Thousands of Calgarians celebrated Marda Grass Sunday in Marda Loop. It was the 41st edition of the annual street festival, and Bob Van Wegen, the executive director of the Marda Loop business improvement association (BIA) said it was no mystery why it continues to draw upwards of 40,000 visitors each year. “It’s a great neighborhood,” said Van Wegen. “It’s a great event. It’s a great time of the year, and they (visitors) get to see friends and family and neighbors. “There’s some great vendors, and it’s crowded, but it’s not too crowded,” added Van Wegen. “You can move around, and there’s some great pet watching, too.” The 2026 event was notable because the neighbourhood has had a lot of construction going on for several years now, but Van Wegen said that it’s close to complete. “That’s in the rearview mirror,” Van Wegen said. “We’re looking forward relentlessly, and things are going so well here. We have so many new businesses that have come into the area that it’s like -- there’s so much history here --but also every year, there’s something new in Marda Loop.” With files from CTV News’ Tommy Osborne
