BC Place’s iconic roof has been deflated in exchange for a massive cable-supported cloth retractable roof that will forever change the Vancouver skyline. Even though the marshmallow-like roof is no longer being used, you can now purchase a slice in support of the BC Sports Hall of Fame.

Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

The Hall of Fame, which was a resident of the stadium since 1992, has been displaced during the construction so they are selling pieces of the old BC Place roof to help raise funds for their own renovations.

I have put together a list of some of the major events that were held at BC Place over the years, under the Teflon-coated fiberglass roof:

It was also home to annual events such as the RV and Boat shows, was a post-Sun Run meeting place, and hosted concerts from Pink Floyd to U2.

The Hall of Fame will supply the dome-shaped roof piece framed in a shadowbox surrounded by historic sporting images. They will also include a commemorative plaque on the front and a card on the back with the history of BC Place and details pertaining to the roof.

There are only 999 pieces available in this format and it looks like they’re going for about $295. For information about ordering (including delivery options) you can visit their eStore.

The inaugural Fresh! Fraser Valley is taking place this coming Saturday, September 25th. Co-founded by Kristi Ferguson (Fraser Valley Pulse) and Danielle Knowles (Red Pencil Editing Services) the single-day event aims to bring together the Fraser Valley community with home-grown businesses and shops.

“There is really two sides to Fresh!,” Ferguson told me by email. “The first is the showcase of locally owned, independent businesses (we have folks from White Rock to Chilliwack exhibiting). These are true “mom ‘n pop” type ventures.”

The other side focuses on the development of local business with over a dozen 20-minute sessions. The talks will be on everything from intellectual property law to social media for business to how and why to hire a virtual assistant. Ferguson says, “Anyone in business will find value in these quick, exciting workshops. Not just independent business owners – realtors and anyone who uses the internet for work will find some great tips and tricks from these Fraser Valley professionals.”

Where Ramada Plaza & Conference Centre, Abbotsford
When September 25, 2010 from 9:00am – 5:00pm
How The showcase is free to attend and workshops are $10 individually. You can purchase a full day pass for $50.

“The ultimate goal is ‘shop local’,” added Ferguson. “Everyone is invited to attend. The public especially, other local business owners, visitors to the valley etc. There will be lots to sample, discover and buy!”

Apple Day in Surrey won’t be in honor of iPads, iPods, and iMacs; rather, the one-day festival will celebrate the fall harvest September 25th at the Historic Stewart Farm.

Apple Day will include samples, cider press demonstrations, orchard tours, honey tastings, and more. Suggested admission (as it is by donation) is $5 for adults, $3.75 for students, $2.50 for children and students, and kids 5 and under are free.

The Historic Stewart Farm is right along Crescent Road in Surrey (on your way to Crescent Beach from the highway). It dates back to 1890 and features a furnished farmhouse, pole barn with agricultural tools and machinery, boathouse, threshing shed, root cellar, and heritage gardens and orchard. Staff and volunteers in Victorian costume provide tours of the house & grounds.

If you haven’t taken the family to the Stewart Farm, I’d say Apple Day would be a great time to check it out.

It’s been 30 years since Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope changed Canada, and the world, forever.

In 1976 a boy living in Port Coquitlam, BC was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of cancer that develops near the knee. His leg would be amputated and he would learn to walk (and run) once again. Through his 16-month experience with chemotherapy and rehabilitation he learned about cancer research and saw others lose their battles with the disease. This brought him a determination to do pretty much anything in his power to help others fight their own battles with cancer, so he thought up the Marathon of Hope. He was going to run from East to West across Canada to raise funds for cancer research.

On April 2nd 1980, Terry Fox dipped his foot in the Atlantic Ocean at St. John’s, Newfoundland and began his run across Canada. His amazing journey came to an end after 5,373 kms, in Thunder Bay, Ontario when he experienced more health troubles. The cancer had returned, and it was in both lungs. Over the next few months the Marathon of Hope raised $23 million for cancer research. Terry passed away in June of 1981, at the age of 22. Since that time, over $500 million has been raised in his name.

The Terry Fox run takes place in dozens of countries around the world and here at home, there are numerous runs, celebrating and supporting the Marathon of Hope. This year’s Terry Fox Run takes place Sunday September 19th and here are just a few locations around the Lower Mainland where you can participate.

You can register ahead of time online in order to collect pledges and donations.

Each run varies in terms of length and whether it’s suitable for bikes, strollers, children, dogs, etc. The National School Run is Day is September 30th. Follow @TerryFoxCanada on Twitter for updates from the Terry Fox Foundation.

Sports Day in Canada is this Saturday, September 18th and across the nation everyone is invited to participate in a community sporting event. The Canadian Paralympic Committee will be setting up shop at the Richmond Olympic Oval from 11:00am until 2:00pm in case you would like to come and try out some paralympic sports.

Photo credit: John Biehler on Flickr

Public can see what it’s like to play goalball, try various para-athletics, wheelchair basketball, and many other sports alongside Canada’s Paralympians at this free event. Paralympic athletes Alison Kabush, Andrea Holmes, Bo Hedges, Chris Daw, Darryl Neighbour, Lauren Woolstencroft, Lou Gibson, Marni Abbott-Peter, Richard Peter, and Sarah Hunter will be there to sign autographs and give demos.

I covered a few events at the Paralympics last March including many of the womens’ downhill events. The athleticism and dedication these Paralympians display is inspirational and quite simply, amazing.

Photo credit: Glotman Simpson

The Richmond Olympic Oval is located at 6111 River Road in Richmond, BC. It would also be a great opportunity to check out this beautiful venue if you haven’t done so already.