Instead of making my resolutions on New Years Day, I hold off until the last week of January. After many years of trying, I’ve learned that it’s just not realistic to expect my New Years resolutions to stick until I’ve devoured the very last crumb from my Grandpa’s famous (and enormous) Christmas cake. Now that it’s all gone, here are my resolutions for 2008:
1. Stop using plastic bags at the grocery store. Sounds easy enough, except I keep forgetting the new cloth bags at home. Balancing a carton of milk, eggs, two loaves of bread, juice, and cereal in my arms for six blocks isn’t fun.
2. Spend more time with my family and friends. So far, so good.
3. Learn something new each month about the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region.
Little did I know how easy #3 would be! When we asked our partners to send in details of their 2008 festivals, we were inundated with fabulous events I never knew existed. Did you know there’s a women-only winter festival where spas and shops open just for the ladies? Or, an environmentally friendly festival where creativity and ‘green’ materials are used to transform 4 ft. plywood salmon into works of art? In 2008 I’ll be hitting a new festival each month – with my friends and cloth bag at my side. Hope to see you there!
Sorry boys! This festival’s just for the girls. Whistler’s annual Women’s Week festival is back. From March 1-9, 2008, women are invited to Whistler to experience, indulge and celebrate womanhood. Take part in women’s ski/snowboard camps, spa evenings, parties, and exclusive ladies-only shopping nights where some of Whistler’s best shops close their doors to men. This year the motto is “whatever happens in Whistler stays in Whistler,” so be prepared to have fun! www.whistlerblackcomb.com/women/index.htm
Here’s a festival that you truly have to see to believe. From April 12-27, 2008, over 40 acres of tulip fields in a kaleidoscope of colours will be open for public viewing during the second annual Tulips of the Valley Festival in Agassiz. Whether you’re an avid gardener, a photographer, or you simply love tulips, you’ll enjoy walking through the 20-plus varieties and colours of tulips. Last year’s event attracted top photographers from around the world. The Tulips of the Valley is also part of the Agassiz Circle Farm Tour, so you can enjoy a full day discovering the beauty of spring in the Fraser Valley. Bring your family, friends and - of course - your camera! www.tulipsofthevalley.com
Whoever imagined a festival where barrels are thrown off a bridge and into the mighty Fraser River sure knew how to have a good time. The Fraser River Barrel Race is the Fraser Canyon’s not-to-be-missed family-friendly festival. Festivities begin Sunday, May 4, 2008 with breakfast at Hell’s Gate, where each family member can enter the Barrel Race Draw to try their luck at picking the winning barrel. After breakfast, the barrels are launched into the Fraser River to begin their journey down the wild canyon waters to the finish line at Yale. The event ends with a festive BBQ, where the winners are announced and prizes are awarded! www.hellsgateairtram.com
Adrenalin-loving mountain bikers will be pumped by this summer’s second annual BC Bike Race. From June 28-July 4, 2008, discover BC’s world-class mountain bike trails on an epic seven-day journey from Victoria to Whistler. In addition to the challenge of the ride, BC Bike Race is about experiencing the scenery, culture, people, and tastes along the way. You’ll wind through nine beautiful west coast communities, including Powell River, Sechelt, Hoseshoe Bay and Squamish. There race is open to 150 teams of 2 and 20 teams of 4, so sign up quickly! www.bcbikerace.com
BC may be best known for its natural beauty, but it’s also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene. From August 1-30, 2008, residents and visitors alike will enjoy taking part in the BC Cultural Crawl - a celebration and exploration of the arts, culture and heritage of over 70 communities throughout the province. Take in art-walks, studio tours, exhibitions, performance arts, festivals and culinary delights on this month long crawl as you discover super, cultural BC! www.art-bc.com
The most delicious festival of the summer is Surrey’s Blueberry Festival, held in Cloverdale’s historic town centre on August 16, 2008. This unique event is one the whole family will enjoy. Featuring crowd-pleasing entertainers, delicious blueberry dishes, and a chance to learn about this antioxidant enriched fruit, it’s the best way to beat the summer blues! www.cloverdalebia.com
If the environment is a hot topic for you, you’ll enjoy the Gibsons Landing Salmon Festival. Exciting, eccentric, and environmental, the Gibsons Landing Salmon Festival is a community art and education event that features music, art, food, and activities promoting environmental education. In September 2008, over 150 professional and amateur artists from age 6 to 80 are given a 4 ft. plywood salmon that’s ready for decoration. Using their creativity, imagination, and as many ‘green’ materials as possible, the plywood salmons are turned into beautiful works of art. www.gibsonslandingbc.com
