Last week I mentioned in this space that clowns and stilt walkers freak me out, a comment I predicted might provoke some readers to label me a "hater." But instead, I heard from a couple of readers who are also afraid of stilt walkers. One wrote to say he went so far as to design a beaver costume he wears to public events so he can gnaw on the wooden legs of stilt walkers. Honestly, you can't make this stuff up.
SEPT. 17
The Western Art Circle, which celebrates its 60th anniversary next year, is presenting an art show tomorrow, Sept. 17, at the Marpole United Church, lower level, 1296 West 67th Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a great opportunity to buy directly from local artists.
SEPT. 17
Local historian James Johnstone is hosting walking tours to highlight the book Opening Doors in Vancouver's East End: Strathcona, which was first published in 1979 and republished this year through the support of a Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»125 Grant. The book includes 50 oral histories from East End pioneers and an updated introduction written by Johnstone. The walks depart at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. from 696 East Hastings, loop north along Cordova and Powell streets then south along Gore Avenue to Hogan's Alley, south as far as Prior, east as far as Campbell, then back to the Heatley Block.
SEPT. 18
I've had the pleasure of visiting local fashion historian Ivan Sayers' home on more than one occasion and always found it difficult to concentrate on what he was saying because his amazing collection of vintage clothing distracted me. Sayers, who's had a passion for fashion for almost 50 years, will be feted Sept. 18 at an event organized by the Original Costume Museum Society called Ivan Sayers, the Passionate Collector and His Collection. The event takes place the day before his 65th birthday, at Hycroft, 1489 McRae Ave., from 2 to 5 p.m.
SEPT. 18
The Scotiabank AIDS walk for life Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»takes place Sunday and begins with a pancake breakfast at Sunset Beach at 10 a.m. Opening ceremonies start at 11:30 a.m. and the walk begins at noon. This is the 26th anniversary of the walk, which commemorates loved ones lost to HIV and AIDS and is in support of people living with those diseases. The 6.6-kilometre route follows the West End seawall into Stanley Park and around Lost Lagoon. All proceeds go to Positive Living B.C.'s Complementary Health Fund. For more information, go to aidswalkforlife.ca/Vancouver.htm.
SEPT. 22
In 2009, the Academy Award-winning documentary film The Cove highlighted the horrors of the annual Japanese dolphin hunt. Now, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, Humane Society International, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Humane Society and CiTR Radio have come together to present The Cove at SFU Harbour Centre and discuss the film's connection to Canada. The guest speaker is Leah Lemieux, author of Rekindling the Waters: The Truth About Swimming With The Dolphins. This free event is sponsored by the Simon Fraser University Centre for Coastal Studies and takes place Sept. 22 at 6: 30 to 9 p.m. at SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings St.
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