Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Tag: party

  • Party at the Pier and Pirates in North Vancouver

    It was a pirate invasion of sorts last weekend as The 7th Annual Party at the Pier was held in North Vancouver. The Lower Lonsdale Business Association, along with sponsors Port Metro Vancouver, Seaspan, Churchill Retirement Community, CTV, The Outlook and more, put on a show for all ages. Live entertainment, food, face painting and lots of marine themed activities were on deck on this sun-filled day which has become one of the best waterfront events in the city.

    Party at the pier northvancouver

    01 – Ahoy Mateys! Hosting the stage events and providing introductions for all the musical acts are Mike Cavers, left, of The Character Guys and JR FM’s Nick “The Guy” Harrison.

    02 – Outlook editor Justin Beddall, wife Julia and son Dante take in all the pirate action together on a perfect summer day. Hopefully he won’t make me walk the plank for telling everyone they are expecting a beautiful baby girl this November.

    03 – Organizer Wendy Sears chats with Rhumba Calzada’s Raphael Geronimo after their high-energy performance on stage.

    04 – Hanging out information about everything on the waterfront are Western Stevedoring’s Dave Dunbar, left, Ilona Chapman and Dave Lucas.

    05 – Susan Lewis poses with Impossible Bird performer Tyler Carson who gets ready to entertain for the audience at the main stage.

    06 – They got the b-b-b-beat. Joe Hall and Sachiko Guevara, are part of The Beat 94.5’s Beat Street Squad.

    07 – Keeping law and order with nothing but disarming smiles, RCMP auxiliary constables Janina Santer, left, and Lynn Ogden get to patrol all of the fun.

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    By Catherine Barr – July 14, 2013

    Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on July 18, 2013

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  • Whistler’s Cornucopia 2012 Parties, Wines and Food

    For the last 10+ years now I’ve had the privilege of attending Whistler’s annual Cornucopia festival of food and wine. Not for the faint of heart, those who venture beyond Cornucopia’s serious side will find a high energy, full throttle weekend affair full of alcohol and after hours activities that go well into the wee hours of the night. So, as expected, this year’s organizers stopped at nothing to put on the glitz with a whirlwind schedule of seminars, winemaker’s dinners, ultra after-parties, and non-stop fun.

    The new High Rollers gala party, held at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler (tix $150), was one of the biggest featuring showgirls, gaming tables, live music and more. I especially liked the entertainment which included a live band complete with horn section – a welcome change, in my opinion, from the usual non-stop, mindless boom-boom beats.

    Hanging out at the wine bar felt extra chic as guests lounged on fiber optic electric furniture that changed colour every few minutes (I’ve seriously got to get me some of this). Some complaints resulted because bartenders were bound by our archaic BC Liquor laws and were only permitted to pour small tasting samples instead of full glasses. Drink tickets were issued at the door for various other bar stations, so here’s hoping maybe next year they will include some options for full wine glasses as well.

    All around the room, Vegas style showgirls go-go danced on stage while dealers held down all kinds of gambling tables, including several Texas Hold ‘Em games that proved very popular with the men folk. Going “all in” here was relatively harmless though as all games were strictly funny money.

    Overall, it was an extremely classy affair which was very professionally produced. Nothing seemed to get too out of hand and I really hope it will be back next year.

    Next up was the Crush Grand Gala Tasting room. Held over two nights (Friday and Saturday, tix $89), this event is aptly named as crowds literally crush themselves into the Whistler Convention Centre to sample libations from over 50 different wineries. Not a great event for food, there is nonetheless interesting little sample bites from featured companies and restaurants looking to show off their newest products. Sipping always prevails over spitting, but guests here are encouraged not to over imbibe and taxi rides are always available.

    Last big event of the weekend for me was the Araxi Bubbles + Oceans party in Whistler Village (tix $155). Known for their famous sushi and seafood, this restaurant sampling event never disappoints. Tons of fresh prawns, tuna, oysters and maki rolls were available for everyone. Bar and food service was stellar and, not forgetting the bubbles part, there were several different champagne and sparkling wine samples to be had.

    Stealing the spotlight this night however was a 50 year James Bond special edition anniversary champagne released by none other than Bollinger. This $200 dollar stealth black bottle comes in a special spy themed canister where one must dial 007 on the locks to release the lid. Add a couple of tuxedo-clad handsome men to serve it up cold and the ladies were easily wooed over to this table with little resistance.

    – By Catherine Barr

  • Mosquito Creek Boat Show in North Vancouver

    Anne drewa wesla wong
    Is this North Vancouver or Monte Carlo? It was hard to tell the difference as the sun beamed down on 2,000+ feet of luxury sailboats and power yachts at the opening night of The 6th Annual Boat Show at the Creek. “The end of the summer is a perfect time for a new boat”, proclaimed Mosquito Creek GM Donny Mekilok as he welcomed guests and VIPs to the opening night celebration party. Held aboard Paul Cheung’s stunning Celebration on Water converted ferry boat, the venue was yet another glamorous addition to the already popular event. Canapes, wine and live music helped kick-off a full weekend of boating fun and congratulations goes out to all the people who helped make this event possible.

    Mosquito creek boat show north vancouver

    01 – Global TV’s North Vancouver gals Anne Drewa, left, and Wesla Wong celebrate in the sunset as the boat show kicks off in style.

    02 – Squamish Nation Chief Gibby Jacob, left, whose ancestral name is Kákeltn siyám, and businessman Ivano DeCotiis are among the VIPs in attendance at the opening night party.

    03 – Proving that blue stripes are still in vogue, Turner Media Canada’s Craig Turner, left, and North Vancouver City councillor Craig Keating share some conversation on the deck of the Celebration on Water vessel.

    04 – Yacht brokers Don Young, left, David Campbell and Mike Claxton know everything about luxury, fun and sun on the water.

    05 – Manager Suzanne Bidinost and owner Paul Cheung graciously welcome everyone aboard the Celebration on Water vessel. Formerly a BC ferry named Queen of the Islands, the boat is now permanently docked at Mosquito Creek and is a magnificent venue for a party or wedding.

    06 – Guest Linda Aylesworth cuddles up to Mosquito Creek GM Donny Mekilok for a quick party pic. Both have worked so hard behind the scenes to make this event a big success.

    By Catherine Barr – Sep 20, 2012

    Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Sep 27, 2012

  • A New Year’s Toast to 2009

     

    Beach House New Year 2009

    Let’s raise a glass to old and new, and all the things we say and do. Sometimes, it passes oh so fast – but thanks to photos, it can last. The parties, full of fun and cheer – helped us ring in a brand new New Year. And the faces say it all so well, plus there’s always a great tale to tell. So thank you for your smiles so bright, and inviting me to share each night. Without you it would be a bore – but life is good on our North Shore. So here’s a toast to both yours and mine – and all the best in 2009. (more…)

  • AllWest Insurance gives its best for Christmas

    With the state of the economy this year, and everyone counting their pennies more closely, it could be an unexpectedly tough holiday season for some. But the good folks at AllWest Insurance refused to give in to the bah-humbugs and not only decided to celebrate the season in style, but also did a little fundraising in the process. West Vancouver’s Paul and Devina Zalesky, owner of AllWest, honoured staff with a glamorous dinner party and awards banquet at Beyond Restaurant and Lounge. Looking young and trendy, their crew of over 200 came out to party and, during their 50/50 draw, also managed to raise enough money to help feed 50 needy families this Christmas. Who says giving can’t be fun?

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