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This year, explore Europe without the arduous security checks, annoying jetlag and high costs of air travel.  How?  The 15^th Annual European Festival at Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium on May 26^th offers the perfect way to celebrate and experience Europe at your doorstep.

Previously held at the Scandinavian Community Centre, this year’s festival proves to be bigger than ever with its new venue at Swangard Stadium, which offers thousands of covered seats in the Grand Stand from which to comfortably watch all the entertainment (just in case the weather gets a bit too hot or wet).

Representing the four “corners” of Europe, the festival brings together some 30 countries in this daylong cultural festival of food, fun and performances.  Some of the new participating countries at this year’s event are Azerbaijan and Slovenia.  France is also making a return to the festival after being away for several years.

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Posted in Annual, Events, Festivals, Performance | [ 1 Comment ]

Contest Opportunity

What is more uniquely Canadian than Street Hockey? We all experienced it, whether it be moving our rickety nets for passing cars, or digging through our neighbors lawns searching for our plastic orange ball; (hey, we only had one and they were like 2 bucks each at Wal-Mart), street hockey was a way for kids of all ages, and both genders to bond, and to learn to love the game of hockey. Continue reading →

Posted in Annual, Sports | [ No Comments ]

Contest Opportunity

Have you ever wanted to be a survival person? We all watch the Discovery Channel and look at these crazy guys with beards, wearing spandex, eating mushrooms from the ground and drinking rain water, and we think one of two things:

First, “I am really craving Doritos right now.” Then secondly, “I wonder if I could do that.”

Well, it may not be as hardcore as a Bear Grylls escapade, but the Atmosphere Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race, or MOMAR, is a great way to test your physical endurance and have fun with a large group of amateur adventurers. Continue reading →

Posted in Annual, Sports | [ 2 Comments ]

Step up and join millions of people and organizations around the world by turning off your electricity and electronics during the annual Earth Hour event on Saturday, March 31^st at 8:30pm.  Organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour is the largest environmental event in history, and is meant to raise awareness and take action about the effects of climate change.

So… no lights, no electricity, no electronics.  What’s a person to do for that long, dark hour?

Not to worry, Burnaby offers up a range of options and opportunities to help you pass the time – whether you’re opting for a night out or a night in.  Here are some “bright” activities and ideas for Earth Hour:

Enjoy a memorable and enchanting candlelit dinner at the Riverway Clubhouse.

Get unplugged at the Delta Grand Villa’s EBO Restaurant and Lounge, which will shut off its lights and turn on the music with an acoustic guitarist – and feature some tasty snacks and green drink specials made by Chef Dan Craig and his crew.  (Plates will also be shared that require no use of energy.)

Pack a picnic and make your way to Burnaby Mountain for some stargazing.  After all, when was the last time you tried looking for the North Star or the Big Dipper?

Take a walk around your neighbourhood and see what your neighbours have switched off.  While you’re at it, pack a thermos of coffee or tea (prepared in advance of Earth Hour, of course) to bring with you and share with your neighbours.

Camp at home by pitching a tent in your backyard or even inside your living room.  Throw some cushions down, cozy up with some blankets, share stories and relax with some hot chocolate.  You could even try roasting marshmallows by candlelight!

Here are some other fun activities and ideas for Earth Hour:

• Fondue!  A fun and delicious meal… and no electricity required.
• Play charades and board games by candlelight.
• Enjoy a family dinner by candlelight.
• Have a candle-lit bath.  (Even more fun with two!)
• Prepare and feast on a raw food dinner with your family / friends.
• Host a wine tasting with your friends.
• Read books to your kids by flashlight.  (They’ll love it.)
• Lastly, take that well-deserved nap.  (It’s a win-win: conserve your own energy while helping our planet do the same.)

For more information on this worldwide environmental movement, visit Earth Hour.

Share some of your suggestions for Earth Hour in the comments section below!

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Start planning your Valentine’s Day in Burnaby! Treat yourself to one of these special nights out. Sample set menus from Reflect Social Dining + Lounge, Hart House Restaurant, Tivoli’s and more!

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Posted in Annual, Restaurants | [ 1 Comment ]

Chinese New Year events return to Burnaby later this month. Stop by the usual events, grab some Chinese food, or try something new!

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Posted in Annual, Kid Friendly, Metrotown, Restaurants, The Heights & North Burnaby | [ No Comments ]

If you’re itching to get your Christmas spirit on early, look no further than Burnaby Village Museum’s Heritage Christmas, complete with carols, photos with Santa and perhaps even a run-in with the roaming ginger snap! I visited the museum this past Sunday afternoon for a little peek into the festivities, with hot chocolate and camera in hand, I was feeling jollier by the minute.

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Posted in Annual, Central Burnaby & Deer Lake Park, Kid Friendly | [ No Comments ]

In case you couldn’t tell by the Christmas music and those seasonal red coffee cups, the Holiday season is fast approaching… Enjoy some of Burnaby’s annual favourites from Santa’s appearances throughout the city to the Burnaby Village Museum’s Heritage Christmas featuring its first free year. Continue reading →

Posted in Annual, Kid Friendly, Uncategorized | [ No Comments ]

Halloween might mean its time to gorge on bite-sized chocolate bars but it’s also time for some annual favourites in Burnaby. Go trick-or-treating in the Heights, spook yourself at the Burnaby Village Museum’s Haunted Village or take a late night stroll among the Haunted Mansions. Try something new this year with SFU’s carved pumpkin contest and save those pumpkin seeds! Plan your Halloween in Burnaby and be sure to enter to win tickets to this year’s Burnaby Village Museum Haunted Village!

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Posted in Annual, Central Burnaby & Deer Lake Park, Contest, Kid Friendly, Metrotown | [ No Comments ]

k.d. lang.  For many, the promise of hearing this iconic artist sing live and in person is enough of a draw.  But, as usual (and for the past 11 years), the Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival offers so much more.  Though k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang was the headlining act at this year’s Blues Festival, lang was joined by some of the world’s most talented blues and roots musicians from around the world.
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Posted in Annual, Art, Central Burnaby & Deer Lake Park, Concerts, Festivals, Kid Friendly | [ No Comments ]