Pencils are sharp, notebooks are stiff, and iPad applications are downloaded (for educational purposes of course). We’re going back to school with school-themed photos from the Vancouver Archives this week.

1907 – Vancouver High School. Archives# Sch P20.3. & 1920 – David Lloyd George. Archives# CVA 99-1441.

1911 – Opening of the first brick school in South Vancouver. Archives# CVA 371-797.

1920 – Britannia. Archives# CVA 99-1001 1918 – King Edward School. Archives# CVA 99-1296.

1948 – Archives# CVA 1184-2773 & CVA 1184-2774

1933 – Yo Yo contest demo outside of a school. Archives# CVA 371-1922.

1947 – School patrol crossing guards. Archives #Sch P61.1 & 1954 – Old high school, Cambie & Dunsmuir. Archives# CVA 447-257.

Learn more about the Vancouver Archives, visit them in person (at 1150 Chestnut St), and follow them on Twitter.

Grammy-winner Jason Mraz is returning to Vancouver to play Rogers Arena on September 21, 2012. The “I’m Yours” artist is currently touring to promote his latest album Love is a four letter word.

The first single from Mraz’s new album “I Won’t Give Up” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s digital song chart and was on top of the iTunes Top Songs list and Hot AC radio charts.

Tickets are on sale now ranging from $30 to $85 and Mraz will be joined by special guest Christina Perri on this tour. I have a pair of tickets to give away thanks to Live Nation as well, here’s how you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment naming your favourite Jason Mraz song (1 entry)
• Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012. Update The winner is Jason Gallant!

Youth Fest, Surrey’s free all-day festival for 13 to 18 year olds returns September 22nd to the Guildford Recreation Centre.

Surrey is a rapidly growing urban centre with a large population of over 60,000 youth between 10-18 years old. Surrey is the home to one-quarter of all youth in the Metro Vancouver area and has the largest population of children and youth in the Province.

Surrey also has the largest school district in the province of British Columbia with 18 secondary schools in addition to a number of independent schools.

The City of Surrey is currently working with School District 36 to increase awareness and encourage participation from youth at positive community events like Youth Fest.

Last year’s event was a huge success with over 1000 youth in attendance and we expect even more youth involvement this year.

The event will run from 4:00pm to midnight and showcase local youth bands on the Amp’d Stage (register here to play), have skateboard and BMX demos outside with sumo suits and activities inside, and host a teen dance (ages 13 to 18).

The Free Ride Bus will offer safe transportation to and from various recreation centres across the city as well. More information about Surrey Youth Fest can be found on the Facebook event page and in this PDF guide for parents.

I am proud to hop on board again as a media partner for Surrey Youth Fest.

The first Surrey International World Music Marathon is quickly approaching as the city prepares to host a world-class full marathon, half marathon, run/walk, (new) team relay, kids run, and music celebration at the end of this month.

Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts will be doing the Mayor’s 5km Run/Walk and every Surrey City Council member will be participating including Barinder Rasode who will be doing the Run Inn Half Marathon.

There are many options to participate, from the Boston-qualifying Full Marathon to the Century Group Kids Fun Run and the Prospera Credit Union Relay Race.

Live music will play a large role in the weekend’s events with cultural performers stationed along every mile of the route. A stage will also be setup at Central City along with a Wellness Expo on Saturday, September 29th.

The Surrey International World Music Marathon is a 3-day event (Friday, September 28 to Sunday, September 30, 2012) and will celebrate cultural diversity and wellness. You still have time to register and you can visit the website to check out the variety of runs for all ages along with schedules and course maps.

Follow @SurreyMarathon on Twitter for more information.

Osoyoos presents the first annual O! Osoyoos Celebrates festival of food and wine September 14th to 16th, 2012. Located at the southern tip of the Okanagan, Canada’s only dessert is packed with orchards, wineries, and recreation on the lake.

O! Osoyoos Celebrates events will include the Red Carpet Soiree (at the NK’MIP Conference Centre) and Lobster on the Beach, emceed by Sophie Lui of Global BC, and a Sparkling Sabra Brunch (Rooftop of Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa). Guests can pair the festival with wine tours, dining, and other wine country activities.

Heading into fall, you can catch some endless Osoyoos summer sunshine at this culinary celebration. Full weekend ticket packages are available now for $150 and tickets for individual events are also on sale for $35-$85 per person.

The organizers have offered up an O! Osoyoos Celebrate prize package for one lucky reader of mine that includes: Two nights accommodation at Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa for two people (Friday, September 14th & Saturday, September 15th, 2012) and tickets for two to Lobster on the Beach on Saturday.

Here’s how you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
• Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

I will draw one winner at random from all entries this Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 12:00pm. Must be 19+ to enter and attend. Prize does not include transportation to and from Osoyoos and is only valid on the dates shown, including the stay at Spirit Ridge.

My family has a vacation home in Osoyoos and we love hiking, swimming, and of course wine touring around the region. Follow Osoyoos, BC on Facebook and Twitter for more information about wine country and this fantastic South Okanagan destination.

Update The winner is Sandra!