KITSILANO
The first time I wrote about the Older Adult Skate group at the Kitsilano Ice Rink was in 2011, when I met a 73-year-old woman who had just joined the Richmond Rockets Speed Skating Club.
The members, who range in age from their 50s to their 80s, strap on their skates Wednesday and Friday mornings to enjoy exercise and also the friendships they've formed through the group.
Birthdays are observed jointly at the rink and recently 41 older adult skaters gathered for cake and a few spins around the ice for several birthday celebrants including John Kriss who turned 85.
The Older Adult Skate program takes place Wednesday and Friday mornings from 10 to 11: 30 a.m. at the Kitsilano Ice Rink, 2690 Larch St. Drop ins welcome.
DOWNTOWN
In this week leading up to St. Patrick's Day March 17, CelticFest is in full swing at bars and nightclubs across the city.
But it's the Mahony and Sons Celtic Village on Granville Street this upcoming weekend that draws families and an all-ages crowd. The village operates Saturday March 16, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday March 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Granville between Robson and Nelson streets. It's there you'll find the "high culture and artistry" of Celtic music, dance, language, customs and fine arts.
Listen to free music both days at the Doolin's Music Stage, meet wolfhound dogs, browse the crafts and wares at the Street Market, enjoy street food or slide into one of the many partner pubs and enjoy Celtic cheer. But stay away from the green beer. Seriously.
Family fun can be found at the Kids' Celtic Corner with song and dance, face painting and swordplay demonstrations. And be on the lookout for members of the fairy clan, including Sean "The Canadian" Leprechaun and the Green Man. The CelticFest Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»St. Patrick's Day Parade starts at 11 a.m. Sunday morning at the corner of Davie and Howe streets before proceeding north to Georgia and then east to Granville Street. Get there early because festival organizers estimate large crowds will line the route to cheer on the more than 2,000 parade participants. For a complete schedule visit celticfestvancouver.com.
SHAUGHNESSY
Speaking of St. Paddy's Day, the Society for the Museum of Original Costume presents the Wearing o' the Green fashion show from 2 to 4 p.m. March 17 at Hycroft, 1489 McRae Ave. The show explores the Irish influence in fashion with historian Ivan Sayers and is part of his ongoing Live Model Lecture Series. Doors open at 1 p.m. Tickets are available online or at the door. Visit smoc.ca for more information.
DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE
The TEDxStanleyPark speakers conference at Robson Square is sold out, but there's still hope for those of you who didn't manage to score a ticket.
A free viewing party is being held at Nelson the Seagull café and bakery, 315 Carrall St., where according to their website they serve bread and coffee. The event is being hosted by TV personality Mana Mansour.
The viewing party runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. so that's a lot of bread and coffee. To see a complete list of speakers and to reserve a seat at Nelson the Seagull, visit tedxstanleypark.com. [email protected]
twitter.com/sthomas10
