The clock is ticking on what we had to accept as summer this year, so my advice is to get outside and enjoy what's left of the season before the dark, dreary and damp days of fall and winter arrive. Sigh.
AUG. 27 AND 28
Last year, Paralympic silver medalist Josh Dueck smashed the Guinness World Record for the number of high fives by an individual in 24 hours by slapping hands with a whopping 9,307 new friends at the PNE on Aug. 27 and 28 last year. The previous world record was 3,131. To celebrate the one-year anniversary and to continue to draw attention to young worker safety, WorkSafeBC is hosting the Raise Your Hand tent at the PNE from noon to 4 p.m. this weekend. Visitors to the tent can be photographed in front of a green screen high-fiving a "virtual Josh" and then be given a photo to take home. After 4 p.m. Aug. 27, Dueck will host the High Five Cam during the Whitecaps game at Empire Field. Dueck will also be at the Raise Your Hand tent located within the PNE's Celebration Plaza from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 27 and 28.
AUG. 27
I had no idea you could make a soccer ball out of plastic bags and twine or a coin purse out of empty coffee bags, but apparently you can. Volunteers from the Canadian Network for International Surgery are prepared to demonstrate just how at the CNIS African Market, Aug. 27 from noon to 6 p.m. This annual event recreates an African market in the covered courtyard of the CNIS office at 1985 West Broadway. This year, 25 African artisans, vendors, chefs and performers representing more than a dozen African countries will participate alongside volunteers from many non-government organizations working in Africa. Children will be encouraged to decorate the walls of a replica African hut or join the championship of an African version of foosball made entirely of bottle caps.
SEPT. 8 TO 11
The seventh annual BOLDFest Conference for older lesbians and dykes takes place Sept. 8 to 11 at the Coast Plaza Hotel on Comox Street. The conference is a mixed bag of workshops, entertainment, discussions and fun, including a meet and greet boat cruise Sept. 7. Workshops include 4 Minute Fitness, Touring the Decades of Lesbian Herstory, Cross-Dressing in History and Yikes! It's Transdykes. The Butch/Femme Fashion Across the Decades show takes place Friday night, an introduction to dragon boating workshop is on Saturday afternoon and a concert with drummer Ubaka Hill is scheduled for Saturday night, so there literally is something for everyone. For program details, go to boldfest.com.
SEPT. 11
Kitsilano Community Centre is hosting an open house Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., an event that provides the ideal opportunity to check out free trial classes and gather information on programs and workshops. Visitors can also tour the facilities, meet the board of directors and enjoy a barbecue. Free child-minding will allow parents and caregivers the opportunity to properly participate- no babies please. For more information, go to kitscc.com or call 604-257-6976. The centre is located at 2690 Larch St. at West 12th Avenue.
[email protected] Twitter: @sthomas10
