Two kinds of horsepower were involved in my FestivalSeekers research in 100 Mile House earlier this summer. The first was General, a trusty albeit snack-happy horse at Spruce Hill Resort. The second, a smokin’ 1937 Dodge Rumble Seat Coupe. I was in the area to learn about Hot July Nights (July 13, 14 & 15, 2018) a weekend of cruisers, classics, choppers and hot rods at the Centennial Park in 100 Mile House.
Surrounded by 20,000 acres of Cariboo wilderness and 150 kilometres worth of ranchland trails, we rode through a canopy of aspens and came to a clearing with vast meadow, marshland, and one of many of the hundreds of lakes in the area. The landscape was spotted with free-range cattle, who weren’t bothered by our presence at all, and lent us their likeness for some pretty epic photo opportunities. Continue reading »
I hadn’t been on a horse in years but I felt at ease, which kept General pretty happy. We managed to trot, even to canter, I think we bonded pretty well as we cruised through the breathtaking landscape.
After my horseback adventure I heading into 100 Mile House where I met up with the Hot July Nights team, and classic car enthusiast Phil Pogue, at Jackson’s Social Club.
Pogue has owned his coupe since 1975. It was because of his love of his beauty of a classic that he got involved with Hot July Nights in 2009. Whether you’re part of the show n’ shine, or you’re showing off a current restoration project, everyone loves viewing these impressive pieces of automotive history.
Out in the parking lot, I felt a bit like a Dick Tracy-era gangster post-heist as I jumped into the coupe’s rumble seat for a ride down to the festival grounds at Centennial Park. Instead of a Tommy Gun or a giant bag of cash with a dollar sign on the side, I held out my GoPro to document my ride – and the giddy grin across my mug – as we cruised down Birch Avenue. Continue reading »
Explore the South Cariboo and check out some amazing cars parked along the creek in Centennial Park during Hot July Nights. There will be activities for kids, but there’s also a playground and a great walking path by the creek to a waterfall in the park too. Enjoy the great outdoors, and the great selection of hot rods, cruisers, and classics on display.
You won’t want to miss Hot July Nights! There’s something for everyone and for all-ages at this free festival in the heart of a great community.
Plan Your Visit
In honour of Canada 150, this summer Vancouver TheatreSports League (“VTSL”) takes a loving and comedic look at what makes us uniquely Canadian. On now through September 2nd, Oh, Canada – The True North Strong and Funny, pokes fun at Canadian stereotypes.
Oh, Canada – The True North Strong and Funny
Canada is known internationally not just for its polite manners and harsh winters, but also for the quality of its comedy and improv comedians spanning as far back as Wayne and Shuster (1950s-70s), SCTV (1970s – 80s), Bob and Doug Mckenzie (1980s), John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, and Mike Myers (1980s – 2000s) through to current improv legends, and VTSL alumni, Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie. Oh, Canada pays homage to this rich comedic heritage.
In a series of vignettes and improv games, VTSL’s quick-witted improvisers lampoon Canadian ‘institutions’ such as Anne of Green Gables, Heritage Minutes, the Mounties (who remembers Dudley Do-Right?), the Great White North (“take off eh”), Hinterland Who’s Who, our obsession with hockey, maple syrup, double-doubles to name only a few of the endless, and entertaining, possibilities.
As in all VTSL shows, the plot, characters and action are co-developed with the audience – utilizing their suggestions to drive the action and create on-the-spot, unscripted, theatrically-infused comedy. Being an improv show means that no two performances can ever be the same, but all are guaranteed to be hilarious!
Oh, Canada – The True North Strong and Funny runs every Thursday through Saturday evening at 7:30pm this summer. All shows take place at VTSL’s home theatre, The Improv Centre on Granville Island. Tickets start from as low as $10. Show information and tickets for all VTSL productions can be found online.
All performances are at The Improv Centre on Granville Island (1502 Duranleau St). Be sure to try a Canadian themed cocktail in VTSL’ Neil Macrae Bar & Lounge!
Follow VTSL on Facebook and Twitter for more information and book your tickets today.
Setup camp under a grove of aspens next to a pristine Northern BC river and settle in for two days of music, fun, creativity, and entertainment, in a beautiful setting.
Arts on the Fly (July 13 & 14, 2018) in Horsefly, BC not only attracts those that love outdoor festivals, small town charm with big town taste – really, try the Soul Food food truck – but it’s full of talented, ingenious musicians and artists that come together, with you, for a weekend of fun. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
With Canada Day and Canada 150 celebrations on the horizon, look for My Canada, My Inspiration coins in your own pocket change, as the entire series is now in circulation. Additionally, Vancouverites have the chance to exchange their old toonies coins for a sparkling new 2017 MCMI edition at a free upcoming coin exchange.
One Richmond man, Dr. Timonthy Hsia, was among the five winners of the Royal Canadian Mint’s My Canada, My Inspiration coin design contest. His winning design is seen on the 2017 2-dollar coin that is brought to life as the world’s first glow-in-the-dark circulation coin.
BC Artwork Graces the Mint’s Brand New Glow-in-the-Dark Toonie
Hsia’s inspiration for the coin, Dance of the Spirits, stems from how the “Cree people attribute the northern lights to the special moment when the spirits manifest themselves, dancing, to the human eyes and minds below.” A magical moment, for sure. “The northern lights are a true Canadian wonder,” he says, “one that all Canadians from sea to sea can appreciate and call their own. To me, this radiant light display embodies Canada’s unity and beauty.”
As you may gather, Timothy’s design features the iconic Northern Lights and – making it even more quintessentially Canadian – two people in a canoe behold its wonder.
This special toonie is a part of the 2017 My Canada, My Inspiration coin series, which got its start in 2015 when everyday Canadians were invited to submit new Canada 150 coin designs. After narrowing down thousands of entries from every province and territory, 25 finalists were selected. An elite group of Canadian celebrities painstakingly evaluated the finalists and Canadians cast over one million votes to select the ultimate winners.
The entire collection is now in circulation, so check your change before you spend it as you just might find one of these wonders! If you don’t want to miss out on holding a piece of Canada 150, you can order them directly online.
Coin Exchange
Vancouverites also have the opportunity to exchange their old $2 coins for a sparkling new Dance of the Spirits edition at two upcoming, free coin exchanges:
Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:00am to 3:00pm
Canada Post Retail Store (495 West Georgia, Vancouver)
Friday, July 7, 2017 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Aberdeen Mall Outlet, Canada Post Richmond Main
7871 Westminster Hwy, Richmond
Other My Canada, My Inspiration Winners
- Connecting a Nation $1 coin designed by Wesley Klassen from St. Catharines, ON
- Hope for a Green Future 25-cent coin, including a coloured version, designed by Joelle Wong from Richmond Hill, ON
- Wings of Peace 10-cent coin designed by Amy Choi from Calgary, AB
- Living Traditions 5-cent coin designed by Gerald Gloade from Millbrook First Nation, NS
For more information about these coins, follow the Royal Canadian Mint on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Head to the peak of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain, this Canada Day and be a part of history at the Guinness World Record attempt for Largest Human Maple Leaf!
Grouse Mountain Canada Day
In order to participate in the Guinness World Record attempt, guests will need to don their finest red attire and head to the mountain at the top of The Cut by 1:00pm on Saturday, July 1st (early arrival recommended).
Other Canada Day Activities
Picture Yourself Here (all day, various locations): Capture your Canada Day with our mountaintop as your backdrop! Look for the photo frames around the Mountaintop.
Complimentary Canada Day temporary tattoos & flags (8:00am-8:00pm, Guest Services): Head to Guest Services at the Base or in the Mountaintop Chalet to get decked out for Canada Day. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
