There will be a Gold Medal Takeover of Stanley Park tomorrow as the Richmond Olympic Experience partners with Canadian Olympic medallists for a fun family promotion.
Gold Medal Fun in Stanley Park
From 10:00am to 12:00pm on November 21st, Canadian Olympic gold medalist Ben Rutledge (rowing), Olympic bronze medalist Brent Hayden (swimming), Olympic bronze medalists Emily Zurrer and Brittany Baxter (Timko) of the Women’s National Soccer Team, plus three-time Paralympian Matt Hallat (para-alpine skiing) will be on hand to distribute 1,000 gold medals to kids and kids at heart in Stanley Park.
The fun, replica gold medals are being distributed to raise awareness of the Richmond Olympic Experience (“ROX”) – the most interactive sport attraction in North America – set to open to the public on November 28th, 2015 with Richmond residents receiving early access from November 21st to 24th during Community ROX Days presented by the Richberry Group.
Look for the Olympians and the Rox team in the park along Avison Way near the Vancouver Aquarium and find out more about The Rox online, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Did you ever think an idea you and some friends hatched at a spirited holiday house party would ever turn into a decade of putting smiles on the faces of thousands of people — and raising tens of thousands of dollars for an amazing cause? The Original Ugly Christmas Sweater Party was founded by Jordan Birch, Chris Boyd and Scott Lindsay, and they’ll once again be throwing the “biggest, wildest, sweateriest bash of the season” on December 18th at the Commodore in Vancouver in support of The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.
The Original Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Photo by Dwight Simon,courtesy of Now That’s Ugly Society
The idea came about 14 years ago when the friends gathered at Scott’s house in matching penguin sweaters for spontaneous carolling, hugging, and “festive around-the-fireplace things”, Jordan told me over the phone. They had so much fun that it became a tradition, slowly changing to bigger living rooms and bigger venues, drawing in more people with their holiday fun. Six years ago the party moved from the pub at SFU over to the Commodore on Granville, which has been its home ever since.
“I haven’t seen anything like it, or anything measuring up to it yet in terms of a holiday event experience.”
For Jordan and his friends, co-founders, and co-hosts, it’s all about getting people together to have fun. When they started selling tickets a few years ago, thus generating revenue, they decided to support a different charity each time they held the party.
It wasn’t until an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party regular, and family friend, was battling cancer that they realized they wanted to support people like her, providing them with even more reasons to smile and have fun outside of the party. Proceeds from the event that year went toward sending this woman and her family to Disneyland in the spirit of lasting joy.
The founding members then got together and decided to dedicate the event and campaign each year to a wish-granting organization, which is how their partnership with the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada came about. To this day, the Now That’s Ugly Society has raised enough to grant the wishes of 7 deserving children with life-threatening illnesses.
“It’s jovial, it’s relaxing.” Jordan says they create an environment where people automatically have something to talk about and a reason to connect. “It’s really all been about fun but it’s also about giving back, and I think that’s what separates us from their whole industry that’s spawned from our original living room tradition.”
So dress up in your most giggle-inducing holiday sweater (or sweater vest, or pull over), get your photo taken with Grandma, enter the costume contests, participate in the festive sing-along, smooch under the mistletoe and eat sugar cookies at with them on December 18th.
Tickets are $35 and include one Parallel 49 beer. They can be purchased through Ticketmaster online or by phone at 604.280.4444. Doors open at 8:00pm on December 18, 2015. This event is 19+.
The Ugly Christmas Sweater Dash
Photo by Dwight Simon,courtesy of Now That’s Ugly Society
“We wanted to create an experience where we could now share this sort of 19-and-over experience that we had — that’s so fun and crazy and engaging — with a wider demographic and families.” The Ugly Christmas Sweater Dash was born three years ago as a way to engage multiple generations in the spirit of the Ugly Christmas Sweater fun.
Parents with strollers, grandparents, and 20-somethings who cross the finish line and continue straight on into the craft beer garden are all welcome at this festive fun run in Port Moody on December 5th. This community event at Rocky Point Park will have an untimed 5km run, holiday music, craft beer garden, and family entertainment. Registration includes an authentic Ugly Christmas Sweater Toque and all the hot chocolate you can drink. The Dash starts at 11:00am and you can register all ages online in advance.
In case you’re wondering just what makes a Christmas sweater ugly, I asked Jordan for his top tips: “Make your own. At both of our events we have a prize trophy for Most Original Sweater. I think that’s what draws people to these events anyway, it’s the originality, because your sweater is a reflection of your personality, and what the holidays mean to you.”
For more information about the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and the Ugly Christmas Sweater Dash follow along on Facebook and Twitter.
Update: Contest!
I have 3 pairs of tickets to give away to the upcoming Ugly Christmas Sweater Party! Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment on this post naming your favourite Ugly Christmas Sweater decorations/features, from glitter and sequins to bows and vests (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw 3 winners on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at 9:00am. Must be 19+. Please enjoy responsibly.
Update The winners are: @portiaphelps83, @clarab3rry, @CanadianNatasha!
Stepping off the plane at YYC airport you’ll find that the terminal is full of friendly White Hat volunteers, wearing the signature cowboy hats you may associate with the Calgary Stampede, and the city of Calgary itself. Stetsons, steaks, sprawl, and steeds, that’s what one might purely think of this Albertan metropolis, unless they’ve visited recently and had their pre-conceived views of the city smashed to bits, which is what happened to us. The core of the city’s wonderful history and legacy is still there, it’s just evolving and doing even more great things.
The last time I spent more than a few hours in Calgary was at least 5 years ago, and John (not originally being from Canada) had never been this far east in our country. We had no idea that what we would discover in a quick 48 hour period in the city and that passionate local entrepreneurs would open our eyes to what it truly takes to create something in Alberta and share it with Albertans. Here’s how this invigorating spirit warmed our hearts:
Ways to Warm Up to Calgary This Winter
Sip Some Locally-Roasted Coffee
Co-Founder Sebastian Sztabzyb
Co-founded by engineers Phil Robertson and Sebastian Sztabzyb, there are six Phil & Sebastian cafes in Calgary and the coffee they source (personally from their own growers) and roast is available throughout Alberta — we spotted some in Jasper later on our journey.
Their most recent location is in the Simmons Building, an old factory in a developing part of downtown called the East Village, that has three anchor tenants: Phil & Sebastian, Charbar, and Sidewalk Citizen Bakery. The East Village is what Yaletown in Vancouver was about 25 years ago — a prime piece of land with several historic warehouse buildings that are being renovated for the 21st century and complimented by residential developments.
Phil & Sebastian’s state-of-the-art concept cafe takes you through your coffee experience from start to finish. You don’t place your order and wait in a queue until loud machines finish pumping out your coffee and your name is called. A barista personally takes your order and also prepares it in front of you. They’ve created a connection. There’s also a slow brew bar and coffee tasting flights. “The goal is to challenge and explore people’s expression of coffee,” Sebastian, who believe in being true to the bean, told us while giving us a tour. “And if we make a coffee that needs cream and sugar, we have failed.”
He travels to Central and South America for at least 3-4 months a year to lead coffee production initiatives with their growers, check on the harvests, and do quality control checks. He personally tastes 600-700 coffee beans and roasts each year so you know the select dozen or so he features at his cafes are the best of the best. “The longer you roast something the more generic it is. I don’t want to take the hard work of these growers and sell a generic experience.”
For more information about Phil & Sebastian read their story online, it’s pretty epic.
Savour Sidewalk Citizen’s Goods
Aviv and Michal from Sidewalk Citizen
Walking over to the next tenant, Sebastian told us that the Simmons Building’s cornerstone is made of sourdough. Aviv Fried and Michal Lavi, who have backgrounds in engineering and finance, have become foodie legends in their own right in Calgary after founding Sidewalk Citizen Bakery. Five years ago Aviv Fried taught himself how to make sourdough (after training in Vermont, Paris and Nepal) and delivered handmade loaves on his cargo bicycle for zero carbon imprint. Today, Sidewalk Citizen bakes up artisanal breads (made with local heritage flour), croissants, and offers a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean menu that evolves through the seasons.
Sitting down with Michal, John and I sampled their wheat quiche, breakfast plate (with charred avocado, cheese, chopped liver, hard boiled egg), and flakey burekas with three sauces (cilantro, peppers, and side of grated tomato). “Wipe your face with poetry,” Michal told us, literally as the napkins are printed with featured poems.
When we hit the road that morning we had cups of slow-brew Phil & Sebastian coffee paired with Sidewalk Citizen’s bread pudding. We were very, very happy.
Eat Some of the Best Mexican Food North of the 49th
It’s been really hard to find great Mexican food in Vancouver, especially since I compare everything to my mother-in-law’s traditional dishes. I thought it was a Canadian thing and I had almost given up, that is until we had lunch at Native Tongues, a new taqueria in Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhood. Bringing the street food of Mexico City indoors, and complimenting it with Mezcal cocktails, this cozy space is adorned with vintage touches from south of the border. It serves up everything from ceviche tostadas and wild mushroom tacos to Barbacoa de Cordero – a succulent, steaming, warm, brothy bowl of lamb shoulder roasted for hours and enjoyed family style.
Drink Local Beer Made by Calgary for Calgary
Just when you think Village Brewery couldn’t pour out any more love and warmth from its south east Calgary operation, you notice there’s a Little Free Library book stand on its front lawn. John and I have toured many breweries, from coast to coast and in the Midwest, and this operation stole our hearts. It’s a vehicle for artists, it’s a fundraising conduit, all rolled into a brewery. Jim Button, one of six partners in the brewery, led us around one sunny afternoon and explained their concept and creations.
“We’re a movement that happens to sell beer,” Jim said while we stood in a hallway surrounded by fan art – actual art pieces given to the brewery by artists as a ‘thank you’ for their support (they sell art commission-free in their tasting room) or by those who just love their beer. “It’s not about giving back to the community. It’s about giving the community an outlet so that it can do something for itself.”
We sampled approachable brews like their Blonde and Wit, and other fanciful concoctions like the Farmer Cuke, made from a local farmer’s yield. They produce about 2 seasonals a year and 5 uniques a year on top of their regular lineup. There’s a chai winter porter, and a tripel in the summer made with blueberries, blackberries, and Saskatoon berries.
The events they support, through brewing unique beers to be sold at the event, have raised tens of thousands of dollars. They brew for Calgary and to support Calgarians. They’re a business as noble as the finest Bohemian Pilsner.
Play Inside and Out
After all of this good food and drink, get your blood pumping as you skate, luge, and even bobsleigh at Canada Olympic Park. Go for a winter hike at the Heart Creek Trail or Bow Valley Provincial Park just outside the city. Attend the Winter Carnival at Fort Calgary or stay downtown and explore the city through over 15km of indoor walkways and skywalks, never having to bundle up and walk out into the cold.
See the warmth of Calgary yourself this winter and discover the depth of this changing city as we did. It’s a quick 1 hour flight from YVR and you can follow Tourism Calgary on Facebook and Twitter for trip ideas and more information for making it a getaway destination this winter.
The 12th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade will hit the streets of Downtown Vancouver on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at 1:00pm in support of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. This festive event, including many local organizations and businesses, is a kick-off to the holiday season for many and will be filled with family fun.
Rogers Santa Claus Parade in Vancouver
Starting out at 1:00pm, the parade will begin at West Georgia Street and Broughton, travel east along West Georgia, turn south on Howe and finish at Howe and Davie. Over 300,000 spectators flock to this event each year so be sure to arrive early to stake out your viewing spot.
You can also enjoy many activities around the Coast Capital Savings Christmas Square (in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery) that will be open form 10:30am to 1:00pm. The square will have a gingerbread decorating station, face painting, letters to Santa station, and an entertainment stage featuring exciting music and dancing performances. That is where you can also drop off your donations to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.
Most Needed Items for the Food Bank
- Canned fish or meats
- Canned beans, kidney, black bean, chickpeas
- 100% nut butters
- Pasta and rice
- Canned vegetables, pasta sauces
- Canned fruit, packed in its own juice or water
- Whole grain breakfast cereals
- Hearty soups, stews and chili
Along the route, volunteers will collect non-perishable food items and monetary donations on behalf of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. For every $1 donated, the Food Bank can purchase $3 worth of food – so remember those loonies on Parade Day!
Win VIP Seating
I have 4 VIP seats to give away in the Rogers Santa Claus Parade VIP viewing area. Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment naming what items you would be able to donate to the Food Bank this season (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
Follow the parade on Facebook and Twitter with #RogersSantaClausParade for the latest updates. I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Wednesday, November 25, 2015.
Update The winner is @lainiesoleil77!
The Robson Square ice rink opens for the season on December 1st, providing affordable family fun in Downtown Vancouver throughout the holidays and beyond.
Photo credit:
BC Gov Photos – Submitted to the Miss604 Flickr Pool
Skating is free with your own skates, otherwise rentals are available. The rink also features a concession stand with snacks and warm drinks. It will be open throughout the holidays and will also host its annual Christmas Day and New Year’s Day skates.
Robson Square Ice Rink Hours
Sunday to Thursday: 9:00am to 9:00pm
Friday and Saturday: 9:00am to 11:00pm
Holiday Hours
Christmas Eve (December 24): 9:00am to 9:00pm
Christmas Day (December 25): 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Boxing Day (December 26): 9:00am to 9:00pm
New Year’s Eve (December 31): 9:00am to 11:00pm
New Year’s Day (January 1): 9:00am to 9:00pm
Robson Square Ice Rink Rentals
Skates: $4.00
Ice Cleats: $2.00
*Helmet included with skate rental
The The Robson Square ice rink will remain open until the end of February, 2016. Tag your photos with #robsonsquare on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share the fun. Robson Square is located at 800 Robson Street between Robson and Georgia, Howe and Hornby.
