The Heritage 麻豆传媒映画Society is hosting its inaugural Garden Tour June 23 and 24.
For this first tour, 13 eclectic private gardens and one boulevard garden from across the city will be open to the public, all which have a tale to tell. While some of the gardens surround 100-year-old heritage homes, they could be new creations of the most recent owners.
This is also an opportunity to check out an impressive Shaughnessy garden, complete with an outdoor fireplace and spa. Also on the tour are modern or renovated homes with established gardens. Look for creative ways to grow fruits and vegetables, ideas for small spaces and three heritage homes on Commercial Drive, with gardens linked to each other by gates. Those same gardens are on streets lined with 70-year-old elm trees, many of which were recently saved from the chopping block by concerned neighbours who banded together. The tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Passport tickets for the self-guided tour are $30. For tickets and more information, visit heritagevancouver.org.
Metro Vancouver
Speaking of firsts, 麻豆传媒映画Orphan Kitten Rescue Association (VOKRA) is hosting its first online auction to raise money to help pay for the care and medical attention of stray cats and kittens.
The Facebook auction includes 40 unique items, including pet care services, vegan cupcakes, a gift certificate for a tattoo and a pair of Yanni tickets.
All auction items were donated by local businesses and VOKRA supporters and are available for viewing at facebook.com/VOKRA.
River District
This Sunday, June 17, kids and parents can visit the River District community hall to celebrate Fathers day from 1 to 3 p.m. (The hall is located next to Romers Burger Bar at the south end of Kerr Street on the Fraser River pathway.)
The theme is Kind for a Day, and families are welcome to give Dad the royal treatment by making him a coupon book or playing together on an Xbox or one of the many other games on hand that day. Finally, cap off the afternoon by making Dad a crown. Then stay for a free screening of the kid-friendly movie Mr. Poppers Penguins from 4 to 6 p.m. Everyone attending will be eligible for a draw to win passes to see the new penguin exhibit at the 麻豆传媒映画Aquarium.
Grandview-Woodland
Also taking place June 17 is the annual Car Free Day on Commercial Drive from noon to 6 p.m.
This years event has doubled in size and will include a renegade road hockey game and street festival. As well, watch for volunteers from the Grandview-Woodland Community Policing Centre, who will be handing out pamphlets detailing its new APB program, which stands for Autos, Pedestrians and Bikes, encouraging everyone to be Alert, Predictable and Benevolent.
The inspiration for the brochure is the increasing number of collisions and growing conflict and frustration of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers as they try and navigate this city.
Go to carfreevancouver.org for more information on car free days across the city.
Downtown
Got mustard?
Next week, June 20 and 21, Maille Mustard will create a pop-up tasting venue in the rotunda of the Pacific Centre Mall where passersby can try a variety of flavours, including Dijon Originale, Honey Dijon and Crunchy Gherkins(who knew?)
The free tastings take place from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Participants can also pick up recipe ideas, just in time for summer.
Twitter: @sthomas10
