How are people keeping their spirits up?

From howling at the moon to balcony concerts, Edmontonians are finding plenty of creative ways to keep spirits up as the weeks wear on during the pandemic. 

Emma-Kate Larochelle has taken to howling at the sky every evening along with 4,000 other people from across the city. "It's just kind of that light at the end of the day after you've made it through another day of sitting at home," she said. "When you hear someone howl back, it's so satisfying."

Another Edmonton woman who sings opera serenaded her neighbours and drew national attention.

Music in general has been a universal bright spot for many during the pandemic. Two Edmonton siblings are bringing joy to seniors in long-term care facilities by playing Scottish music for them from outside the residences. Other people are tuning in to many of the virtual shows by local artists — YEG Streams or CKUA are great resources for those. 

Freelance artist Jeff Maruniak has been drawing cartoon characters in chalk on the sidewalks of Edmonton's Summerside neighbourhood. He dedicated one of his recent works to the families in Fort McMurray who have been impacted by the flooding.

"I wanted to bring awareness to what they're going through and hopefully get people to give a hand if they can," he told CBC.

Taproot's own Linda Hoang took on a challenge to learn a Tik Tok dance every day for a month. She's also compiled a free directory of local businesses, non-profits, creators, artists and more. I don't know about you, but supporting local and getting involved in the community always puts me in a good mood! 

There have also been countless acts of kindness that have brought joy to Edmontonians since the pandemic began. 

Bright chalk messages of hope and love adorn many neighbourhood sidewalks, and other kids are putting up artwork in windows for passerbys to see. Edmontonians have also attempted to join cities around to world applauding frontline workers every night at 7 p.m. While it hasn't picked up here as much as in other places yet, there's still time to drag out the pots, pans and horns and get the kids involved nightly.