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This week in BC: Boogie down at the HSBC City of Bhangra Festival, purchase fine local food at the Artisan Farmers Markets, cycle out to Buchart Gardens, and more
Heading to Hats Off Day? Before you toss your topper, you should know that this summer street party doesn’t have a hoot to do with hats but everything to do with tipping a cap to Burnaby Heights merchants and shoppers. And you don’t have to hail from the ’hood to party hearty at this multi-culti community carnival on June 1 because everyone’s welcome to stake out a spot at the street parade or enjoy the food, music and all-ages fun, including a vintage show ’n’ shine for the grown-ups and interactive activities for the kids. Check it out along Hastings Street, between Boundary Road and Gamma Avenue, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Name notwithstanding, the Oak Bay Tea Party doesn’t really have a toss to do with tea. Sure, the festivities at this Victoria-based bash include a Tetley Tea tent, but we’re betting you’ll be too busy to tip a cup when you’re tempted by other in-your-face options like a beachfront barbecue, bathtub races and carnival rides, along with live music, a food fair and a military air show. Catch it on June 1 and 2, starting with a Tea Party Parade wending from Windsor Park to Willows Park at 10:30 a.m.
Longevity not in your genes? Don’t despair: You can still take steps towards a long and healthy life at The Centenarian Shuffle, taking place on June 2 at Vancouver’s Second Beach in Stanley Park. And whether you’re already in the three-digit demographic — or just hoping to make it that far — you can get moving in the right direction on either a 5-km or 10-km walk, held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. And be sure to stick around afterward for an outdoor health fair at Ceperley Park, with proceeds supporting InspireHealth.
Kids + cancer = every parent’s worst nightmare. Join the fight against this devastating disease by participating in the 28th annual HSBC ChildRun for BC Children’s Hospital on June 2, starting at 9 a.m. Over 4,000 people are expected to take part in this fun 5K or 1K trek, which helps fund childhood cancer research and programs. After the race, which starts and ends at the RCMP parking lot at 4949 Heather Street in Vancouver, be sure to stick around to enjoy a community carnival.
All aboard! Thomas-loving tots are in for trainloads of fun at West Coast Railway Heritage Park (39645 Government Rd, Squamish) this month. That’s because the loveable locomotive is set to chug into the station on June 1 and 2 then again on June 8 and 9 to whisk kids off on a Day Out With Thomas, a 25-minute train ride that includes oodles of onboard entertainment, with departures taking place every half-hour from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To most Western ears, bhangra doesn’t have the name recognition factor as, say, rock, roots or rap. But maybe the HSBC City of Bhangra Festival, taking place from May 30 to June 8, will help change your tune. This 10-day musical mash-up, held at venues throughout downtown Vancouver and Surrey, features performers from around the world set to entertain audiences with everything from interactive workshops and demos to gala parties and even a free June 8 concert at the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza.
Whether you’re a serious cyclist or just a weekend road warrior, gearing up for the RONA MS Bike Tour means you’ll be among thousands of Canadians putting pedal to the metal in the fight against multiple sclerosis. Big-hearted bicyclists can sign up for the June 1 and 2 Fraser Valley Grape Escape, a rural route that pit-stops at local wineries along the way. Can’t make it? You’ve got two more chances to enjoy a Grape Escape on July 6 and 7 in the Cowichan Valley and on September 14 and 15 in the Okanagan, with proceeds supporting research and vital services for people living with MS.
If you are what you eat, be prepared to meet your maker at the Artisan Farmers Markets. Open on selected dates until the end of October, these food fairs sell only the best of B.C.’s bounty — handpicked and sold by the growers and producers themselves. But it’s not just a food-focused affair: you’ll also find booths full of artisan-made bath products, jewellery and home accessories. Check it out at Burnaby City Hall on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Ambleside Market in West Vancouver on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Without a doubt, the Butchart Gardens are Victoria’s most visited landmark. But did you know the site is easily accessible by bike? Until October, CycleTreks (1000 Wharf St) is rolling out a self-guided tour that begins with one-way transportation to the Gardens for a morning visit, after which you’ll journey back to Victoria aboard a Rocky Mountain bike, pedalling through Central Saanich, scenic countryside and the Lochside Trail along the way. Cost for this three- to four-hour, 36-km tour is $94 per person, and includes equipment rentals and admission to the Gardens.
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea,” wrote Henry James in The Portrait of a Lady. The sentiment still holds true today and, lucky for Vancouverites, we can recreate the English teahouse experience at Adonia Kerrisdale Tea House (2057 W. 41st Ave). Choose from more than 70 premium loose-leaf varieties from around the world, plus dainty finger sandwiches, scones and pastries, with vegan and gluten-free options available. To book, call 604-261-0049.
Originally published in TVW. For daily programming updates and on-screen Entertainment news, subscribe to the free TVW e-newsletters, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.