The Fusion Festival returns to Holland Park in Surrey July 16th and 17th. Easily our favourite festival of the summer, this two-day event combines entertainment, education, cultural celebration, and hundreds of different food options.
Entertainment
Four stages will be filled with song, dance, and performing arts throughout both days. Stage performances kick off at 11:30am both days and the official opening ceremony “Parade of Flags” will be Saturday at 4:30pm. You can catch Korean Art Society Drummers, Surrey Folk Bhangra Club, Taoist Tai Chi Demonstration, Lester Quitzau, Yoro Noukossi, Ukrainian Dulcimer Ensemble, Sun Hang Do Martial Arts, and more on both days. Saturday’s main stage will welcome Krystle dos Santos, Warren Dean Flandez, Bombino, and Bedouin Soundclash. Sunday’s headliner will be Jay Sean.
Food
Portugese, Ukrainian, Mexican, Russian, whatever your taste buds are up for, you can probably find it at one of the food vendor tents (sorted by participating nation). We always get a Jamaican fruit smoothie, some type of flame-grilled meat (of which there is a lot in several different stalls), vegetable platers or whole mangos on a stick, and the kids love the taquitos.
Culture
Each country represented has a tent area where you can learn more about specific cultural events, browse clothing, and shop for unique trinkets and souvenirs. You can also take part in a pow wow presented by the Kla-how-eya Aboriginal Centre of SACS.
Take transit (it’s right between Central City and King George SkyTrain stations) and enjoy the festivities. Holland Park is located on the South West corner of King George Highway & Old Yale Road and all of the days events, activities, and entertainment is free. Miss604.com is proud to sponsor this event for the 3rd year in a row.
After successful springtime campaigns, Fill a Bin for the Kids is back. Presented by Disposal King Ltd (who supplies the bin) and Canada Safeway, this seasonal Food Bank drive aims to collect donations for local individuals and families.
When Saturday July 16, 2011 from 10:30am to 3:00pm Where Safeway at 4255 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC What The goal is to fill an 8-yard bin by collecting 2,000lbs of food. The most needed items current listed on the Food Bank’s website are canned meat and fish, whole wheat pasta and rice, canned fruit and vegetables, cereal, baby formula and baby food.
All donations of non-perishable food items will go directly to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society serving clients in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westmisnter, and the North Shore. Although most donations and food drives occur during the winter holidays, the Food Bank is a year-round organization. It serves over 25,000 people weekly (40% children, 46% families, 15% seniors). You can also make a monetary donation and for every $1, the Food Bank is able to purchase $3 worth of food.
We’ve lived in the West End for almost six years and it wasn’t until a few months ago that we discovered the gem that is Wild Garlic. The entrance is sometimes tucked behind those waiting in line for Kintaro Ramen next door (another must-try place), but once you find that door and enter the cozy dining space, your senses get walloped with garlicky aromas.
The name doesn’t lie, if you don’t like garlic you may have a tough time with the menu as everything from appetizers and desserts contain garlic, even the signature Wild Garlic Martini that features asiago and garlic-stuffed olives.
Returning so much since we made our first visit, the table near the front window was designated “our table” by the friendly proprietor the last time we stopped in. Our favourite menu picks (for sharing) are the Slowly Roasted Candied Garlic with Crostini, Grilled Asparagus with Reduced Ginger Balsamic & Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Gnocchi with Garlic, Roasted Walnut & Parmesan Cheese (my absolute favourite), Wok Seared Garlic Butter Black Tiger Prawns, and Sauteed Ginger Beef with Green Beans & Sweet Pepper (John’s favourite). We mix and match each visit.
The gnocchi comes with fresh basil (the sweetness offsets the salty garlic) and walnuts (the crunch works with the softness of the gnocchi).
We have only ever ordered from the tapas menu so I cannot speak to the entrees but we’ve been very happy with the taste, flavours, and the service. Ordering three tapas (that range between $6 and $10) is plenty for us to share. The entire place sits maybe 30 people max so it’s not conducive to big groups, but it’s a great date spot as it offers an intimate setting. The kitchen is partially open so garlic is constantly infusing the air and there are seats at the bar in case you’d just like to come in for a drink. It’s a great local hole-in-the-wall bistro that is devoid of pomp and pretension.
I’ve recommended Wild Garlic to several people and each time I post on Foursquare or Twitter announcing that we’re there (or have been there) I always get positive comments in return. Next time you’re in the West End, be sure to check out this garlic-packed treasure at 792 Denman.
The Social Media Hub at Canada Place’s Canada Day celebration was sponsored by Vancouver is Awesome and myself. Throughout the day, bloggers stopped by for some WiFi connectivity and caffeine compliments of Salt Spring Coffee.
John Biehler and Duane Storey were out taking photos and video for Miss604.com and Rick Chung was on hand for VIA. Here’s a sampling of their coverage and the festivities that have been going on at Canada Day in Vancouver.
The Celebration of Light fireworks in English Bay are taking place July 30th, August 3rd, and August 6th. This year, you can catch the dazzling offshore display of pyrotechnics from reserved bleacher seating and I’ve already given away a pair of tickets for the first show July 30th when China will light up the skies.
2. Or for an additional entry, post the following on Twitter:
I entered to win bleacher seating for the @CelebofLight fireworks from @miss604 http://ow.ly/5tvcw
One winner will be drawn at 10:00am Monday, July 25, 2011 at random from all entries (contest box entries will be compiled along with Twitter entries).
Also new this year, you can pick up Celebration of Light t-shirts which are now for sale online for $20. I was one of the t-shirt design contest judges and it’s great to see contest winner Reena Negi’s idea come to life on this year’s shirt.
Follow the Celebration of Light on Twitter or Facebook for updates leading up to this summer’s events and add your photos to their group on Flickr.
