Vancouver Central Library Sweet 16

Comments 1 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The central branch of the Vancouver Public Library will be celebrating its “Sweet 16” anniversary next month by hosting a late-night, all-ages music and dance party. The coliseum-style building has been an iconic part of downtown Vancouver’s skyline, and has even played a starring role in various TV series and films produced in Hollywood North.

You'll find the lions on Level 3.
Photo credit: !graceface! on Flickr

What: Central Library’s Sweet 16
When: Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 8:00pm
Where: Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level of Central Library, 350 West Georgia St
Admission: Free

No need to be silent at this festive occasion, that will have live entertainment, a candy buffet, door prizes, and treats sponsored by Sweet Naturally, Natural Baked Goods.

Cloud Cover
Photo credit: matzuda on Flickr

What: Past, Present, & Future displays and exhibits throughout the day
When: Thursday, May 26, 2011
Where: Central Library Promenade
Admission: Free

Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad: Aeriosa aerial Dancers Rehearse In Situ at Vancouver Public Library Vancouver Public Library
Photo credit: susan gittins, Stephen Reeson Flickr

Café ilustrado
Photo credit: Juan Carlos Partidas on Flickr

The words don't fit vancouver public library
Photo credit: kennymatic, just_jeanette on Flickr

On May 26th a time capsule, to be opened in 2040, will be buried. Both events are sponsored by Friends of the Vancouver Public Library.

The photos in this post were all submitted to the Miss604 Group on Flickr.

Bake for the Quake

Comments 4 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Organized by two local food bloggers, Melody (GourmetFury.com) and Joy (Gourmeted.com), Bake for the Quake aims to raise $5,000 for Doctors Without Borders and relief efforts in Japan.

cupcakes
Photo credit: Clare & Dave on Flickr

What: Bake for the Quake
When: April 20, 2011 from 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews, Yaletown)

There will be entertainment by Artinair and Kristie Yung, prizes for attendees, and of course baked creations from over a dozen Vancouver-area bakers and bake shops.

There is no admission charge but attendees are encouraged to bring cash (only) to purchase the baked goods and make donations to the cause. Also, be sure to bring along a re-usable cloth bag or container so that you can transport the cupcakes, cookies, and other treats that you purchase.

If you are unable to attend you can still contribute through their online donation page.

BC Travel Tuesday: Week 2 Howe Sound Inn & Brewing

Comments 158 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Last Tuesday I launched a new 10-week series with backyardbc.com where we’ll be celebrating the best in local travel while offering up weekly giveaways for BC residents.

backyardbc.com
backyardbc is a new travel website designed specifically for residents of British Columbia. Essentially a “be a tourist in your own backyard” program, participating hotels & resorts offer residents of BC exclusive rates and specials, designed to motivate BCers to travel more within the Province. Each offer has its own unique reservation code, and all bookings are done directly with our hotel and resort partners. Visit backyardbc online, on Twitter, or Facebook and see more of BC!

The winner of “Week 1: Delta Ocean Pointe in Victoria” is Tamara (she has been contacted by email). This week’s featured property is just 45-minutes away from Vancouver along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway. It’s a beautiful local getaway in a tranquil community and this prize would definitely be ideal for beer-lovers. John and I stayed in the quaint, comfortable Inn above the brewery last summer.

Howe Sound Brewing
Photo credit: Howe Sound Brewing on Flickr

Howe Sound Brewery Tour in Squamish, B.C. Howe Sound Brewery Tour in Squamish, B.C.
Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

Howe Sound Inn & Brewing
Website, Twitter, Facebook, backyardbc listing
Location: 37801 Cleveland Ave, Squamish, BC
About: Howe Sound Inn & Brewing offers gorgeous views of the Stawamus Chief, Western Canada’s premiere rock climbing venue. They’re a minute’s walk from downtown shops, the local marina and the Squamish Estuary. The estuary offers excellent walking and running trails, and is a site for great birding opportunities all year long. The Inn offers a warm, casual atmosphere, where you can enjoy affordable accommodation, a great meal and a pint of real ale brewed on the premises.
Prize: 2 night stay in the Inn for 2 people plus a brewery tour.
Value: $250

To enter to win, leave a comment on this post and/or post the following on Twitter:

I entered this week’s @backyardbc @miss604 #bctraveltuesday contest #tt http://bit.ly/bctraveltuesday2

Winners will be announced every Tuesday on the latest BC Travel Tuesday contest post until the 10 weeks are up. Gift certificates for hotel and resort stays will be sent directly to each weekly winner so they can arrange their visit personally with the property. Some restrictions apply, based on availability.

Update The winner is Cliff! Congratulations!

View all posts in the series by following or subscribing to my BCTravelTuesday tag. Open to all residents of BC. Must be 19+ for this contest at the brewery.

Granville Pedestrian Mall This Summer

Comments 2 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The Granville Pedestrian Mall will be back this summer with the street closing to cars and buses on weekends from June 25, 2011 until Labour Day. After the Summer Spaces trial in 2009, Rediscover Granville in 2010, Olympic and anniversary celebrations, this city is ready to once again enjoy this car-free corridor.

A Friday Night On Vancouver's Granville Street
Photo credit: to be, inspired on Flickr

The City of Vancouver along with the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association has put the call out to community organizations and businesses to submit proposals for activations along Granville during this time. The criteria for activations (displays, exhibits, activities etc.) for the Open Streets initiative include the following:

Activations should be highly creative and engaging.

Priority consideration will be given to activations that demonstrate opportunities for one or more of the following:

  • Community building
  • Direct participation by pedestrians
  • Physical activity
  • Artistic or cultural experience/learning
  • Showcasing Vancouver
  • A ‘green’ message
  • Priority consideration will be given to activations that take place on a recurring basis.

    There will be a limited number of opportunities for one-time large scale activations.

    Application information can be found online and the deadline is May 6, 2011.

    Easter Activities in Metro Vancouver 2011

    Comments 2 by Rebecca Bollwitt

    Easter is coming up this weekend and whether you celebrate its religious meaning or simply enjoy those irresistible Mini-Eggs, it’s a great time to get together with family and (hopefully) enjoy some sunshine. There are a few events scheduled around Metro Vancouver to help get in the springtime spirit.

    Easter Eggs
    Photo credit: splorp on Flickr

    Surrey
    What: Eco Easter Egg Hunt
    When: Saturday, April 23 from 10:00am to 2:00pm
    Where: Surrey Nature Centre (14255 96 Ave)
    Admission: $5 per child
    Event website

    Burnaby
    What: Easter Eggstravaganza
    When: Saturday, April 23 from 10:30am to 12:00pm
    Where: Willingdon Centre (1491 Carleton Ave)
    Admission: All ages, $8.40 per person (registration required)
    Event website

    Vancouver
    What: Easter Egg Hunt
    When: Saturday, April 23 from 9:30am to 10:45am (1-3yrs), 11:15am to 12:30pm (4-6yrs), 1:00pm to 2:15pm (7-9yrs)
    Where: Roundhouse Community Centre Exhibition Hall (181 Roundhouse Mews, Yaletown)
    Admission: $4 per child
    Event website or call (604) 713-1800.

    What: Easter EGGstravaganza
    When: Thursday, April 21, 2011 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
    Where: West End Community Centre (870 Denman St)
    Admission: $5-$6, for kids ages 2-6
    Event website

    What: Easter EGGstravaganza
    When: Saturday, April 23 from 12:30pm to 3:00pm
    Where: Renfrew Park Community Centre (2929 East 22nd Ave)
    Admission: $5, for kids ages 2-10
    Event website

    What: Easter EGGstravaganza
    When: Saturday, April 23 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
    Where: Kerrisdale Community Centre (5851 West Boulevard)
    Admission: $5, for kids ages 2-10
    Event website

    What: The Great A-Mazing Egg Hunt
    When: Saturday, April 23 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
    Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden (5251 Oak St)
    Admission: All ages, $6 for kids ages 2-10, $10.25 adults
    Event website

    What: Easter in the Park (Train Rides & Egg Hunts)
    When: Friday, April 22 until Monday, April 25 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
    Where: Stanley Park Miniature Railway
    Admission: All ages, $6.50 for kids 2-12
    Event website

    What: Toni & Guy Crazy Hair Egg Hunt
    When: Saturday, April 23 times TBD
    Where: Around Vancouver
    Event website

    Tri-Cities
    Events at Place Maillardville, Leigh Square Community Arts Village, Mackin House Museum, and Port Moody Station Museum can be found listed on The V3H.

    Some of these events do require RSVP, registration, or a ticket so please check out the event websites listed for additional details.