Bust out your sandals, grab your cloth bag and head to your local farmers market because May is here! A new month also means that my extensive list of events and activities is ready thanks to everyone who submitted entries. As a reminder, this list is updated daily so you can still send in your events (including date and a link) at any time.

Photo credit: Wynonna on Flickr

Events in green run for more than 3 consecutive days.

Sunday, May 5, 2013
BMO Vancouver Marathon
Walk So Kids Can Talk
Chimpanzebras and Friends Benefit Ride to Conquer Cancer
DOXA Documentary Film Festival
Coastal Ballet Presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Vancouver Bird Week
Monday, May 6, 2013
Errors of the Human Body at the Rio Theatre
Scotch Malt Whisky Society “Blasts From the Past” Tasting
DOXA Documentary Film Festival
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Dave Grohl’s Sound City at the Rio Theatre
BLOOM: Dance Through the Wine’s Eye and the Comic’s Tongue
Coastal Ballet Presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Vancouver Opera Presents Tea: A Mirror of Soul
DISLOKATION: Layer THREE at Surrey Arts Centre
Vancouver Bird Week
DOXA Documentary Film Festival
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Vancouver Bird Week
The Gentlemen Hecklers Present Starcrash at the Rio Theatre
DISLOKATION: Layer THREE at Surrey Arts Centre
DOXA Documentary Film Festival
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Marpole Oakridge Family Place’s 35th Anniversary Celebration
Asian Heritage Month: Artists Talk at Richmond Art Gallery
Health secrets of Five Elements Qigong
Heart-Mind 2013 Conference
Vancouver Opera Presents Tea: A Mirror of Soul
North Shore Night Market
Never Shoot A Stampede Queen at the Granville Island Stage
Brief Encounters at Performance Works
DISLOKATION: Layer THREE at Surrey Arts Centre
DOXA Documentary Film Festival
Dreamgirls at The Arts Club
Friday, May 10, 2013
Sea to Sky Heritage Fair
BARBARELLA Late Night Movie at the Rio Theatre
C.R. Avery & Friends Old School Dance Party
El Jinete: World’s First Mariachi Opera
Langley Fine Arts Visual Arts Alumni Exhibit Opening
International Night Market, Richmond
North Shore Night Market
Brief Encounters at Performance Works
DOXA Documentary Film Festival
Dreamgirls at The Arts Club
Never Shoot A Stampede Queen at the Granville Island Stage

Situated in the bountiful Cowichan Valley (Cowichan Bay being North America’s first Cittaslow designated region) Duncan is at the epicentre of farm-to-table goods on Vancouver Island and Chef Daniel Hudson is definitely taking advantage with his new restaurant Hudson’s on First.

Fresh off an appearance on Top Chef Canada where he competed for five weeks, Chef Hudson is now back at Hudson’s on First, a charming fine-dining restaurant inside a restored heritage home in Duncan. Our group popped in on a Tuesday night to sample some his locally-inspired menu and to chat with the chef whose motto is: “I do what I know and what I know, I do well.”

Having started his career back home in England, Chef Hudson often infuses the lunch menu with British classics like bangers and mash, fish and chips, and other hearty dishes. Ingredients come from around the Cowichan Valley, which Chef Hudson calls “the best place on Earth”. Local producers send him lists of their freshest ingredients and he places an order with them delivering fresh seafood, organic greens, and whatever else is ripe and ready.

Our Dinner Tasting Menu

Tomato croquette with prosciutto, fennel mayo and
Dungeness crab salad with pink grapefruit, fennel mayonnaise, fennel seed cracker

Rabbit terrine with plum mustard, house-made pickles, toasted rye

Day Boat Halibut with cashew and coco nib crust, boulangere potato, wilted greens

Our main course was followed up with an apricot and earl grey gelato then a chocolate mouse (with caramel inside) and house-made sponge toffee.

Hudson’s on First prepares the best of the region for brunch, lunch, and dinner services. There’s a private dining room upstairs with WIFI, a lounge with hand-crafted cocktails and BC wines, and a patio that is just opening up for the season.

Driving along the highway in Duncan, at about the half-way point between Nanaimo and Victoria, the big box stores and fast food joints that flank the road act as decoys to the untrained eye. The next time you’re in the area I urge you to skip the drive-through window, slow things down, and enjoy the very best the region has to offer thanks to Chef Hudson.

Follow Hudson’s on First on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

It’s BC Mining Week and across the province communities are hosting luncheons and festivals to celebrate one of the province’s oldest and largest industries. In partnership with the Mining Association of BC, I still have an iPad Mini up for grabs (until May 7th) and this weekend one of the biggest local events is Family Fun Day, taking place at Britannia Mine.

Photo credit: Stv. on Flickr

Britannia Mine Family Day

Touring around the Britannia Mine Museum reminds me of some of the amazing places we used to explore while on family camping trips across southwestern BC. There is history, awesome machinery, spectacular scenery, hands-on opportunities (to get a bit dirty), and an environmental component especially at Britannia.

Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

Family Fun Day (a part of BC Mining Week) takes place Saturday, May 4, 2013 from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Britannia Mine, which is just along the Sea to Sky Highway before you reach Squamish — if you see the Stewamus Chief you’ve gone too far but it’s very hard to miss.

Activities will include gold panning races, chocolate chip cookie exploration, and all of the museum’s attractions like the famous guided underground experience. A blacksmith will also be on hand and you can check out the old mining town’s buildings, learn about the geology of the area and the science of mining, and how steps have been taken to clean up the water at Britannia Beach over the years.

“The Britannia Mine Museum represents a popular attraction for BC residents and tourists with a mission to educate the public about mining. In 2012, the Museum received several prestigious awards including BEST ATTRACTION in the Sea to Sky region as well as a CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE from TripAdvisor.”

Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

Check out the Britannia Mine Museum website for your admission coupon for Family Fun Day and enter to win a 4-pack of passes to visit the mine any other time this year (that it’s open). Here’s how:

• Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
• Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

I will draw 2 winners, who will each receive a 4-pack of passes, on Friday, May 10, 2013. Follow Britannia Mine Museum on Facebook and Twitter for more information about this iconic attraction just off Howe Sound.

Update The winners are Dennis & Stotes!

Sunshine and more sunshine on the way have made this a very happy month of May so far. Cherry blossoms have tumbled onto the streets like confetti thrown at a party to end the rainy days of April and warm temperatures are reaffirming that it is indeed flip flop season. This week’s collection of photos from the Miss604 Flickr Pool have been hand-picked to showcase our region and the generous photographers who have shared their work with the group, enjoy!

Photo credit: Clayton Perry Photoworks on Flickr

Photo credit: Ruth and Dave & Ruth and Dave on Flickr

Photo credit: dahliaphoto & dahliaphoto on Flickr

Photo credit: Zorro1968 & Zorro1968 on Flickr

Photo credit: Kevin Krebs & Carlos Lavara on Flickr

Photo credit: Andrew P.L Wong on Flickr

Photo credit: BX Photos on Flickr

Photo credit: Kevin Krebs & Stephen Rees on Flickr

Photo credit: CGehlen on Flickr

Photo credit: -CPISH- & dons projects on Flickr

Photo credit: Sduffy05 & Photocat62 on Flickr

Photo credit: BX Photos on Flickr

Photo credit: colink. & vancouver4life.com on Flickr

Photo credit: Ruth and Dave

Photo credit: marklinkphoto on Flickr

As always, please click through on these images to view more work from the photographers and feel free to share your own photos with the Miss604 Flickr Pool. View all photo collections here.

The Vancouver Canucks are your Northwest Division champions for the fifth year in a row and they’re currently making their way through the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. After coming up short in Game 1 against San Jose on Wednesday, the team is ready to blaze onto the ice for redemption in Game 2.

Throughout the shortened season (due to the NHL lockout) die-hard fans’ faith hasn’t been shaken. Through goalie change-ups, injuries, and some very glorious moments at home and on the road, fans have stuck with the team demonstrating their true This Is What We Life For spirit.

The Vancouver Canucks are rewarding one of these dedicated fans (and their guest) by having me give away a pair of Game 2 tickets for Friday, May 3, 2013. This is a quick 24-hour contest so we’re giving you many chances to win. Here’s how to enter:

• Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
• Pin this post on Pinterest tagging #TIWWLF with VanCanucks and Miss604 (1 entry)
• Share a photo on Instagram showing “This Is What We Live For” and using the tags #TIWWLF @Miss604 @Canucks (1 entry)
• Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:30pm on Friday, May 3, 2013. Follow the Canucks on Twitter for all of your team’s updates this post-season and upload your photos and videos to social networks using #TIWWLF to have it show up on the This Is What We Live For mosaic.

Update: The winner is KELLY! (comment entry)

I am proud to once again be the Social Media Sponsor of the Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards (the Jessies) and as such, I will be featuring a local theatre company every Thursday.

The Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards are an annual awards ceremony and party produced by the Jessie Richardson Theatre Award Society to celebrate and promote the outstanding achievements of the Vancouver Professional Theatre Community. The Awards have been presented since 1982, originally by the Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance, taken over in 1997 by the newly formed Society. Over 35 statues are awarded each year to outstanding theatre companies and artists.

These profiles contain basic information about each company, as supplied by their team, and a list of their upcoming productions that you can check out in the coming season. Today’s feature company is: Twenty Something Theatre:

Niko Koupantsis, Jameson Parker, David Kaye & Brian Cochrane. The Bomb-itty of Errors. Photography by Candace Albach.

Twenty Something Theatre

Date Established: 2006
First Play Produced: This is Our Youth by Kenneth Lonergan
Total number of plays/events produced: 12 productions over 7 seasons
Founder and Artistic Producer: Sabrina Evertt
Artistic Director: Sabrina Evertt
Associate Artistic Producer: Brian Cochrane

Mission Statement

Twenty Something Theatre is a Vancouver based award-winning, independent theatre company dedicated to producing contemporary theatre that is provocative, edgy and relevant to today’s young people. 

Just Played

World Premiere of Us & Everything We Own by Sean Minogue

Special Moment for the Company

The company’s co-production of the Jessie award-winning The Bomb-itty of Errors will be re-mounted as part of the Arts Club Theatre’s upcoming 50th Anniversary.

Follow

Stay up to date on the latest from Twenty Something Theatre by following them on Facebook and Twitter.

The Vancouver Heritage Foundation is putting a spin on their popular walking tours with guides Maurice Guibord and John Atkin by getting them up on two wheels to offer four new bike tours this summer.

Photo credit: [travelfox] on Flickr

Places That Matter Bike Tour
Guide: John Atkin
Date: Saturday, May 25, 2013 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Tickets: $20 + tax, available online
Tour: The tour starts at Canada Place and will travel through Vancouver’s bike lanes, across the Burrard Bridge, up into Fairview Heights, and curving back to Robson Square to explore the Places That Matter plaque project sites. Then you’ll stop halfway to join the Nellie Yip Quong House plaque presentation live.

Stanley Park
Guide: Maurice Guibord
Date: Saturdays June 15, July 20, and August 17, 2013 from 9:30am to 11:30am
Tickets: $20 + tax, available online
Tour: This ride ducks in from the busy city streets to explore the trails and history of Vancouver’s crown jewel, Stanley Park. Spokes Bicycle Rentals will be offering a discount on bike rentals for anyone attending one of these tours.

For more information about these bike tours and other Vancouver Heritage Foundation events, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Back in 2010 we acquired the best pairs of sunglasses we’ve ever owned. I am still wearing my Claudia Alan AYA sunglasses and although John managed to squash his during our recent trip to Austin, they were quickly replaced.

John wearing the Brandon style sunglasses

Over the last three years John’s received so many compliments on the design of his sunglasses (thanks to Corinne Hunt‘s artwork) and aside from being comfortable, they look great.

Another bonus is that when you purchase AYA eyewear you’re not only supporting BC artists and designers but partial proceeds from the sale of all AYA eyewear and accessory items is donated to the ONEXONE First Nations nutritious breakfast programs.

The ONEXONE First Nations School Breakfast Program was developed in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and PepsiCo Canada with the goal of ensuring the availability of healthy food to all First Nations children in the school setting.

My Felicity sunglasses

There is a new collection of styles for 2013 so I scooped up Felicity (with a hummingbird design) while John stuck with Brendan (with a killer whale design), and thanks to AYA by Claudia Alan I’m giving away 3 pairs:

Brendan:
This aviator frame was designed for men but we have both men and women loving it. The frame is a mid size fit and has a very comfortable fit. Brendan features a killer whale design that is beautifully frosted on the temples. Brendan is available in a silver, gun metal or brown. Impact and scratch resistant acrylic lenses – UV400.

Marilyn:
Aptly named, Marilyn is a glamorous over-size frame featuring quality polarized lenses and a Heron design along the arm. It is available in black, olive green demi, and burgundy demi.. Impact and scratch resistant acrylic lenses – UV400.

Tia:
Slightly cateye this feminine frame features crystal fronts in teal, red and black. A Frog design is enameled onto the metal temples in corresponding dramatic colours. Impact and scratch resistant acrylic lenses – UV400

These pairs start at $35, which is very affordable considering the artwork (Corinne Hunt was also the Co-Designer of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic medals), the cause, and their durability. You can purchase sunglasses, reading glasses, and frames online and every pair of sunglasses comes with a free microfibre case.

I have hard cases to give away with each of my contest pairs as well, here’s how you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment here naming which pair of AYA sunglasses is your favourite and/or which of the three pairs I have available you would like to win (1 entry)
• Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

Follow Claudia Alan accessories on Twitter and Facebook for more information about styles and availability.

I will draw one winner at random from all entries on Friday, May 10, 2013 at 12:00pm. Winners will be assigned a style and colours are already pre-set based on my inventory, matching the image above.