DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE
It's been 25 years since a small green space on the waterfront near Port Metro Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»was officially designated Crab Park.
Don Larson, a founding member of the Crab Water For Life Society, says the movement to create a park in the neighbourhood began 30 years ago out of the belief every resident of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»deserves access to the water. Canada Day celebrations have been taking place at the park for years as well, but Larson says this year could be one of the last ever. The society's small group of volunteers has been at it for 30 years and its members simply running out of steam.
So, if you've ever planned to drop by the Crab Park Canada Day celebration, there is no time like the present. The party, presented by the society, Radio Bandcouver and Northern Electric, starts at 1 p.m. July 1 with music by Jimy Now and the Re-beat Generation, the Stingin' Hornets featuring Howard Rix at 2 p.m. and Shed from Gabriola Island at 3 p.m.
DOWNTOWN
The Burrard Inlet Fireworks Society is once again presenting a Canada Day Parade July 1, beginning at Georgia and Broughton streets at 7 p.m. before winding its way east to Burrard Street where it will proceed north and disperse at West Hastings Street.
The parade, co-hosted by the Department of Canadian Heritage, is expected to draw more than 110,000 spectators.
Following the parade, the society will present its sixth annual, free fireworks show. The show is unique in that it uses two barges for its simultaneous pyrotechnic extravaganza, which will light up the sky and be visible from numerous locations in Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, West Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»and North Vancouver.
There are some reserved viewing seats available, with proceeds going towards Strathcona Community Centre's Food Security for Children program. Tickets are $10 and kids 12 and under are free, if accompanied by an adult. For viewing and barge locations, visit canadadayfireworks. ca. The fireworks will not be visible from English Bay.
STANLEY PARK
The hop on/hop off shuttle tours of Stanley Park begin operating June 21. The narrated tours include 15 stops along Park Drive as well as the Rose Garden and Miniature Train area. For more information visit "Getting there" at vancouver.ca/parks.
EAST VILLAGE/HASTINGS NORTH
I wasn't sure whether to refer to this neighbourhood as Hastings-Sunrise, Hastings North or East Village. Regardless, there's going to be a party.
The East Village/Hastings North Business Improvement Association and Hastings-Sunrise Community Policing Centre are hosting the Sunrise Summer Kickoff with food, live music, performances, street hockey and a barbecue July 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Sunrise Square lot behind the London Drugs at 2585 East Hastings St. It's expected that close to 260 kids will take part in the street hockey game, and have the opportunity to meet some members of the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Giants hockey team.
The street festival, which launched 11 years ago, has grown to become one of the largest on the city's East Side.
Twitter: @sthomas10
