandra Ave

The Short Films: 3pm-4pm:
71 Alexandra Ave

Michael Reinhart: 2pm-3pm
105 Alexandra Ave

Ian Bell: 3:30pm-4:30pm
105 Alexandra Ave