Over the last five years Bill Lin has been organizing The Amazing Hunt in various communities around the Lower Mainland. He operates private races for corporate or group teambuilding, as well as public races where any pair can sign up to compete. The idea is similar to the hit TV show The Amazing Race although it’s got a more personal and tailored twist to it.

My first Amazing Hunt was in 2007 and since that time Bill’s evolved the race and added features alongside the TV series — so it’s got everything from Yields and Merges to U-Turns. Bill also produces a video (now in HD) of the entire race so it really feels as though you’re on a reality series. They’re with you every step of the way and then you can watch the professionally produced footage shortly after your event.

The next race is July 11th and will be transit-only, meaning you’ll need to get your team from task to task while only using public transit. I believe you can still register your team for this event, and there’s also a SkyTrain-only race coming up September 5th.

Business Networking International’s Vancouver chapter, The Big Tsunami, is hosting their 5th annual fundraising event this Thursday at Hycroft Manor.

Photo credit: 96dpi on Flickr

Benefiting the CKNW Orphan’s Fund, the event will host a fashion show as well as wine tasting and pairings from premier event chefs. Tickets are $125 and available online.

Later this summer I’ll be involved in a mixology contest at George in Yaletown for Divine Cocktail Mixers. However to first find finalists to compete, Divine is launching their search June 13th and I’ve been given a few sample bottles to play with in the meantime.

To become a mixology competition finalist, shoot a video of yourself making a cocktail using Divine Mixers (such as Cosmopolitan, French Martini, Margarita, Mojito, Passion Fruit, and Pomegranate flavours). Submit the video by June 28th and the top ten finalists will then be chosen by July 3rd. The public will the be encouraged to rate their favourite videos and the top three contestants will then compete at the launch party celebration at George Ultra Lounge on July 21st (see more rules and info here).

To help contestants begin their entries, the first 50 people (any people) to line up at The Market Gourmet Foods (450 West 2nd Ave) on June 13th will receive two free bottles. If you can’t make it to The Market, you can pick up the mixer at any of the locations listed on their site, such as Whole Foods, Urban Fare, and Nesters Market.

I’m no stranger to mixology contests so this should be one entertaining event. As for my sample bottles, so far nothing’s ever come close to my husband’s family margarita recipe so I’ll have to mix up a few and be sure to report back.

Over the last few years I’ve been able to form great partnerships with the City of Surrey and I’m pleased to announce that Miss604.com is a sponsor of their 2009 Canada Day celebration.

Surrey holds the largest Canada Day event in the west and for this year they have another all-star lineup of performers, events, and day-long activities for the whole family. It’s a free event taking place July 1st at the Cloverdale Millennium Amphitheatre from 10:00am until 11:00pm with evening fireworks. Artists on tap this year include headliners 54-40 and Bif Naked.

John and I have remarked before that Surrey’s events are always safe, fun, organized and very well-executed — they’re pretty much our favourite major events to cover and I’m proud to be involved. I’ll have more information over the next few weeks along with coverage and a preview of the returning Fusion Festival, later in July.

I often say that one of the reasons why I love this city is that quick getaways are but minutes away. Last night after work I hopped the Sea Bus, then a bus, and within 45 minutes I was staring down at the entire region from over 3,000ft.

Grouse Mountain‘s activities such as the interpretive sessions at the Grizzly Bear habitat, the Lumberjack Show, and the Birds in Motion demonstration were already over by the time I arrived but there was still much to see.

I decided to hop on the Peak Chair (that runs until 8pm) and get up to the very top of the mountain.

I came back down and met up with John and Trevor for dinner at Altitudes Bistro after they completed the Grouse Grind. The drinks were tasty and the Ocean Wise Ahi Tuna that I enjoyed was superb.

We descended on the gondola as the sun was setting behind the Lions and I wondered why I don’t make these quick escapes more often.

You can view the rest of my photos in this Flickr set.