BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for November 6 – 12

Mimi is a true tale about a murderous young Marquise in 18th-century Paris

What to do in BC this week

See Mimi (or A Poisoner’s Comedy)
 – November 3-7
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street meets Dangerous Liaisons in Mimi (or A Poisoner’s Comedy), a true tale about a murderous young Marquise in 18th-century Paris. But don’t think you’re in for a downer because this madcap musical, which debuted last fall in Toronto, is more slapstick than scary, with critics describing it as a wickedly funny “bon bon” of a show. So if you’re up for some French farce, catch this travelling production at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts (6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby) from November 3 to 7 then at Firehall Arts Centre (280 E. Cordova St., Vancouver) from November 10 to 20. For more information or tickets, call 
604-709-9973 or visit Touchstone Theatre.

Attend the SuperWomen & Friends Gala – November 6
Just because we’ve realized it’s impossible to be Superwoman doesn’t mean that we can’t all be super women. That’s where the third annual SuperWomen & Friends Gala comes in, offering a night full of networking opportunities that will allow you to explore a Sea of Possibilities, the theme of the November 6 bash at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel (900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver). What’s in store? Think femme-oriented festivities in the form of fashion, makeovers and prizes, with funds raised benefiting the Women in Leadership Foundation’s mentorship program. Tickets for the event, running from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., are $175 per person.

Stock up at the Baker’s Market – November 6
Too busy to bake? Get your fix of homemade fare at the Baker’s Market, called the “sweetest event in Vancouver.” This farmers’ market-style fair lives up to its billing, too, with a selection of sweet and savoury baked goods prepared by passionate foodies from around the Lower Mainland. Bring your own containers, and stock up on everything from cakes and cookies to pies and pastries, on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until December 11. And cupcake lovers, check out the Cupcake Eating Contest on November 6 — the $10 entry fee goes to support BC Women’s Hospital. Find the market at #115-408 E. Kent Ave. S., Vancouver.

Check out Bellingham ComiCon – November 6
Think it’s just kids who read comics? You’ll be in for a surprise, then, at the second annual Bellingham ComiCon, attracting aficionados of all ages to Ferndale Events Center (5715 Barrett Road, Ferndale, Washington) to meet comic-book kings Erik Larsen, creator of Savage Dragon and Stephen Sadowski, cartoonist for Marvel and DC, as well as some of the talent behind The Simpsons, Futurama and Darkhorse. There’s also a marketplace stocked with comics, graphic novels, action figures and magic cards, plus you’ll have a chance to win the grand door prize — a Spider-Man promo poster signed by Stan “The Man” Lee. Admission is $6 per person, and free for kids aged 7 and under.

Smash Your Leftover Pumpkin – November 6-7
Now that you’re done with the Monster Mash for another year, it’s time for the sixth annual Great Pumpkin Smash, taking place in Victoria on November 6 and 7. Rather than just toss your gourd into the garbage, this earth-friendly fling teaches kids about composting through family-friendly games and activities while diverting about 13 tonnes of jack-o-lanterns from the landfill each year. Pack along your pumpkins and catch it on Saturday at Thrifty Foods (3475 Quadra Street & 1590 Fairfield Road) then again on Sunday at the 1580 Hillside Avenue location, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Attend a Fashionable Fundraiser
 – November 7
How fitting that a fundraiser for the Canadian Diabetes Association, a disease in which sufferers have elevated blood sugar, is called Ain’t She Sweet. Held on November 7 at Hycroft Manor (1489 McRae Ave., Vancouver), this stylin’ soiree features fab food, wine and a silent auction, along with a vintage fashion show hosted by costume historian Ivan Sayers, who’ll lead an entertaining talk about top trends from the Roaring Twenties and Dirty Thirties. Catch it from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with tickets available for $50 by calling Sandra at 604-732-1331, ext. 242, or emailing aintshesweet00@gmail.com.


Take Part in Remembrance Day Ceremonies – November 11

Lest we forget the folks who fought for our freedom, they’ll be honoured on November 11 at Vancouver’s largest annual Remembrance Day ceremony and parade at Victory Square (between Cambie and Hamilton streets), starting at 10:30 a.m. But be forewarned: It’s usually standing-room only at the Cenotaph, so pin on your poppy and get there early to secure your spot. Can’t make it downtown? Remembrance Day events are happening all over the Lower Mainland, including at the Surrey Cenotaph (17710 56A Ave.), Richmond City Hall (No. 3 Road and Granville) and the Port Moody Royal Canadian Legion (2513 Clarke St.). For more details, call the Vancouver Board of Parks & Recreation at 604-873-7011.

Tempt Your Taste Buds at Cornucopia – November 11-14
Whether you’re an Epicurean or just epicurious, you’ll find plenty to tempt your taste buds at Cornucopia, a celebration of wine and food, taking place from November 11 to 14 at various venues throughout Whistler Village. It’s all about indulgence, with a jam-packed agenda that includes expert-led wine seminars, tasting events, after-parties and lavish meals, including a five-course winemakers’ dinner at Araxi (4222 Village Gate Square) on November 12. Check out the deals on accommodation, too, starting from $99 at several Whistler hotels, including Crystal Lodge, The Westin, Summit and Evolution. For more info, call 1-800-944-7853.


Take a Celebrity Chef Cooking Class – until November 22

Leave it to the creative minds behind Vancouver’s Arts Club Theatre Company to cook up a clever idea for a fundraiser. Until November 22, the Celebrity Chef Cooking Classes pair expert-led instruction with great wine in gorgeous private homes around the city. Starting with a glass of bubbly, the three-hour classes include a chance to get hands-on in the kitchen as a renowned local chef shows you the ropes while dishing out culinary wisdom, tricks of the trade and even a few kitchen horror stories. Next up is chef Alain Rayé of La Régalade on November 10, with tickets priced at $125 per person, including a $50 tax receipt. For more details, call Christine at 604-687-5315 ext. 248.

Shop at Scoop – until November 30
All good things must come to an end. And, unfortunately, that will also be the case with The Latest Scoop (2239 W. 4 Ave., Vancouver) when it closes up shop after an exclusive six-week run on November 30. But you’ve still got from now until then to check out this stylin’ pop-up store that sells rackfuls of fabulous fashion along with a selection of trendy décor for your digs. The best part about it? Scoop’s merchandise is always changing, so it will feel like a new store every time you visit. Drop by Mondays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. and Sundays from noon.

Check out Hockey Night at Sweeney’s – until January 12

What’s better than Hockey Night in Canada? Definitely hockey night in Yaletown, where you can swing by Sweeney’s (1091 Hamilton St., Vancouver) for a three-course pre- or post-game meal priced at $25 per person, exclusive of taxes and tip. On home-game nights, chef Glenn Sounders will be slow-roasting mustard-crusted sirloin tip, served with sweet potato flan, vegetables, salad, dessert and a shot of Jameson Whiskey. And if the Canucks win, be sure to toast the team with an inventive premium cocktail, or local or international beer or wine. Check it out from 5 p.m. 
to 11 p.m. until January 12.


Book a Luxury Stay at the King Pacific Lodge – now
You wouldn’t think that a three-night hotel stay costing $2,950 per person is exactly a steal of a deal. But that’s the word from King Pacific Lodge, tucked in northern BC’s Great Bear Rainforest, just south of Prince Rupert. After being recently named the No. 1 resort in Canada by readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine, the luxury wilderness lodge, accessible only by float plane, is offering this “exceptional rate” solely to Canadian eco-tourists. Representing a $2- to $4-thousand discount off normal room rates, the deal includes round-trip flights from Vancouver, gourmet meals and adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures. For more information, or to book, call 888-592-5464.

Originally published in TV Week. For daily updates, subscribe to the free TV Week e-newsletter, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.