The switch was thrown on Vancouver’s first neon signs on Granville in 1924 and the craze erupted in the 1950s when 19,000 neon signs illuminated the city. Some though it was a sign of being a booming, bustling, progressive metropolis. Others thought they were the biggest eyesores and took away from Vancouver’s stunning natural surroundings.
A new exhibit at the Museum of Vancouver, Neon Vancouver | Ugly Vancouver, will look at both sides of the neon argument.
Did Vancouver’s flashing neon signs signal glamour, excitement and big city living? Or was neon part of a tawdry display that disfigured Vancouver’s natural beauty?
People were of two minds in Vancouver in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Neon signs that we now love were at that time, objects of deep civic controversy.
Neon was one highly visible sign of Vancouver’s transition from a sleepy west coast port into a striving, happening city. Neon became a lightening rod for critics of change, and at the same time, became the focus of a civic conversation about values in Vancouver.
Neon Vancouver begins October 13, 2011 and it will run until late summer next year with curator talks this November and December. If you haven’t been to the Museum of Vancouver recently, this would be a great way to explore their urban archives, displays, exhibits, and artifacts.
The 10-month exhibition will kick off with an opening party Wednesday, October 12, 2011. If you’d like to attend, here’s how you can win a pair of tickets:
- Leave a comment on this post about your favourite neon sign in Vancouver (past or present) (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Thursday, October 6, 2011.
Update The winner is Alice!
Fright Nights return to Playland this fall as the lights go out and suspicious noises stream from five mysteriously haunted houses.
While the rides spin and turn in the dark and mist fills the air, they will have expanded fire performances this year and more dangerous comedy from Monsters of Schlock.
They’re currently casting creepy characters if you have what it takes and tickets are now available online. Fright passes start at $28 (Sunday to Thursday) and $33 (Friday to Saturday).
Fright Nights will take place October 14 to October 31, 2011. Follow the Playland on Twitter or Facebook for updates and special offers.
A few weeks ago when my close friend Christina called me up to tell me about a deal she had found on on the Travel Best Bets website for a trip to Seattle and back, I was quick to jump on board. This past weekend we made our way bright and early to Richmond Centre to await our coach which took us, along with 32 other passengers and our cheery tour guide across the border and straight to the Seattle Premium Outlets. We arrived just before the shops opened at 10:00am and with our bags safely stored on board the coach we disembarked for a full day of shopping.
Prior to departing, Christina had gone online to the malls’ website and printed out a series of coupons, in conjunction with the VIP coupon booklet provided by our tour guide, we managed to save a good deal over the already low prices at many of the shops. At 4:00pm we met up with our fellow passengers and re-boarded the bus which drove us the few minutes over to one of my all time favourite hotels, Tulalip Resort and Casino. I’ve stayed here a few times in the past and was really looking forward to going back.
As our bus pulled up in front of the hotel our guide handed out our room keys (it was nice not to have to line up and check in) and we quickly settled into our gorgeous room, eventually making our way downstairs to check out the casino and the number of dining options available. After eating dinner we found ourselves in the cabaret, drinks in hand, watching the band Hit Explosion (voted “Best Live Performance Cover Band”) and eventually dancing until the wee hours.
Photo credit: Jennifer Miles
The next morning we were up early to enjoy our complimentary buffet breakfast and board the bus to downtown Seattle. Our group spent an hour wondering around the famous Pike Place Market before making our way to the cruise ship terminal.
While Christina had been on a few cruises with her family in the past, this was my very first cruise ship experience and I was excited to see what the attraction is. We boarded the Holland America ship, the Westerdam and made our way to our little cabin. We were pleased to find we did have an outside cabin (we hadn’t paid the extra for it) even though our view was mostly obstructed by a lifeboat. In our room was a full list of the afternoon and evenings activities and a buffet lunch was available as we awaited our departure. Once we set sail there was a Bon Voyage party with live band and barbeque.
The ship itself is considered “cashless”, your credit card is pre-approved with $60 (per day) when you board and your room key is your access to purchasing anything at the shops or drinks at the bar (pop is also not included). A 15% gratuity is automatically added to your beverages and there is an $11/day automatic service charge so you don’t have to worry about tipping service personal.
Photo credit: Jennifer Miles
There were numerous dining options, a few swimming pools, bars, a nightclub, 24 hour complimentary room service, shops, a casino and a theater. After enjoying dinner, the live show and a few drinks at the night club we returned to our cabin and awoke at 6:30 the next morning, already docked at Canada place. While awaiting our turn to disembark we eat breakfast in the buffet and watched the rain fall over Vancouver. During our short 16 hours on board the ship we certainly felt as though we got our money’s worth and I really enjoyed my first cruise experience.
Photo credit: Jennifer Miles
These one-day Seattle to Vancouver cruises are understandably popular and from what I can see generally run in the early fall and early spring when the ships are reposition to/from Summer and Winter destinations.
As mentioned, the tour was found on the Travel Best Bets website and was operated by Vancouver company Marco Polo Tours. The package which included the bus ride (with guide), the hotel stay, the free breakfast, the bus to the cruise and the cruise itself cost us each $342.00 Canadian, including taxes. We had a fantastic time and are looking forward to doing it again next year.
Click here for 2012 information
Pumpkins are ripening in the fields and the candy corn bins are filling up at the grocery stores. However, I just received word that the Vancouver Christmas Market will be returning to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre plaza this year.
What Outdoor German-style market with pine trees, over 45 vendors, live music, and plenty of food (from Swiss Raclette and Brataepfel to Schupfnudeln and Bavarian Leberkaes).
When November 24th to December 24th from 11:00am to 9:00pm
Where Queen Elizabeth Theatre plaza at Georgia and Hamilton
Admission $5 general admission, $2 Monday to Friday 11:00am-4:00pm, $2 youth (7-12 years) and free for children 0-6 years.
This German Tradition was well-received last year despite a slow start (due to a fire in one of the stalls) and soggy weather. However, I enjoyed walking around with weisswurst on a bun, a mug of Gluehwein (mulled wine), listening to traditional carols with my mother, and picking out ornaments with my niece and nephews.
The kids had fun making candles and chocolates, and visiting with the gingerbread characters that were walking around. Give it a shot if you missed it last year and try to go earlier in the day to avoid crowds, especially in the marketplace/ornament tent.
They are currently accepting vendor applications. Follow Vancouver Christmas Market on Twitter or Facebook for updates leading up to the season.
Vancouver Celebrates Diwali, celebrating one of the most important holidays on the South Asian calendar, returns for its eighth year with workshops, performances, and festivities from October 15 to October 23, 2011. This festival of lights brings friends and families together and will be observed in style at the Roundhouse during the signature Diwali Downtown event.
Diwali Downtown
When: Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Yaletown
What: Music, dancing, interactive performances, and plenty of Indian food. Admission is by donation. Artists include bharata natyam dancers Malavika Santhosh and Sujit Vaidya, sitar / tabla combo Mohammed Assani & Sunny Matharu, bhangra glitch-hop musical group Banyen Roots, the amazing Senior Ladies Garba dance team, and many more.
Other events to enjoy throughout the week include:
Diwali Workshops
When: October 15 until October 23
Where: Various times and locations
What: Bhangra, Bollywood dance, diya painting, mehndi hand tatooing, and more.
Dance All Sorts Diwali Style
When: Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 2:00pm
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre
What: Presenting Toronto-based contemporary kathak dancer Bageshree Vaze.
Diwali Bright Lights
When: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 4:30pm
Where: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver
What: Free talent showcase.
Chai House on Main Street
When: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 7:30pm
Where: Heritage Hall
What: Line-up includes bhangra glitch-hop musical group Banyen Roots, bharata natyam dancer Anusha Fernando, sketch comedy superstars Bollywood Shenanigans, kathak dancer and vocalist Bageshree Vaze, headliner Grammy award-winning Canadian phenomenon Chin Injeti, and more.
Follow Vancouver Diwali on Twitter and Facebook for more updates.
