Make It returns to Vancouver this weekend taking over the Croatian Cultural centre with crafty fashions, accessories and art.
Make It is the largest event of its kind in Western Canada. It is an upbeat experience that gives enlightened shoppers the opportunity to buy directly from Canada’s top urban artisans and designers! Craft Show + Party = Make It!
Here are just a few of the exhibitors at this weekend’s event:
Arden Williams Glass and Silver, Barking Hippo, Big Rock Bags, Clutch Jewels, Dotty Logic, Element Botanicals, Fibre Manipulator Jewellery, Giulia Fatica, Hamburger Disco, Inkspoon Clothing, Joie Designs, Kootenay Soap Co., Lady Dragon Glasswork, Sunshine Coast Natural Care Co., Superfly Lullabies, and more.
Be sure to stop by and see Helen from JuicyBath as well for some creative handmade soap.
Aside from the craft show + party Make It will host a silent auction with 100% of proceeds going to Ronald McDonald House BC.
The hours are Saturday May 1, 2010 from 11:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday May 2, 2010 from 11:00am to 6:00pm at the Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Drive). Tickets are $5 at the door and children 12 and under are free.
As a bonus, the first 20 people at the door to mention Miss604 will get in free.
Follow Make It on Twitter or Facebook for more information and updates.
The BMO Vancouver Marathon takes place this Sunday, looping in and around town starting from Concord Pacific Place (near what will be the start and finish lines).
The Marathon event itself features several race categories such as the full marathon, 21.1 km Half Marathon, an 8 km and the McDonald’s Kids MaraFun. Leading up to the marathon there is also a Brita Sports Expo at Concord Pacific on Thursday April 29th (4:00pm – 8:00pm), Friday April 30th (11:00am – 8:00pm), Saturday May 1st (10:00am – 7:00pm) and on race day Sunday May 2nd from 7:00am until 3:00pm.
There will also be entertainment along the way and spots for spectators to cheer on the hard-working participants including returning BMO Vancouver Marathon champions.
Road closures will be in effect starting around 5:30am on Sunday until about 3:00pm. There will be closures and traffic delays through much of the downtown core, across the Burrard Bridge, the Dunsmuir Viaduct, streets along the north and south shores of False Creek, Strathcona, Kitsilano and Point Grey.
A full list of closures can be found via the BMO Vancouver Marathon website. Transit routes affected include the 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 17, 19, 22, 50, 84, 210, 211, C21, and C23. You can find a full listing on The Buzzer Blog by Translink.
If you have signed up for one of the events this weekend you can pick up your race package starting Thursday April 29th.
Kicking off a new series on Miss604.com called Top Five I’ll be featuring my personal picks for things to see and do in various BC communities in 2010. Having recently spent the last two weekends in Whistler, it’s a natural starting point for the series. These are my Top Five picks for spring and summer 2010 activities.
Peak to Peak
There’s not another experience like it as the Peak to Peak will sail you 1427 feet above the valley floor between Whistler and Blackcomb. The ride lasts about 11 minutes and the views are simply breathtaking — especially if you wait for the special silver car to come around as it has a glass bottom.
Although it’s currently closed for regular maintenance, the Whistler Blackcomb Peak to Peak gondola will re-open for the summer season on May 22nd. Once you make it across, there are plenty of hiking trails (from easy to moderate) on either side where you can check out glacier-fed lakes, wildlife, and indigenous plant species.
Scandinave
I’ve been fortunate enough to experience many spas in BC but Scandinave certainly stands out. Think of the lovely Grotta at Tigh-Na-Mara on Vancouver Island but then take that outdoors and make it about 3 times larger. The Scandinavian approach offers several pools in which you can soak, all at various temperature levels. This is complimented by a wet eucalyptus steam room as well as a dry Finnish sauna. Rotating through these rooms and the pools rejuvenates and detoxifies your skin and body. To top it off, they have a private snowy hillside setting and a dining area inside featuring goodies from Bearfoot Bistro. The main feature is the outdoor sauna, steam, and bath experience however they also offer massage treatments. It’s definitely worth treating yourself and if you’re a local, you can get a “season’s pass” to visit the pools as often as you like, at a discounted rate.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Sitting at the base of the Upper Village on Blackcomb, this is one of our favourite places in the area. Not only is it situated inside a beautiful building where glass and wood meet in stunning design but the history, heritage and culture that it exudes is priceless.
Learn about the Squamish and Lil’wat nations (upon whose territory the ski resort lies), browse historical artifacts, wander through galleries and even take an interpretive forest stroll. The Cultural Centre is definitely something for young and old to enjoy.
Dining
Whatever you do in Whistler and regardless of your budget, head out for a meal at least once during your visit. From the amazingly delicious Avalanche Pizza to premium dining at Araxi and Bearfoot Bistro, there’s something for everyone. Last weekend I was introduced to the dangerous magic of a “Sake Margarita” at Sushi Village, which is the ultimate après-ski / pre-party destination with some rather creative sushi rolls on the menu. For brunch check out Elements in the Summit Lodge or head to Creekside for a classic diner experience at Southside.
As a special bonus I’ll also include Grilled Fromage in Squamish for your drive to or from Whistler.
It’s worth stopping in and trying one of 50+ kinds of grilled cheese sandwiches that they have to offer. That, and the cheesiness of the entire diner will certainly bring a smile to your face.
Festivals
We were in town for the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival and I admit, I hardly witness any slope-side action because there was also so much going on in the village. Whistler’s festivals always include outdoor adventure and plenty of entertainment all day long. I missed the photography showdown but we attended the opening party, the Schick Fashion Exposed fashion show, the Chevy Test Drive, State of the Art, and plenty of outdoor concerts.
Upcoming festivals in Whistler include the Childrens Art Festival July 17th and 18th, Kokanee Crankworx August 7th until the 15th, and annual events that are always covered on Miss604.com such as Cornucopia and the Whistler Film Festival.
For more information about Whistler you can follow them on Twitter @WhistlerBlckcmb or @GoWhistler.
The official Twilight Convention is coming to Vancouver, which was the home of most of the filming for the saga has taken place so far.
When May 14th, 15th and 16th, 2010
Where Sheraton Wall Center (1088 Burrard)
Guests of the convention include Catherine Hardwicke (Director of Twilight, Thirteen and Lords of Dogtown), Peter Facinelliu (Twilight’s Dr. Carlisle Cullen), Bronson Pelletier (Jared of The Wolf Pack), Kiowa Gordon (Embry Call of The Wolf Pack), Charlie Bewley (The Volturi Tracker Demetri), and Jodelle Ferland (Eclipse’s Bree). The convention will also host a Volturi Vampire Ball that Saturday night, a Twilight themed centerpiece contest for the ball, a costume competition, Twilight trivia and Sunday brunch with a silent auction for charity.
Tickets are available online and single day passes start at $10 with premium weekend packages for about $169. I have two general admission weekend passes to give away to a reader that is interested in attending.
To enter to win, please leave a comment on this post or publish the following on Twitter:
I will draw a winner at 8:30am Tuesday May 11th.
Update The winner is Anna (comment entry). Congratulations and have fun at the convention!
Fine print: Please check back here on that day to see if you have won. If the winner is from Twitter I will @ or DM them with details to contact me and they will have 24 hours to do so before a new winner is drawn.
The City of Richmond is encouraging locals and visitors alike to explore their city this weekend, offering up over 40 free attractions to enjoy as a part of Doors Open Richmond 2010.
Many participating partners will organize guided tours, displays and activities to enrich your experience. Whether you live in Richmond or you’re a welcome visitor, don’t miss this fascinating chance to discover many special parts of Richmond and its rich history.
Places of Worship, Arts Galleries, Studios & Public Art, Green Space, and Family Friendly venues are all welcoming guests from 10:00am until 4:00pm May 1st and 2nd. You can visit any of the following spots of interest, free of charge.
City Centre
In Richmond’s City Centre area you may visit the Richmond Arts Centre, Richmond Museum, Richmond Cultural Centre or the Richmond Art Gallery for an exhibit tour. There is also the Pathway’s Aboriginal Centre, Gateway Theatre, Richmond Chinese Community Society and Minoru Place Activity Centre who will open their doors this weekend.
Thompson Area
Discover the Pam Holl hunt Fine Art Home Studio or the Richmond Artists Guild, take a stroll through Terra Nova Rural Park or visit the John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse.
West Richmond
Head to the Vancouver International Airport without having to go through Arrivals or Departures (I recommend exploring the Observation Area). There are also several home studios to visit in this area including Browning Stained Glass.
Steveston
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site is a must-see as well as the Steveston Museum, the Interurban Tram, London Heritage Farm and the Britannia Heritage Shipyard National Historic Site.
South Arm
Grandpa’s Old Cars is a destination for car-lovers, located at Rosewood Manor. The Lingyen Mountain Temple is a beautiful Buddhist monastery that will be open for guided tours and lunch on the weekend.
East Richmond
Were you aware of the winery in Richmond? Stop by Sanduz Estate Wines for a complimentary wine tasting on the weekend. Nearby there is also the Richmond Nature Park as well as guided tours of either the Richmond Jani’a Mosque or Nanaksar Gursikh Temple.
Brochures and maps for participating attractions, places of worship, parks and trails are available online.
