Summer in the West End means two exciting events come to my doorstep: the four nights of the”Celebration of Light” fireworks shows, and topping the month off, the Pride Parade. This year was a special one for me, as for the first time since I moved up here, my Mom was in town during both these events and able to see in person what I had been raving about. This year’s parade was particularly special – not only was there a record crowd, but the overall vibe just seemed to be set to extra-joyous. There was a time I’d have told you I was getting a little jaded about the Pride Parade, but this year – maybe because of my special guest – it seemed even more fun than ever. 

Of course, the usual elements were all in place, without which it just isn’t a Pride Parade. I mentally checked them off in order as the procession went by:

• Dykes on Bikes
• The Knights of Malta (who are these folks exactly and why do they always lead the parade? Must google…)
• Politicians galore: Jack Layton and Carole James, Adriane Carr, Tim Stephenson, Gregor Robertson (courting the rollerblader vote!), Mayor Sam Sullivan, and Hedy Fry
• Disco classics (“I Willl Survive”, “Knock on Wood” – but no “YMCA” this year… shocking!)
• Cross-dressing extraordinaire (this year: bathing beauties and stewardesses)
• Dancing boys (and girls) on nightclub floats
• Great signs
• Topless women
• Bottomless men

Check out my photos and enjoy the sights of Pride!

Well, after 14 years of West End living, this was the first year I received not one, but two invitations to enjoy the annual fireworks extravaganza from a lofty vantage point. The highlight had to be the final night, when I viewed the show from a friend’s 15th-floor balcony directly across Beach Avenue from the fireworks barge. It was a remarkable perspective on the event and a real thrill. I’ve posted my best photos – have a look!

Hey everyone! They’re going to show the legendary “musical episode” of Buffy the Vampire Slayer at the Cinematheque, on the 27th at 1pm (and the 30th at 8pm but I can’t attend that one).

If you’d like to join me, let me know. And be sure to buy your ticket early – you can do it online here!

More info, and alternate ticket sources, here.

Hope to see you there!

A must-see event in Vancouver – a home-grown, non-corporate cornucopia of creativity! View the Flickr photo album.

Incongruously located on an otherwise unremarkable block directly across from the police station, I was lucky enough to be invited inside as part of a group viewing a demonstration of the Figaro seat-back titling system, being considered for the Pantages Theatre as part of its restoration. The decor is minimalist Asian luxury, and quite stunning. It was a treat to get to see this new hidden treasure. Thanks to Flickr, you can take a tour as well.

I was biking downtown and noticed a dreaded Development Application on the site of the Homer Building and the adjacent ramshackle house. It says the (heritage) Homer will be retained, but who knows if it will just be (literally) a shell of its former self. The house will surely be toast. I caught some views of both in their current state, for posterity.

I suspect the Homer Cafe, with its humble Arborite-and-linoleum ambience and its cheap and cheerful diner fare, will be the first victim of the overhaul though. So in the interest of new experiences (and in filling my growling belly), I headed in.

VIEW THE SLIDESHOW

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