“Is it the Snowbirds?” I asked John as we jumped out of our seats and ran to the balcony. The formation of jets had just made their first pass over Downtown Vancouver leaving a trail of green, white, and red smoke behind them. A quick search and we discovered it’s the Frecce Tricolori, Italy’s airforce acrobatics team.
Italy’s Frecce Tricolori Jets Flyover of Downtown Vancouver – Photos submitted to Miss604
Italy’s Frecce Tricolori Jets Flyover Downtown Vancouver
The Consulate advertised the mini airshow in Vancouver a few days ago, and it’s part of a larger North American tour. They did about 3-4 passes over the city today.
The Italian Airforce Aerobatic Team (“Frecce Tricolori”), which celebrated its 63rd birthday last March 1, will fly to Canada and the United States for the first time in more than 30 years since its last mission (Columbus ’92) on a multifaceted tour that includes a series of events and fly-overs, and in which the “Frecce Tricolori” will represent Italian excellence.
The North America Tour will be an opportunity organize a redeployment thousands of kilometers away from Italy and to share the values, technology, professionalism and teamwork skills of the Italian Air Force, through a journey in stages between Canada and the United States. The Tour will also be an opportunity to represent Italy in the world and foster Made in Italy overseas. (Source)
Photo submitted to Miss604
The tour began in Bagotville, Québec to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. On June 25th, the team flew over Parliament Hill in Ottawa in the morning and Montreal in the afternoon. They also performed at the Quinte International Airshow 2024 in Trenton (Ontario), on June 29 and 30.
Italy’s Frecce Tricolori Jets Flyover of Downtown Vancouver – Photo submitted to Miss604
After Vancouver, they’ll head over to: Edmonton on July 18th; Cold Lake July 20-21; Moose Jaw on July 22nd; Oshkosh on July 23rd; Milwaukee July 27-28; Chicago July 27th; Toronto August 2nd; Rochester August 3-4; Philadelphia and New York on August 8th; New York August 10-11; Norfolk August 21st; Washington DC August 21st; and the last airshow is over Ocean City August 24-25.
Italy’s Frecce Tricolori Jets Flyover of Downtown Vancouver – Photo submitted to Miss604
Have a good time and break a little sweat all in support of a great cause with Fitness is Such a DRAG! Happening in the heart of Downtown Vancouver the event features performances by Canada’s Drag Race star Kendall Gender with Bibi SouPhresh, Tiffany Ann Co., and Hazel with dancers from Quill Collective.
Fitness is Such a DRAG – PRIDE Fundraiser
Dates: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza) 800 West Georgia, Vancouver
There will be a series of 20 minute sessions including:
Pop Queen Cardio with Jared Byrne (dance fitness)
Step fitness with Mark Wolf (no step required)
Mighty, a beat-driven cardio and strength, with Dylan Archambault
Participate in beginner-friendly cardio sessions, all in support of QMUNITY, a non-profit organization based in Vancouver that works to improve queer, trans, and Two-Spirit lives.
For the event, wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and sunglasses are recommended since participants will be facing the sun for the first part of the evening in the plaza.
QMUNITY provides a safer space for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their allies to fully self-express while feeling welcome and included. Their building serves as a catalyst for community initiatives and collective strength. Follow on Facebook for more info.
The Vancouver Aquarium’s wildly popular after hours event, Fish & Sips, returns in August. Get access to the entire aquarium, indoor and outdoor bars, DJs and live entertainment at this adults-only event.
Vancouver Aquarium After Hours Fish & Sips
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2024 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Amazon Gallery: 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Main Entrance Gate: Closes at 9:30pm
Gift Shop: 7:00pm to 10:15pm
Location: Vancouver Aquarium
Tickets:On sale now for $35 (usually sells out so act fast). Aquarium members get priority access and 20% off all food and non-alcoholic beverage purchases. Valid government-issued photo ID must be presented for entry into this 19+ event.
Sharks hit different after dark! Uncover mysteries of the deep in the limited-time exhibit Monsters of the Abyss (which is only around until September 2nd), and explore the newly renovated Amazon Gallery where sloths and monkeys rule the rainforest. Hit the ocean dance floor and make some waves with live DJs and entertainment, check out the 4D Theatre Experience®, and get up close during feedings.
Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase including the new Shark Bite Signature Cocktail served at the indoor and outdoor bars, along with popular treats like sustainable Pacific Cod Tacos. Follow the aquarium on Facebook for the latest info.
Tofino entered VAMMR‘s care a little over three weeks ago and is still bottle-feeding but the team is slowly introducing solids (currently clams) into her diet. She remains under 24-hour care and has been hitting key milestones for otter pups. VAMMR helps rescue, rehabilitate and release marine mammals in distress.
The Turtle Island Festival, from the producers of the Circles Festival, is bringing Indigenous music, arts, and culture to Sunset Beach this summer. The fest will have an Indigenous market, youth workshops, children’s play area, traditional foods, and a talented lineup of performers.
All ages, family friendly. Proceeds from VIP ticket sales will be donated Land Back Healing Society’s Youth Music Program RISE.
There will be an opening ceremony by Audrey Siegl, and the official lineup of speakers, dancers, and hip hop artists is yet to be released (so stay tuned). Attendees can also enjoy workshops with Nations Skate Youth and Land Back Healing Society; a fashion show; the all Indigenous Market presented by Decolonial Clothing; and a community feast by Sundance & Sons and Bannock Busters.
Last year over 4,000 people attended Circles Festival, which was the first-ever Indigenous youth music and arts festival in Vancouver.
“Often, Indigenous people don’t have safe spaces for our creative expression. We are building those safe spaces, we are grassroots, and doing the groundwork needed to bring healing to our community. Music is a vehicle to drive our messages and amplify our voices, music is a universal language that brings people together. We will continue to build off the strength of our ancestors, and bring our truths to light and use our platforms to fight for justice.” – Award-winning hip-hop artist, activist and entrepreneur, Dakota Bear.
Vancouver’s annual celebration of Japanese Canadian arts and culture, the Powell Street Festival, returns this August for the 48th year! There will once again be an array of diverse events and activities free for all ages to enjoy around the neighbourhood.
Where: Oppenheimer Park 400-block Powell Street at Jackson Ave
Admission: Free!
The festival is centered in the historic Paueru Gai neighbourhood, the festival spans Oppenheimer Park (400 Block, Powell Street) and nearby streets (Jackson and Dunlevy Avenues, Alexander Street) which will be transformed with an array of Japanese food vendors, a craft marketplace, and two outdoor stages.
Participating venues include the Firehall Arts Centre (280 East Cordova Street), Vancouver Japanese Language Centre and Japanese Hall (487 Alexander Street), Centre A Gallery (268 Keefer Street) and Vancouver Buddhist Temple (220 Jackson Avenue).
This year’s festival features over three dozen events, showcasing traditional and contemporary music, dance, literature, film, and performances from both local and international talent.
Highlights
Highlights include a screening of the documentary Between Pictures: The Lens of Tamio Wakayama by Cindy Mochizuki, a multimedia exploration of the late Japanese Canadian photographer and 1960s civil rights advocate.
Music enthusiasts can look forward to Ryuho Shakuhachi Kai, a leading maker of the bamboo shakuhachi flute from Japan, and local acts such as Kotojiro, a trio blending Eastern and Western musical traditions, and hafu vocalist Kimiko.
Literary offerings include a reading by Leslie Shimotakahara, author of Sisters of the Spruce, and an intergenerational creative writing circle workshop hosted by Mata Ashita, Michael Prior, and Leanne Toshiko Simpson ahead of an upcoming anthology featuring poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction from Japanese Canadians affected by displacement and dispossession.
This year’s program also includes walking tours, martial arts demonstrations and our popular annual Sumo Tournament. Between events, visitors can enjoy food booths offering a variety of Japanese cuisine, browse handmade crafts in the marketplace, purchase festival lottery tickets and merchandise, and participate in interactive games in the zone.
Visit the Powell Street Festival Society on Facebook for more info.
