Adera Developments, who brought Zen to Surrey and Breeze to South Surrey, are hosting a Valentine’s fundraising event for a local cause.

On Sunday, February 12, 2012 you can bring your beloved four-legged friend to their Breeze show suite and get your photo taken together by a professional photographer when you donate to the Surrey SPCA.

Date Sunday, February 12, 2012
Hours 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Location Breeze Sales Centre Grandview Corners
#20-2215 160th St at 24th Ave, Surrey

The Surrey SPCA was selected since it was closed months last year due to a ring worm outbreak. The centre now needs extra support to manage a large backlog of adoptable animals.

To promote this event, Adera has offered up a $75 gift card for Three Dog Bakery for me to give away to a reader. Three Dog Bakery uses natural ingredients like honey, oatmeal, molasses, and whole wheat flour, to bake wholesome snacks for your canine companion. Their Lower Mainland locations are in Port Moody (#11 201 Morrissey Road) and Vancouver (4548 West 10th Ave). Here’s how you can enter to win the gift card:

• Leave a comment here about a dog (or pet) that has touched your life (1 entry)
• Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

I will draw one winner at 10:00am next Wednesday, February 8, 2012.

Update The winner is Cindy KS!

Earlier this month the Rio Theatre obtained their liquor license so that they could host 19+ events (performances, comedy, concerts) with bar service. The celebration was short-lived as they soon realized that they could no longer also screen movies, at any time of day, if they had that license in place. The movie house had to shut down its projectors and as a result, the community has rallied in support of the Rio to hopefully change the out-dated provincial liquor laws.

Save the Rio East Van All Stars Variety Show
Burlesque, comedy, spoken word, music and magic hosted By Kitty Night’s The Purrrfessor
When: Friday, February 3, 2012 doors at 8:00pm, show at 9:00pm
Performers: Burgundy Brixx, April O’Peel, Lydia DeCarllo, Rita Star, Callio P Cock, Duncan Shields, Taylor Harp and more.
Tickets: By donation or available online in advance (select your price)

A Legion of Stand-up Comedians Have Come to Save the RIO!
What: A night of comedy hosted by by Patrick Maliha
When: Saturday, February 4, 2012 doors at 7:00pm
Comics: Carter Hortie, Ivan Decker, Art Factora, Sean Emery and Damonde Tschritter, plus special guest Graham Clark
Tickets: $10 at the door $8 in advance online

Photo credit: Urban Mixer on Flickr – UrbanMixer.com

Find our more about the Rio’s plan of action online and follow @RioTheatre on Twitter for updates. These are both licensed events, must be 19+ to attend. Please enjoy responsibly and plan a safe trip home.

The Rize development in Mount Pleasant has committed to providing space for the community, local retailers, and showcasing area artists. Throughout the months of January and February 2012, they are hosting an exhibit called 5 that will showcase the works of Linda Suffidy, Emmanuel Buenviaje, Thibault Sendra, Salvador Nunez, and Raven Sto.

Photo credit: Emmanuel Buenviaje on Flickr

On now until February 11th, you can stop by to check out the photography of Emmanuel Buenviaje Emmanuel focused, fittingly, on the Mount Pleasant area for this exhibit. “I wanted to push and explore the practice of photo documentary towards a personal visual language. With a graphic design background, I rely on sound design principles where colour, composition and play become one.”

It’s free to visit the 5 exhibit which is open Tuesday to Saturdays from 11:00am to 5:00pm at 196 Kingsway at East 10th.

Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada will be live from Prince Edward Island on the CBC February 11, 2012. Starting at 11:00am, the Edmonton Oilers will face the Ottawa Senators, the Jets will play the Penguins, the Habs will fight the Leafs, and the Vancouver Canucks will face-off with the Calgary Flames at 7:00pm.

Photo credit: John Biehler on Flickr

Last year I sent John Biehler up to cover Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada in Whitehorse and between the banquet, concerts, alumni, and outdoor activities, I think he had a pretty great time. Aside from the Canadian match-ups, there will be satellite events across the country to celebrate hockey. These include festivities in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan; Windsor, Nova Scotia; Montreal, Quebec; Thunder Bay, Ontario; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and Richmond, BC. Each event is hosted by a CBC personality and will focus on community hockey, organizations, and initiatives.

Photo credit: John Biehler on Flickr

Around here, the Richmond Olympic Oval will be the place to be. They’ll have free admission, an NHL Hall of Fame exhibit, NHL trophies, games, live entertainment, and a chance to meet the Canucks’ mascot Fin along with Trevor Linden. There will also be giants screens to watch the CBC games, a day-long hockey jamboree on twin Olympic-sized ice sheets, a public road hockey tournament, hockey skills zone, and prize giveaways including a trip to Japan.

Mark this down in your calendar as a fun, free day in Richmond with the hockey lovers in your family. Catch all the Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada action at the oval from 10:30am to 10:00pm on February 11th.

Update February 7, 2012: I have been offered 3 prize packs to give away to readers in honour of Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada. The prize packs include a Scotiabank Hockey Club bag, jersey, water bottle, puck, toque, scarf and mitts. Here’s how you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment naming your favourite Canadian hockey player of all time (1 entry)
• Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

I will draw 3 winners tomorrow, Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 12:00pm so we can try to get the prize packs out before the weekend.

Update The winners are Val, Brandon, and @ksceviour!

This winter the City and Slope festival will tie in adventures on our local mountains with interactive events downtown. From February 9 to 12, 2012, you can enjoy live concerts, attractions, and snow-filled action on the hills.

City

Illuminate Yaletown: Light displays, music, and more in this heritage district.

Science World Light Show: Nightly on the dome.

Museum of Vancouver: Check out the Neon Vancouver / Ugly Vancouver exhibit.

Slope

Mount Seymour: Enjoy “80s Day” on Sunday, February 12th. Dress up and enter to win some great prizes.

Grouse Mountain: Enjoy 24 hours of winter at Grouse as it stays open February 11th straight through to February 12th. Sunset and sunrise snowshoe tours, live DJ’s, nighttime ziplining, and hitting the slopes at 3:00am, if you like.

Cypress Mountain: It was 2 years ago that Cypress welcomed the world and was home to Canada’s first Olympic gold medal. They’re bringing the excitement back in a Vancouver 2010 anniversary celebration Friday, February 10th.

Visitors can build a weekend package (hotel stay and activities) from $218. A full schedule is posted online including information about the Hey Ocean, Benny Benassi, Alesso, Ko, Kevin Scott, and Dave Aude performances.

To promote City and Slope, I’ve been offered 2 passes for Grouse Mountain to give away. The winner can use these anytime this season and even during City and Slope’s “24 Hours of Grouse”. Here’s how you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment on this post naming a City and Slope event (1 entry)
• Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

I will draw one winner at random from all entries next Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 11:00am. Follow City and Slope on Twitter and Facebook for more information and event listings.

Update The winner is @alicejhwong!

Illuminate Yaletown returns next month as the historic streets of Yaletown host a winter festival complete with dazzling installations. Light art exhibits will be glowing between Drake and Nelson, on Mainland and Hamilton Streets once the sun sets on February 10th and 11th.

Photo credit: [travelfox] on Flickr – Submitted to the Miss604 Flickr Pool

Illuminate Yaletown utilizes advanced video and lighting technology that is both cutting edge and power smart. Showcasing the latest technological and environmental advancements in the lighting and power generation, this light show has the ability to awe the audience with its brilliance. Illuminate Yaletown is an event that can speak to the use of renewable power sources, cleaner generation technologies as well as more efficient light technologies.

Photo credit: Matzuda on Flickr – Submitted to the Miss604 Flickr Pool

Photo credit: Adam Nowek & mountainhiker on Flickr – Submitted to the Miss604 Flickr Pool

The event is free to attend and explore and will host a photo competition on Flickr. Add your photos to the Illuminate Yaletown group and tag them with “Vancouver” and “Yaletown”.

Illuminate Yaletown is a part of City and Slope that will take place around Vancouver February 9 to 11, 2012, tying in events on the local mountains with festivities in town.

The Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) will be rung in on Monday, January 23, 2012. Vancouver has a very strong and very proud Chinese heritage so it comes as no surprise that there is a wide variety of festive celebrations happening around the region.

Photo credit: PiscesDreamer on Flickr

I was about to put together my own list but found that Dianne Chow of Fabulously in Frugal Vancouver already published a great event post. Here are my picks from her list along with a few of my own recommendations:

Richmond
Location: International Buddhist Temple, Richmond (9160 Steveston Hwy)
Date: Wednesday, January 18 to Monday, January 23, 2012
Event: Visitors can enjoy flower arrangements, foods, gift items, and more. On Chinese New Year’s Eve (January 22), the Temple will be open for its late night festivities until 1:00am. At midnight there will be a large group ceremony to bless all sentient beings. A vegetarian luncheon will take place on January 23 to celebrate the arrival of the new lunar year. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Event Website

Location: Aberdeen Centre, Richmond (4151 Hazelbridge Way)
Date: Sunday, January 22 to Monday, January 23, 2012
Hours: Mall Hours (fair runs until 12:30am on January 22nd)
Event: On New Year’s Eve there will be a countdown spectacular by Fairchild Radio with a live television special on Fairchild TV. The following day there will be a golden dragon and lion dance at 11:00am in the courtyard.
Event Website

Location: Aberdeen Centre, Richmond (4151 Hazelbridge Way)
Date: Saturday, January 28 to Sunday, January 29, 2012
Hours: 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Event: Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair with presentations from the BC Chinese Music Association, Vancouver Academy of Dance, BC Zhong Yang Music Association, Colors of Dance Academy
Event Website

Location: Landsowne Centre (5300 No.3 Road)
Date: Sunday, January 22, 2012
Hours: 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Event: Celebrations with a lion dance, martial arts, Chinese opera, karaoke, and more.
Event Website

Photo credit: kennymatic on Flickr

Burnaby
Location: Lougheed Town Centre (Austin Ave & North Road)
Date: Saturday, January 21, 2012
Hours: From 10:30am
Event: Lion dance and variety of other festivities
Event Website

Location: Brentwood Town Centre (4567 Lougheed Hwy)
Date: Saturday, January 21, 2012
Hours: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Event: Lion dance, crafts, blessing of merchants.
Event Website

Location: Metropolis at Metrotown Grand Court
Date: Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Hours: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Event: Lion dance, merchant blessing and more.
Event Website

Surrey
Location: Central City Shopping Centre (10153 King George Blvd)
Date: Sunday, January 23, 2012
Hours: Mall hours (11:00am to 6:00pm)
Event: Visit T&T Supermarket and Forum Home Appliances for specials and enjoy the sidewalk sale.
Event Website

West Vancouver
Location: Park Royal South Centre Court
Date: Saturday, January 21, 2012
Hours: 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Event: Traditional Lion’s Dance, Cosmological Tai Chi, and music. The first 100 guests will get a red envelope with some “lucky money” to spend at Park Royal.
Event Website

Vancouver
Location: Floata Restaurant (#400 – 180 Keefer St)
Date: Sunday, January 22, 2012
Hours: 5:00pm (doors) 6:00pm (dinner)
Event: Gung Haggis Fat Choy: Robbie Burns Day meets the Chinese New Year in a banquet celebration.
Event Link

Location: International Village (88 West Pender)
Date: Friday, January 27 to Sunday, January 29, 2012
Hours: 12:00pm to 10:00pm, 7:00pm on Sunday
Event: Entertainment, hourly “lucky draws”, merchant blessing, and more.
Event Website

Location: Oakridge Mall, West Galleria
Date: Saturday, January 28, 2012
Hours: 10:00am to 12:30pm
Event: Chinese New Year 6th Lucky Lunar Day of Celebrations with Lion Dance stage performance and luck blessings.
Event Website

Location: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden
Date: Sunday, January 29, 2012
Hours: 10:00am to 4:30pm with a preview on Saturday from 1:00pm to 4:30pm
Event: Year of the Dragon Temple Fair: A Hot & Noisy Affair. Live music, food, and entertainment. Entrance by donation.
Event Link

Location: Millennium Gate, Chinatown
Date: Sunday, January 29, 2012
Hours: Begins at 12:00pm
Event: Chinese New Year parade, downtown’s largest celebration.
Event Website

In the last 6 months we’ve had a Vancouver Cupcake Challenge, Bake for the Quake, Vancouver Cupcake Bike Ride, and now the city will see the return of the Vancouver Cupcake Throwdown.

Photo credit: Mandy_Jansen on Flickr – Submitted to the Miss604 Flickr Pool.

This annual event will take place February 16, 2012 at The Chapel and will benefit H.A.V.E. Culinary Training Society in the Downtown Eastside. H.A.V.E. “has been changing lives by training and placing employment barriered individuals in BC Restaurant and Food Association sanctioned kitchens since 2007.” This non-profit hosts a cafe that serves breakfast and lunch, and they do catering as well.

I received an email from the event’s organizer, Stephanie, who said she’s having a hard time recruiting bakers. I’d love to help her get more challengers for this event that supports such a worth cause. If you’re a cupcake baker (just at home or as part of your business) consider contacting Stephanie. There’s room for 20 competitors.

You can witness this cupcake baking challenge from 7:00pm to 10:00pm on February 16th. The $10 admission (donation) gets you 5 tastings and additional tasting tickets are available for $1 each. Each audience member will receive a ballot on which to rate the cupcakes. A fan-favourite winner will be crowned in several categories and prizes will be awarded.

The Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival returns for a second year January 14 to February 14, 2012. I heard mention of this on Twitter yesterday and found details on Erin Ireland’s blog which linked to the event host, CityFood Magazine.

Photo credit: stephbond on Flickr

The month-long festival has a massive line up of daily flavours and treats that will be served up at the 15 participating cafes and restaurants. In case you’re wondering if that many flavours of hot chocolate exist, believe me they do! The Hot Chocolate Festival has a Flavour Index listing over 20 dark chocolate, over 15 milk chocolate, 5 white chocolate, and 5 non-dairy options. You can look up flavours by date and follow the festival on Facebook for daily information.

Participating venues are: Bel Cafe, Bella Gelateria + It’s to Die For Banana Bread, Beta5 Chocolates + The Juice Truck, Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France, CocoaNymph, French Made Baking, Gem Chocolates, Leonidas Chocolates, Mink – A Chocolate Cafe, Schokolade, Terra Breads, Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe, and Thomas Haas. Click on a day in the calendar/listings to see what they’ll be serving up.

Proceeds from featured festival drinks will benefit the food program at the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre. With the weather dipping mid-month, it’s the perfect time to try a new silky sweet hot chocolate flavour and support a very worthy cause in the process.

You can also pick up a Hot Chocolate Passport for the festival which you can stamp at the various locations when you pick up a participating beverage.

Team Awesome, a local group of creative individuals, is hosting a fundraising event at Canvas Lounge in Gastown on January 13, 2012 that will feature Polaroid images from 20 BC photographers.

What Team Awesome’s Polaroid Party
When 8:00pm on Friday, January 13, 2012
Tickets Available online
Includes Entertainment from DJ Yurie and DJ Marvel + DJ Seko of The Freshest. Admission includes 1 free drink at the party and entry into a draw to win a Polaroid camera with film. This is a 19+ only event.

Team Awesome is “a collection of creative, forward-thinking organizations, businesses, communities within Metro Vancouver” and they’re all working together to send children to school in Ethiopia (through Imagine1Day) and India (through Dalit Freedom).

One of the event’s participating photographers is Kris Krug (of Static Photography), who has recently being doing some Gulf Island living. He told me that he’d give his photo series the titile: “Hermit: A Winter on Galiano Island”. While he wouldn’t tell me what his photos are, I did get an education in Polaroid technology.

“Did you know the Polaroid camera uses sonar to do autofocusing? Like a bat or a dolphin it bounces sound waves off the subject and uses the information to determine the distance between photographer and muse.”

Photo credit: kk+ on Flickr. BarCamp Wall-O-Love 2006 (actually the first time Kris took our photo).

Krug added, “I’ve shot less than 100 boxes of Polaroid film in my life. Each shot definitely feels experimental. I find the process freeing and see the instant analog camera as a mobile photographic laboratory.”

You can check out his Polaroids along with snaps from 19 others including Sean Dalin, Kane Hopkins, Jaqueline Bartel, Danaea Davies, Lucas Lawrence, Leah Gregg, Sincerely Hana, Shawn Lee, Brady Olson, Darian Kovaks, Kelly Swanson, Dmitri Litvinov, Tom Nugent, Zach Bulick, Jackie Chong, Clint Olemaniec, Dallas Froese and Jered Love.

Each Polaroid will be for sale for $10 with all proceeds going to Team Awesome’s Imagine1Day & Dalit Freedom causes. Tickets for the event are currently on sale. You can find out more by following them on Twitter or Facebook.

Team Awesome was founded by partners Social City Networking INC, Capitol, Dalit Freedom Network, and Imagine1Day.