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It's a Kensington Double Date: Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby and Trenton Ave Arts Fest

It seems like these two events have been going on forever, but it's only year six for what is possibly the most bizarre weekend event that Fishtown and Kensington has to offer. That said, we would not miss it. If you ever had any question that Philadelphians are a creative force to be reckoned with, this is 100 proof.

Related:

A Giant Caterpillar in Old City

Go for the Glory at the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby

 

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A Veggie Garden and Mural for Kensington CAPA High School

Kensington Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) High School is working with Delaware Valley Green Building Council and Philadelphia Mural Arts Program to celebrate Earth Day this year at their new LEED Platinum school. To celebrate Earth Day and do their part in becoming environmental stewards they are planning an "Earth Day of Service" on Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 8am-4pm.

What's better than getting our kids to eat more veggies? Having them involved in growing them.

Help Kensington CAPA and the DVGBC and Mural Arts Program make it happen. You can back the project via Kickstarter by pledging a $10 donation and you have 8 days left to do so. The project will only be funded if they can reach their goal of $3,500 by April 29.

So why not help some local students design and create a vegetable garden to beautify their new LEED platinum school and the surrounding Kensington neighborhood?

Best of luck, guys! We hope to see the garden and mural soon.

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Kensington for Dummies, Part II.

We're back to clear up your Confused-by-Kensington-itis. We discovered the ever-confouding West Kensington in Part I and now we're going to finish up with Kensingtons both Old and New.

Below West Kensington, you'll venture into Old Kensington, which borders Northern Liberties and is commonly referred to as Northern Liberties by those who are afflicted with Confused-by-Kensington-itis. We're all guilty of this at times -- Northern Liberties clicks with people who are new to the area and is closer to Center City. If we say "Old Kensington", sometimes it's harder to get people interested!

But Old Kensington is one of the coolest fringe neighborhoods in Philadelphia, and if you take a walk over there, you'll see why. Home to Crane Arts Center, some of the best taquerias in the city, and with more of an industrial vibe - it truly feels like it's on the brink of something big.  The borders for Old Kensington are N. 6th to Front Street, and Girard Avenue to Cecil B. Moore Avenue. It covers just about 2 miles and is almost a square.


View Old Kensington in a larger map

East Kensington (also referred to as "New") is what's left - East of Frankford Avenue to Memphis Street from Lehigh Avenue to York Street. It's a much smaller area and this is where the term Port Fishington comes up, because it's bordered so closely by Port Richmond and Fishtown. At 1.5 miles, East Kensington is tiny, another reason it often gets overlooked and misnomered to death. We could argue about it all night, but if you go east of Memphis, you're in Fishtown, and if you wander a little further north past Lehigh Avenue, you're on Port Richmond land.


View East Kensington in a larger map

And remember - You can always go ahead and ask your grandfather who grew up in Kensington. Whatever he says is probably true!

Now that you're in the know, pick a section of Kensington and go check it out for yourself! If you're looking for something cool to do, you can catch up on our Kensington posts for more ideas.

Related:

Kensington for Dummies, Part I.

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It's a Very Kensington Christmas

What makes a Very Kensington Christmas? Original art and wares from local vendors available at the neighborhood's beloved urban farmer's market, Greensgrow Farms.

Our very talented friend and client Rebecca Jacoby will be selling brand new drawings and assorted older work on paper.

For a full list of participating vendors, visit Inliquid.

Everything at the event will be priced under $199. Shown: Seussland 2, Ink & Marker on Paper, 14" x 11", $110

Related:

A Work of Resonance This Evening in Old City

LGTripp Gallery Opening in Old City

 

Feel free to subscribe to our blog or our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

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Support Community Food and Dance with a Night Out at the Co-op

If you live or work in the Kensington or Old Kensington neighborhoods, come show your support for two local co-ops at this joint fundraiser: the Kensington Community Food Co-op and Mascher Space Dance Co-op. Enjoy food, wine, and performances by local dance artists and musicians in the historical loft space.

Night out with the Co-op at Mascher Space Dance Studio

Thursday, November 11th, 7:00 - 9:30

Mascher Space Dance Co-op, 155 Cecil B. Moore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

Tickets are only $10 and space is limited, so buy your tickets in advance HERE.

Read more about the Kensington Community Food Co-op:

Hey Kensington, Get your Limited Edition Reusable Bag by Supporting Community Food

Ready for a Farmraiser Hoedown in Kensington?

Food Co-op Comes to Kensington

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Hey Kensington, Get your Limited Edition Reusable Bag by Supporting Community Food

 

Now there is extra incentive to become a member of the KCFC (Kensington Community Food Co-op). If the Co-op reaches 100 members, it will qualify for new levels of grant support. So how badly do you want a co-op in Kensington? The next 30 members who join will receive a limited edition re-usable grocery bag screenprinted by high school students in Norris Square. The next 10 members who join will receive extremely limited edition hand-painted versions of the grocery bags. And before you know it, you'll get to use this very bag to shop at your neighborhood co-op. Sounds like the right idea to us!

To become a member, visit http://www.kcfoodcoop.com/membership. You can pay with credit card, PayPal, or check. Just fill out the membership application form, submit your payment and you are the newest member! Or bring a check or cash to one of the KCFC's tables. Saturdays at Greensgrow in October, or this Saturday at Girard Fest.

Related:

Food Co-op Comes to Kensington

 

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Ready for a Farmraiser Hoedown in Kensington?

These days, there's no need to travel that far to find a local farm. In fact, you don't even need your car and you'll be a block away from the Market-Frankford Line's Dauphin train station. Kensington's Emerald Street Urban Farm is throwing its 2nd Annual Farmraiser and Neighborhood Cookout on Saturday, September 18 from 2 pm to 9 pm. The event is sponsored by the East Kensington Neighbors Association (EKNA). All proceeds benefit the farm's goal to supply the neighborhood with fresh vegetables.

Now, unlike a traditional farmraiser, this event will have pizza from the farm's new cob oven and a full lineup of Philly bands:

Via Motive

TJ Kong and the Atomic Bomb

Sour Mash

Ross Bellenoit

Toy Soldiers

Put on your favorite pair of boots, some trusty denim and flannel, and come see how Kensington raises the farm roof.

Feel free to subscribe to our blog or our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

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Food Co-op Comes to Kensington

When you're out and about this First Friday, take a break from art for a minute and turn your attention to food. The Kensington Community Food Co-op will be launching their membership campaign with a party at 2205 Frankford Avenue from 6 - 10pm. Take in 4 local bands and plenty of local beer all for the cause of local food. The KCFC will be discussing their project and membership opportunities. There is a $5 suggested donation. From the KCFC:

"Wouldn’t it be great to be just minutes from your favorite grocery store? Wouldn’t it be great to completely trust that your store has your best interests in mind? Wouldn’t it be great to have regular access to local fresh and organic foods at an affordable fair price? It will be great! A handful of your neighbors, people not much different than you, came together in 2008 with the mission to open a member-owned cooperative grocery store in the Kensington area."

The Co-op is finally coming to fruition. See for yourself this Friday and lend your support, Kensington.

Feel free to subscribe to our blog or our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

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Go for the Glory at the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby

Kensington Kinetic Sculpture DerbyNow that you're registered for the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby or at least have it on your Google Calendar, let's go over the details:

  • The human-powered sculptures will begin at Dauphin Street towards Frankford Avenue and loop through Penn Treaty Park before making the way back to the mudpit obstacle at Trenton and Dauphin.
  • Our favorite award is for "Best Breakdown", so if your vehicle doesn't make it, keep that chin up.
  • The Awards Ceremony will begin at 3:30 pm
  • There will be free valet bicycle parking at the corner of Trenton and Dauphin Streets.

Explore more about Life in Kensington. Ready to search for Kensington properties?

Related:

The Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby: Meet n Greet Fellow Derby Enthusiasts

The Dapper Dog Opens in Northern Liberties

[photo credit: Kinetic Kensington]

 

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Free Workshops for Homeowners in Kensington

Victorian Fishtown Home Do you own or are thinking of buying an older home? Have you never been called handy before? Learn how to maintain your property yourself, so that you won't have to call a repair person in the future. The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia will be holding free workshops at the Coral Street Arts House in Kensington that will teach valuable homeowner or investor skills, such as giving your property an energy makeover, fixing those old windows, and replacing your roof.

The non-profit helps to promote preservation of historic buildings in Philadelphia, and for a city that happens to have a ton of them, this is a great opportunity to further the cause. While we appreciate modern construction, particularly buildings in Fishtown, Kensington, and Northern Liberties that have used old materials and architectural elements in their renovations, there's something we love about old houses that seem to whisper stories for every step that you take in them. Especially when they are well-maintained over the years. With a little bit of know-how and some effort, there are many Philadelphia homes that are built to last.

Energy Efficiency in Older Houses

Wednesday, April 14th, 6:30 pm

Wood Window Maintenance and Repair

Wednesday, April 21st; 6:30 pm

Flat Roofs - Repair, Maintenance and Replacement

Wednesday, April 28th; 6:30 pm

Masonry & Pointing

Wednesday, May 5th; 6:30 pm

All events will be held at the Coral Street Arts House at Coral & Hagert Streets. To reserve a space contact Melissa Jest at 215-546-1146 x 6 or melissa@preservationalliance.com.

Explore more about Life in Kensington. Ready to search for Kensington properties?

Feel free to subscribe to our blog or our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

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