Sandra Thomas
Staff writer
Ever wonder how they get those tiny bands on hummingbirds, what the VPD’s Mounted Unit’s stables look like, or how to lawn bowl?
The answers to those questions about happenings in Stanley Park and more will be answered this weekend during the biggest party ever held at the iconic green space.
Celebrate! Stanley Park takes place Aug. 24 and 25 with more than 200 events happening at five main festival sites to mark the city’s 125th birthday. The weekend has something for everyone including music, children’s entertainment and activities, nature walks, sports, drinks and more.
Vision Vancouver park board chair Sarah Blyth is excited about the weekend and plans on attending with her son.
“I’m looking forward to watching everyone have a good time,” said Blyth.
She added the 2012 Voices in the Park fundraising concert starring Sarah McLachlan acted as good practice for this weekend’s festival, expected to draw more than 40,000 visitors per day.
“We’ve been planning this for more than a year,” said Blyth. “I think it’s really important that the city hold these free, family-friendly events once in a while to give people a chance to have some fun.”
The following are some of the highlights of each festival site:
Second Beach
The Juno-award winning Arkells will headline a list of musical performances including the Born Ruffians, the Matinee, Ali Milner, and the Washboard Union. Second Beach is also where the Stanley Park Ecological Society will stage nature walks. The park’s lawn bowling and pitch and putt centres are nearby.
Family Fun at the Arch
Lumberman’s Arch is where the kids will enjoy family-friendly entertainment like Bobs and Lolo, Will Stroet and the Backyard Band, Music with Marnie and the Legion of Flying Monkeys Horn Orchestra. The Purple Pirate is a must see, as are the Vancouver Korean Dance Society, the Ta Daa Lady, the Nylon Zoo and Vancouver Pars National Ballet.
Memory Lane at the Gardens
This festival zone, located near the Rose Garden, is where you can watch an expert band, a hummingbird or walk with the Indigenous Plant Diva who will lead visitors through trails, sharing stories about the use of traditional food and medicine plants by Coast Salish peoples. Memory Lane is the location of a vintage car display and is adjacent to the VPD’s stables where tours will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. A historical interpreter will explain how Vancouver’s active women found freedom in the park on Brockton Point’s grass hockey field, on the archery range, while boating in the harbour, or trotting on horseback. Theatre Under The Stars looks back at its 67-year history in Stanley Park with backstage tours of Malkin Bowl.
Brockton Sportsapalooza
This is the area to enjoy rugby and cricket games while enjoying a cold beverage in one of the two licensed areas of the park, with combined seating of 1,000. The Brockton Sportsapalooza festival zone is dedicated to all things sports so be prepared to work up a sweat.
Lost Lagoon’s Ecoharmony
Glittering Kingdom, Late Thaw and City Opera are a few of the acts performing on the Lost Lagoon stage. Check out a vintage car display, art, Ruffle RedBird and programs at the Stanley Park Ecological Society Nature House.
For a complete schedule of events and advice on how to get to Stanley Park this weekend, visit vancouver.ca.
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