Dan Aykroyd and Hillary Clinton Gala

Celebrities in town this month brought out the who’s who of the North Shore and Vancouver. First up, a visit by one of the most powerful ladies in the U.S., Hillary Clinton. The Vancouver Board of Trade / Women’s Leadership Circle event was one of the most successful events ever held by the board. A …

New White Spot Opening at Park Royal

It’s legendary – in more ways than one. West Vancouver’s White Spot Restaurant, located at the corner of Taylor Way and Marine Drive, was a place of memories for many of us who grew up here. The Pirate Paks, the burgers and shakes, and the carhop service are all part of a history that stretches …

Vancouver Police Gala

There were police cars everywhere, sirens, flashing lights, and even live gunfire. The Vancouver Police Foundation’s Night Patrol Gala was held last week at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Riot police and helicopters escorted guests to their tables just before emergency responders arrived with dogs and machine guns to put on a very realistic hostage takedown. …

West Vancouver Foundation Reception at Capilano Golf

The West Vancouver Community Foundation held a special reception last week to honour supporters and friends of the charitable organization. The Friends of the Foundation Appreciation reception was held at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club. Community leaders and invited guests got a chance to mix and mingle and to hear about the new North Shore …

Olympic 2010 Memories at XL Summit Leadership Party

It’s been a time of Olympic celebrations as Sochi 2014 celebrates the best in winter sports and achievement. Hard to believe that it was only four short years ago that Vancouver was in the world spotlight showing off our city and its people. Reliving the moments was all part of the theme at the recent …

Asian New Year on the North Shore

The Canadian Chinese Outreach Committee, the North Shore Korean Youth Community and West Vancouver MP John Weston were all on hand this weekend at Park Royal Shopping Centre for a very colourful and cultural celebration called Asian New Year on the North Shore. Chinese, Taiwanese and Korean community groups and representatives all took part in …

Variety Celebrity Car Rally for Kids

Variety – the Children’s Charity is well known for their ability to raise support for kids everywhere. But last week, on the heels of a very successful “Show of Hearts” telethon, the organization held a special VIP party of a different kind. Now it’s time to suit up and start your engines for the 2014 …

Dawn Wells, Roberto Alomar and Fred McGriff in Vancouver

Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale . . . Gilligan’s Island actress Dawn Wells was just one of the main draws this past weekend as the Vancouver International Boat Show set up shop at both BC Place and Granville Island. Known for its luxury yachts and famous faces, the four-day event attracted …

Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2014

Have you been sticking to that New Year’s diet plan? If yes, then this will probably not help. If no, then get ready to indulge in one of the most delicious times of the year. Tourism Vancouver’s Dine Out Vancouver Festival is on now (Jan 17 – Feb 2) and you won’t want to miss …

Hard Rock Vancouver Casino Grand Opening Gala

Are you ready to rock? That’s the question they asked as they swung open the doors to one of the newest and hippest entertainment facilities in town. The new Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, formerly known as the Boulevard Casino and Red Robinson Theatre, has been given a major facelift. There’s new bars, restaurants, gaming areas …

Vancouver’s Best 2014 Parties and Gala Events

Get out your social calendar and let’s plan to party. As the new 2014 year begins there is lots of fun to be had. Many regulars are back, including wine festivals, art galleries and theatre openings. And there’s lots of places for live entertainment and food too. Pick the ones you like for dressing up, …

West Vancouver Chamber Holiday Galas

The West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce wrapped up the year with two major events that marked another season of successful business on the North Shore. First up, it was the Under 40s event at Lynn Valley’s Brown’s restaurant where guests got a chance to sip and sample from the menu while hearing from keynote speaker/owner …

Cavalia’s Odysseo Horses in Vancouver

Set your senses on stun because Cavalia’s Odysseo is a spectacle to behold. Dubbed a Cirque du Soleil with horses, this event is a must see for the holiday season. With scenes that shift from the magical and dreamy to high energy shows of strength, this is animal magnetism at its best. There’s also a …

Amica Helping Hands Gala Means Giving

Galas and giving go hand in hand at this time of the year. And never more so than with the great folks at Amica Mature Lifestyles and their Helping Hands Gala. Held at the Four Seasons hotel, guests were treated to a spectacular 70s themed evening complete with crazy costumes, auction items, live music and …

Family Services Christmas on the North Shore

North Shore Family Services is known for its outreach and for the many programs it runs to help families all across our community. They also provide especially important services over the holidays, including the North Shore Christmas Bureau campaign which helps ensure that no child goes without during this special season. Last week, the Fuller …

Gordon Smith Art Gallery Gala

The Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art is one of North Vancouver’s newest and most prestigious places. Built last year, the gallery is purported to be the only public gallery “dedicated to young audiences” which exhibits works of art created through the Artist for Kids (AFK) collection. Last week, patrons of the arts gathered at …

Chat to the Future Uganda Gala in West Vancouver

They say the world is a small place and that we are all connected in one way or another. Never before was that more true than last weekend as West Vancouver’s Richard and Heidi Coglon opened their home, and their hearts, to host an especially touching gala event in support of Ugandan orphans and the …

Whistler Cornucopia Wine and Food Festival 2013

It’s one of Whistler’s biggest events of the year – and this year it just got bigger. Whistler’s 17th Annual Cornucopia food and wine festival is on now and there’s lot of new stuff happening. Usually held for only one weekend, this year the festival has expanded to a full 11 days and two weekends. …

Vancouver Webster Awards 2013

It’s the measure of journalistic excellence in British Columbia and more. The Webster Awards – named after B.C.’s most famous and feisty newsman – was held last week at the Westin Bayshore hotel in Vancouver. The room was a who’s who of the news media industry and included scores of well-known writers and broadcasters working in …

Olympian Ashleigh McIvor at West Vancouver Otters Awards

It was a room full of champions last week as the The West Vancouver Otters Swim Club held their annual awards banquet at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club. The formal night is always fun for the families and friends who get a chance to honour the kids and all of the year’s achievements. This year …

St. Paul’s Hospital Gala is “Brilliant” in Every Way

It was truly “Brilliant”! This was the title of The St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation’s special sold-out gala that featured an evening dedicated to “A Show of Love for Mental Health and People Living with HIV/AIDS”. It was one of the most colourful and well-coordinated shows ever seen in Vancouver. With over 900 people in attendance, …

PumpkinFest Fun in West Vancouver

West Vancouver’s annual Pumpkinfest scored big this weekend as the sun shone down on everyone at the West Vancouver Rec Centre. It was a true family fun weekend complete with contests and displays and a Saturday night dance for the adults. There was music, food, kids’ activities, a scarecrow contest and, of course, the pumpkin …

Sparkle Gala is West Vancouver’s Best

It may very well have been the party of the year. Last week, Wear Else clothing store owner Zahra Mamdani opened her palatial West Vancouver home and, with the help of an amazing group of local committee members, helped host the first annual “Sparkle” gala event in support of BC Women’s Hospital and the Neonatal …

Boat Show at the Creek Also Celebrates Marina 50th Anniversary

There was lots to celebrate this year at North Vancouver’s Mosquito Creek Marina as the 7th Annual Boat Show at the Creek sailed into town. Held in conjunction with the marina’s 50th anniversary, and owned and operated by the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumix (Squamish Nation), boat lovers got a chance to see how the millionaires live life …

Top Chef North Shore Vancouver Competition

It was an extra delicious day this past Saturday at Park and Tilford’s Save-on-Foods store as the first ever Top Chef North Shore event took place. Billed as a friendly culinary competition and fundraiser, store shoppers got a chance to sample each of the amazing offerings from all six participating restaurants. In the end it …

Luxury Supercars in Vancouver

It was called Luxury Supercar Weekend, but it has actually been a week long event consisting of parties, launches, dinners and more. Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari and Rolls Royce were all part of the mix as the supercars rolled into town to show off their wheels. And car lovers everywhere were in heaven as …

West Vancouver Filmmaker Connie Coccia Premiere of “Awake”

She grew up here in West Vancouver. But now, former Collingwood student Connie Cocchia is a shining star at the University of Southern California and ready to take on Hollywood with grit and determination. The young filmmaker was seen rolling out the red carpet recently for friends and family at the premiere of her first …

Diner en Blanc Vancouver Style

It’s from Paris. It’s white. And it’s all a big secret until an hour before it happens. Le Dîner en Blanc, a specialty dining extravaganza originally imported from France, is quickly becoming a world-wide phenomenon. But this members only invite celebration is a visually stunning spectacle to behold. Held in Vancouver this past week, this …

Deighton Cup Dresses Up Vancouver at Hasting Race Course

Champagne, hats, fascinators, cigars and horses. The Deighton Cup, held last weekend at Hastings Park, was truly the best looking event of the summer. Billed as a “good old fashioned day at the races”, this three-day event included a Friday night “Big Smoke” cigar lounge and Sunday afternoon “Julep” day. But the big Saturday event …