Dignowity Hill Pushcart Derby

July 25, 2008 ·The troubled East side of San Antonio has few events that generate more excitment and neighborhood involvement than the upcoming fourth annual Dignowity Hill Pushcart Derby.

What started out as a way for organizer and artist Cruz Ortiz as a way to take back the neighborhood park turned into a saving grace.

"It's a public intervention project that actually worked and now because of the efforts and the ongoing effort of community people there with the neighborhood association and with other folks, we're trying to save this neighborhood."

Five years ago Cruz and his family bought a house in Dignowity Hill, thinking they could help revitalize the neighborhood with a little attention and alot of enthusiasm. But, when he couldn't get others on board he took matters into his own hands.

"I need something now and I need something that's very unconventional that I know would work.  I know calling SAPD and code compliance and everybody and their mother complaining about the neighborhood it's just not enough."

Four years later, he has an annual event involving the neighborhood and twelve teams, many of which are made up of local artists, like himself.

"If it wasn't for the artist this whole thing would be nothing, so it's a big thank you for all them to be willing to do something really crazy."

He says the effort and invovlement doesn't stop there.

"Another beautiful part about this project is that it allows a lot of people to think about art in a different way."

And in a neighborhood hoping to turn itself around as an arts and entertainment mecca for the city, the Derby is a good start.