Inside Vancouver

Canstruction Vancouver 2012: Incredible Can-Art Fundraiser for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank

by Dana Lynch in Family Friendly on March 25, 2012

Despicable Me-inspired sculpture from Canstruction Vancouver 2011. Photo: Canstruction Vancouver

Whenever I’m feeling down, I always get a spiritual and psychological boost from seeing the results of human creativity, whether it’s “high art” at the Vancouver Art Gallery or, say, huge Despicable Me characters made out of tuna cans. Heck, just posting the pictures in this post made me smile.

When it comes to uplifting displays of ingenuity that also serve a greater good, you can’t beat the annual Canstruction Vancouver show, a free exhibit of art and sculptures made out of canned food that raises funds for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

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Canstruction Vancouver 2012: Incredible Can-Art Fundraiser for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank

New Trout Lake Community Centre Opens This Weekend, February 18

by Dana Lynch in Family Friendly on February 17, 2012

Trout Lake Community Centre

For many East Vancouverites, Trout Lake (or, to be precise, John Hendry Park) is the place to head for outdoor recreation: the picturesque park boasts beautiful mountain views on the northern end of the lake, a sandy beach and playground, easy paths for walking, biking, or taking the stroller, and a fantastic off-leash dog area for letting your mutt meet-and-greet, get wet, and just generally run wild.

Also in the park is the Trout Lake Community Centre, but as nearby-residents know, the Centre has been closed for a $21.2 million reconstruction. Finally, after many months of waiting, everyone can see the results of that $21.2 million: Saturday, February 18, is the grand (re) opening party for the Trout Lake Community Centre, and everyone is invited!

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New Trout Lake Community Centre Opens This Weekend, February 18

Winterruption 2012 Festival on Granville Island February 24 – 26

by Dana Lynch in Family Friendly on February 9, 2012

Winterruption Arts Festival at Granville Island

February 2012 is shaping up to be a month packed with things to do in Vancouver: This weekend is the inaugural City and Slope Festival (which includes Illuminate Yaletown), next week there are 10 Things to Do on Valentine’s Day, and at the end of February there’s the 7th annual Winterruption Festival on Granville Island.

Winterruption 2012 is a three-day festival loaded with all-ages fun. Celebrating both local and international artists of all disciplines, the festival has kids’ theatre and activities, art exhibitions from Granville Island’s many residents artists and artisans, live music presented by the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, and foodie events from Edible Canada. Basically, if you love food, theatre, music, and arts, they’ve got you covered.

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Winterruption 2012 Festival on Granville Island February 24 – 26

Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade – January 29, 2012

by Dana Lynch in Events on January 16, 2012

Of all the Vancouver Chinese New Year events celebrating the Year of the Dragon, there’s one that stands out from the rest: the annual Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade, one of the largest annual parades in the city.

Over 3,000 people take part in the Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade (as in: are actually part of the parade itself)! Featuring the largest assembly of traditional lion dance teams in Canada, the parade also boasts multicultural dance troupes, the Vancouver Police Department Motorcycle Drill Team, marching bands, and more. Every year, the parade draws over 50,000 spectators—it’s loads of free fun for all ages!

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Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade – January 29, 2012

Free Ice Skating at Robson Square Returns December 1

by Dana Lynch in Outside on November 15, 2011

Free Ice Skating at Robson Square

Since its re-opening for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, the Robson Square Ice Rink (located at 800 Robson Street, across from the Vancouver Art Gallery) has reclaimed its spot as a beloved Vancouver winter tradition. The open-air ice rink is the only spot for outdoor ice skating in Vancouver (the next nearest outdoor rink is on Grouse Mountain), and it’s completely free!

Weather permitting, the Robson Square Ice Rink’s 2011 grand opening will be December 1, 2011.

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Free Ice Skating at Robson Square Returns December 1

Canstruction Vancouver 2012: Incredible Can-Art Fundraiser for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank

New Trout Lake Community Centre Opens This Weekend, February 18

Winterruption 2012 Festival on Granville Island February 24 – 26

Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade – January 29, 2012

Free Ice Skating at Robson Square Returns December 1

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