Rogers Santa Claus Parade 2011

Comments 3 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The 8th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade will once again brighten up the streets of downtown Vancouver on December 4, 2011 but with a slightly different route this year.

Rogers Santa Claus Parade
Photo credit: kiwi_cam on Flickr – from the Miss604 Flickr Pool

According to a press release that I received from the organizers, the Vancouver Art Gallery grounds will not be available (I’m assuming because of Occupy Vancouver) so they’re moving the festive headquarters to Thurlow.

Our focus is on working with the City to make sure we have a route that can accommodate Parade goers and allow us to raise as much food and funds for the Food Bank as possible,” explained Parade producer Robyn Jones-Murrell.

The Capital Saving Christmas Square will be located on Thurlow between Georgia and Melville from 10:30am to 1:00pm. The parade will start at 1:00pm heading East from West Georgia and Broughton but then turn left on Burrard (instead of right on Howe like before) and end at Cordova.

Spectators are reminded to bring donations for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society as this event is an important fundraiser each year. Since 2004, more than $96,200 and 63,500lbs of food have been collected at the parade.

The new route map is published on the parade’s website.

Update November 8, 2011: First responders in Vancouver have been named the Grand Marshals of the parade. The Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services and the BC Ambulance Service will be participating.

MythBusters in Vancouver – Giveaway

Comments 274 by Rebecca Bollwitt

November 8, 2011 contest announcement: See below to enter to win a pair of tickets.

Discovery Channel’s Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage are bringing their myth-busting show on the road and will appear in Vancouver for one night only January 22, 2012 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.


Mythbusters Publicity Image

MythBusters: Behind the Myths,” promises to be a fantastical evening of on-stage experiments, audience participation, rocking video and behind-the-scenes stories. For the first time ever, fans will join Jamie and Adam on stage and assist in their mind-blowing and mind-twisting approach to science.

I know that there are quite a few fans out there including our friend John Biehler who, somehow, got the announcer of the show (Robert Lee) to record his own voicemail message.

Aside from their successful show, countless media appearances, and a collection of honorary association memberships, Hyneman and Savage were even hand-picked by the President of the United States to re-test a legend.

Tickets for this unique show will go on sale on November 12, 2011 at 10:00am through Ticketmaster online, by phone, or in person.

Update I have managed to secure two tickets to this show to give away to one lucky reader, thanks to Paul Mercs Concerts. Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
RT to enter to win tickets to see #MythBusters in Vancouver from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/7mM3L

I will draw one winner at 3:00pm on Friday, November 11, 2011. Tickets go on sale Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 10:00am.

Update The winner is Rebecca! (Comment Nov 9th)

(c) 2011 Discovery Communications, LLC. MythBusters and logo are trademarks owned by Discovery Communications, LLC., used under license.

November 2011 Events in Metro Vancouver

Comments 8 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The local news station had a “guaranteed high of 9 degrees” today. November is here and it’s going to be getting pretty chilly around Metro Vancouver. Luckily, events and activities still abound indoors, outdoors, and up on the sugar-dusted mountains. The following events have been contributed to Miss604.com:

foggy morning
Photo credit: aloalo* on Flickr – from the Miss604 Flickr Pool

Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Shout for Somalia! Fundraiser
Green Screen Film Festival in West Vancouver
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Green Screen Film Festival in West Vancouver
Thursday, November 3, 2011
A Stranger A Day
David Suzuki – Lecture: The Global Eco-crisis: Is It Too Late?
4th Annual SCENE fundraiser for Pacific Cinematheque
1 to 10: Stories that Shape the World
Fall Into Market at Granville Island
Green Screen Film Festival in West Vancouver

Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

Movember in Vancouver 2011

Comments 1 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Last day thousands of men around the world shaved one final time before taking a 30-day hiatus from the razor. Movember is back again and your friends, colleagues, brothers, sons, and fathers are growing out their facial hair in exchange for pledges that will support prostate cancer research in their communities.

Adam Garone, Co-Founder, Movember

Back in 2009 I met with Movember’s founder, Adam Garone of Melbourne, who started the campaign with his friends in 2003. Since that time, Movember has grown into a worldwide movement with over 118,000 participants in Canada last year (raising over $22 million). “Of the original group, two of the guys had dads with prostate cancer so we started researching,” Adam told me during our interview. He said they found there was a significant gap in awareness and fundraising for this particular cause at the time.

“Prostate cancer is over 90 per cent curable if detected and treated in its earliest stages. in addition to investing in research, Movember raises awareness and ultimately saves lives. Together we are changing the face of men’s health.” – Steve Jones, CEO and President, Prostate Cancer Canada. About Movember Canada.

Last year, I noticed many more companies getting on board by offering up specials or themed products for Movember participants. Granville Island Brewing is doing a photo contest this year and Rickard’s has mustached beer cans.

There are also prizes available for participants that will awarded at the local parties at the end of the campaign. Vancouver’s wrap-up gala will be December 1, 2011 at the Commodore and there’s a Mo-Off concert at the Biltmore on November 30th with The Matinée, Redbird, and Portage and Main.

Visit Movember Canada to find a team, individual, or make a general donation. If you want to support someone random, I’m going to recommend my pal Gus Fosarolli who has been a “MoBro” for the last three years and is leading his company team this time around. Good luck to all the MoBros and MoSistas (who will watch the wild facial hair grow) over the next month.

Circle Craft Christmas Market 2011

Comments 106 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The very popular Circle Craft Christmas Market returns for its 38th year this month at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. I have still never been but everyone I have talked to (even during the summer months) says that they can’t wait for Circle Craft. From knits and ornaments to unique kitchen wares and gift ideas, this market has it all.

circlecraft2011Dates & Times
November 9-13, 2011
Wednesday to Friday 10:00am to 9:00pm
Saturday 10:00am to 7:00pm, Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm

Location
Vancouver Convention Centre West (new one), 1055 Canada Place

Tickets
Adults are $12 at the door, seniors $10, students $10 (save when booking online)

Exhibitors this year fall into several categories: aboriginal, candles & soap, children’s clothing, clay, clothing, dolls & toys, fashion accessories, fashion jewelry, fibre, fine jewelry, food, glass, home decor, leather, metal, miscellaneous, visual arts, wood, and Christmas decorations.

Longhouse IMG_7643 DSC_0142
Photo credit: 2010 Circle Craft

The market is an initiative of the Circle Craft Co-Operative, a BC Artist Co-Operative that is “dedicated to providing opportunities for craftspeople to connect with the community.” Year-round you can find locally-made goods at the shop on Granville Island and as I mentioned, the market is an annual highlight for many.

If you would like passes to the Circle Craft Christmas Market, I have a pair available. Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
RT to enter to win tickets to the @CircleCraft #Christmas #Market from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/7fvAF

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Monday, November 7, 2011.

Update The winner is Nicole (neeko17)!