This weekend one of the biggest shows featuring handmade goods happens at the PNE Forum. Make It! Vancouver will be featuring 180 makers including a number of new makers. The show will feature a host of items including accessories, home décor, delectable items to eat and drink, art, jewellery, leather goods, baby clothes and toys, accessories for your dogs. Whether you are looking for something for yourself, your kids, the house or your 4 legged friend, there is an amazing selection of items. Purchasing items at Make It! means you are supporting entrepreneurs who are building their own micro economy. All this goes a long way to supporting our local economy. If that isn’t enough, there will be a beer garden along with food trucks. Make It! Vancouver kicks off Friday, April 20th at 11:00 and goes till 9:00 pm that day and continues Saturday (10-6) and Sunday (11-5). Admission is $6 at the door, or you can buy your tickets for $3.00 in advance online. To purchase your tickets, visit Make It! Vancouver.
Make It! Vancouver At The PNE Forum April 20 – 22, 2018
18 Apr
Earth Day Events In East Vancouver April 21 & 22, 2018
17 Apr
It’s Earth Day this weekend and we should celebrate this lovely planet we call home and do everything we can for it. We’ve set out below a number of events celebrating Earth Day:
Commercial Drive – Earth Day Parade & Festival, Saturday, April 21st
The 8th Annual Earth Day Parade & Festival takes place this Saturday, April 21st in East Vancouver. You are invited to come out to this family-friendly event. This year’s parade kicks off at 1:00 pm from Commercial and Broadway and continues to Grandview Park where the festival portion will continue from 1:45 pm to 3:00 pm. There will be a host of activities for all ages. For those that get hungry, there will be a few food trucks on hand, with of course some great coffee shops and other eateries close by on The Drive.
Everett Crowley Park Earth Day Celebration – April 21st
Volunteers are back at Everett Crowley Park this Saturday, April 21st planting trees, native shrubs and pollinating insects. Organizers have partnered with the Vancouver Park Board and Wildcoast Ecological Society and will be leading a salmon berry planting along the banks of Kinross Creek. The Environmental Youth Alliance will be giving away native plants. There will be interpretative walks along with fresh refreshments. The Vancouver Public Library will also be on hand with books on natural history. This is an all ages family event and happens from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Earth Day Fundraiser & Student Art Show – Bandidas Taqueria – April 22nd
This Sunday, April 22nd, Bandidas Taqueria will be hosting a community fundraiser, student art show and sidewalk festival in support of RAVEN Trust’s Heiltsuk campaign. This is a business that is committed to environmentally sustainable practices which initiative we applaud. This is an all day affair that starts at 9:00 am and goes till midnight. Bandidas Taqueria will be featuring regular brunch inside as well as a sidewalk festival outside. They have partnered with Victory Gardens who will be on hand with seeds and seedlings for sale, Earnest Ice Cream’s truck will be parked out front will ALL proceeds from ice cream sales going to RAVEN Trust. A representative from RAVEN Trust will be on hand to answer questions. Local musicians will be on hand throughout the day to provide entertainment outdoors. If that isn’t action packed enough, six classrooms from four East Van schools will be showcasing environmental-themed art pieces on their walls over the course of the weekend. Stop by and support this great initiative. 100% of the profits from the sale of food and drink on April 22nd will be donated to RAVEN Trust, an organization which helps indigenous communities fight for environmental protection by offsetting their legal costs. To learn more about the organization, visit RAVEN Trust.
Movie ‘Directly Affected’ Earth Day Screening – Rio Theatre April 22nd
Zack Embree’s, Director, of the compelling new documentary DIRECTLY AFFECTED, takes an in-depth look at the issues surrounding the Kinder Morgan pipeline. Zack will also be in attendance and will participate in a post-screening Q&A, as will some other special guests. Five years ago Zack Embree set out on a mission to understand the impacts of the Kinder Morgan pipeline on local communities and give a voice back to those who had been ignored by the National Energy Board process.
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What’s On East Van: Friday April 13th Edition
13 Apr
Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming week. Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.
Nifty For Fifty – Heritage Hall – April 15th
Looking for a great deal from local designers? You may wish to stop by the very popular Nifty For Fifty happening Sunday at the Heritage Hall between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm. This event features over 30 local designers including some personal favourites Cord & Stone, Daub & Design and Dahlia Drive. Admission is $2.00. To learn more about the designers on hand, visit Nifty For Fifty.
Swinging Sundays With The Ladies From Company B – Wise Hall – April 15th
If you love swing music and love to dance, you may wish to stop by the Wise Hall on Sunday and check out Swinging Sundays. The Ladies of Company B will perform their brand of harmony in the Wise Lounge after 7:00 pm. If you miss this Sunday, they’ll be back on Sunday, April 29th.
24 Hour Bike-A-Thon – 1739 Venables Street – April 13th
If you love bikes, or want to learn more about them (ie. fixing them), there’s an interesting event happening this Friday. It’s a 24 Hour Bike-A-Thon. Kickstand Community Bike Shop which will help teach people that have never built a bike (but note most of the work will be refurbishing instead of starting from scratch). They plan to build 24 bikes in 24 hours with sustenance from Moja Coffee and Renzo’s Cafe. Event starts at 6:00 pm at 1739 Venables.
Bird on Stilts Workshop – Trout Lake Community Centre – April 15th
Birds on Parade will be hosting a free workshop at Trout Lake Community Centre this Sunday, April 15th. Once the stilts are completed, you will be invited to participate in upcoming parades around the City. For more information, visit Birds On Parade.
BC Distilled – Croatian Cultural Centre – April 14th
The 5th Annual Tasting Festival that is BC Distilled takes place this Saturday at the Croatian Cultural Centre. This event highlights BC’s premier artisan local distilleries. Come out and see what’s new and exciting in this growing industry. For tickets visit, BC Distilled.
Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment
Looking for live music, Breaking Boundaries is back at Café Deux Soleils and we see the Libra Room has a full slate of live music lined up nightly. The Winter Farmer Markets continue this weekend with Saturday’s being held at Nat Bailey Stadium from 10 am to 2 pm and Sunday at Hastings Parking 10 am to 2 pm. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.
Image Credit: June Hunter
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Vancouver’s Zero Waste Centre = No Excuses
10 Apr
We recently stopped by Vancouver’s new Zero Waste Centre located in SE Vancouver at 8588 Yukon Street just off Marine Drive near Cambie. This facility takes a long list of recyclable items for free. It’s well organized with lots of signage as well as attendants to point you in the right direction or answer any questions. We had been carrying around some used LED light bulbs we had hoped to recycle, which it turned out the Zero Waste Centre did not take, but with lightening speed the attendant pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket with a map and address of the South Van Bottle Depot two blocks over which did take the bulbs. So if the Zero Waste Centre doesn’t take something, we’d venture a guess they would be able to tell you who would take it. Generally speaking it’s handy to have a vehicle to attend at this location if you have a number of larger items, but if you have a few small items that you can carry, this location is not far from the Cambie and Marine Skytrain Station and bus loop. As big fans of recycling and repurposing, we are pleased to see this new addition to the City’s Waste Management Services. Check out below the long list of items, they do take at the Zero Waste facility:
Materials accepted for free recycling
Bicycles and accessories
Books
Cardboard (flattened)
Cell phones
Clothing and textiles
Cooking oil (maximum 10L per day per resident)
Electronics
Fire extinguishers (maximum 2 per day per resident)
Foam packaging (no foam peanuts)
Glass bottles and jars
Household batteries
Large appliances (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, maximum 3)
Lead acid car and truck batteries
Metal containers (cans, tins, foil, empty aerosol cans excluding spray paint cans)
Paper containers (tetra-packs, coffee cups)
Plastic bags and overwrap (not Ziploc bags though)
Plastic containers (jars, jugs, bottles)
Power tools
Printed paper and paper packaging (newspaper, magazines, catalogues, writing paper, paper bags)
Propane tanks (maximum 4 disposable and 2 refillable)
Scrap metal
Small appliances
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Thermostats
There are a number of items that are NOT accepted which include:
Antifreeze and empty antifreeze containers
Broken televisions and computer monitors
Flammable liquids
Fluorescent light bulbs and tubes
Medications
Paint and empty paint cans
Pesticides
Tires
Used oil, oil filters, and empty oil containers
If you wish to know what to do with the items, they don’t accept, check out the City’s Waste Wizard.
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Chocolate Challenge At The Gourmet Warehouse May 10
9 Apr
The Chocolate Challenge is back at the Gourmet Warehouse on May 10, 2018. If you love chocolate, this is the place to be. The Chocolate Challenge is truly a decadent event for chocolate lovers. This event pits local chocolatiers against each other to create something amazing, both beautiful and delish, with chocolate. You have the opportunity to taste their creations and vote on them. This event is a fundraiser for 3 great local charities, specifically the Strathcona Backpack Program, Project Chef and the Vancouver Firefighters `Snacks for Kids` Program. Tickets are $79 and 100% of ticket sale proceeds go towards these charities. As well, there will be a silent auction featuring a host of items including a round trip flight and hotel accommodations to San Francisco, hands-on sushi making workshop, chef’s table tasting menus at some local restaurants and more all to help raise funds. To keep you fed and hydrated during this evening event, there will be gourmet food stations situated around the store along with a wine bar. Event gets under way at 6:30 pm. Come out and try some amazing chocolate, socialize with other chocolate lovers and support local charities doing great work in our community. To purchase tickets for this event, visit Gourmet Warehouse.
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What’s On East Van: April 6th Edition
6 Apr
Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out lots more cool events for the upcoming long weekend. Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond
The 2nd Annual East Van Old Time Social – Russian Hall April 6th & 7th
The Second Annual East Van Old Time Social is a weekend event dedicated to old-time string band music, and up-beat, beginner friendly, live music square dances. You are invited to come by the Russian Hall and listen to great tunes and dance the night away. There will be beginner friendly square dances.
Feast of Fools – Strange Fellow Brewing – April 7th
If you love BBQ and beer, you may wish to stop by Strange Fellows Brewing, 1345 Clark Drive, this Saturday, April 7th. They will be hosting Feast of Fools where they have some delish eats on hand including BBQ Brisket/BBQ Salmon sandwich, House Coleslaw, Strange Mac ‘n Cheese, and Tarte a la Biere with beer for $18. The goodness kicks off at 5:00 pm and continues till the food runs out.
BC Beer Wars: Fight Night – Croatian Cultural Centre – April 8th
If you love beer and boxing, then BC Beer Wars Fight Night might be your ticket for this Saturday. Event kicks off at the Croatian Cultural Centre at 2:00 pm. Of course, beer will be on hand for sale as well as samples from 15 BC breweries. For more information and tickets, visit BC Beer Wars.
The Art Of Tease: Intro To Burlesque – Your Open Closet – April 11th
Want to learn the art of tease? The owners of Womyn’s Ware & Your Open Closet are hosting an introduction to burlesques Wednesday, April 11th. Local burlesque legend Burgundy Brix will be teaching this workshop being held at Your Open Closet. Cost is $30, tickets are available from Womyn’s Ware. Fun kicks off 7:00 pm and goes till 8:30 pm. Note, these ladies are all about non-judgment, so bring your sassy self and have some fun.
Coco Love Alcorn – Wise Hall – April 11th
You are invited to a sing-a-long concert with Coco Love Alcorn and friends Wednesday, April 11th. This is both a concert and workshop, singing along is entirely optional though. You can just come to be enetertained. Event happens at the Wise Hall with things kicking off at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. For more information, visit the Facebook page of Coco Love Alcorn.
Chelsea Hotel: Songs Of Leonard Cohen – Firehall Arts Centre – April 21st
Haunted by memories of his tumultuous love life, a writer checks into New York’s infamous Chelsea Hotel desperate to find the words and inspiration for his next song. Wading through past relationships, he reluctantly comes face to face with the love of the present, a love he wishes he could not only forget, but erase from memory. This is the premise of the Chelsa Hotel which pays tribute to the songs of Leonard Cohen. This production on its final run continues this weekend. For tickets and information, visit the Firehall Arts Centre.
Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment
Love live jazz music? The Geoff Claridge Trio will be playing at the Tangent Café this Sunday from 6:30 pm. The Winter Farmer Markets continue this weekend with Saturday’s being held at Nat Bailey Stadium from 10 am to 2 pm and Sunday at Hastings Parking 10 am to 2 pm. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.
Image Credit: June Hunter
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An Evening Of Storytelling At The Cottage Bistro April 10th
3 Apr
Vancouver Story Slam is back at the Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street on Tuesday, April 10th for an evening of storytelling. These monthly gatherings are organized by Susan Cormier and hosted by Bryant Ross. Ten storytellers will take the stage and share their original stories with you. Those participating this April include Alix Born, Chris Cannon, Katharine Moore, Lalo Espejo, Maia Brundage, Michele Luchs, Mike Funergy, Naomi Steinberg, Trish Irvin, and Zach Allan. The event will open with a guest story from special guest storyteller T.J. Mair. The event is $5 at the door which gets you a ballot giving you the opportunity to vote on your favourite story. There are cash prizes awarded to the winners. If you wish to learn more about this event or participate in an upcoming event, email them directly at Vancouverstoryslam@yahoo.com. If you can’t make this one, future dates are posted on their Facebook page. Note, space is limited at this venue. So if you don’t want to miss it, best to get their early.
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Nifty For Fifty At Heritage Hall Sunday April 15th
2 Apr
One of the best sales in the City is back on Sunday, April 15th at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street. Nifty for Fifty was founded by Adhesif Clothing designer, Melissa Ferreira, in 2007 with 12 designers. It has now grown to 30 sellers with over 3,000 shoppers attending the one day sale. If you are not familiar with Nifty For Fifty, the sale is a way for designers to show gratitude to their customers by clearing out local merchandise all of which is $50 or less. You can expect to find clothing, jewelry, sketchbooks, pottery, bags, scarves and much more by some great local designers. Some of the designers on hand include Adhesif Clothing, Dahlia Drive, Daub & Design, Cord & Stone, Devi Arts Collective and many more. A number of items available on this day will be up to 80% off. So mark your calendar for this shopping event, but just a reminder this is a mainly cash event. For those that want the best selection or first dibs at some of the great deals, we recommend you get their early. The sale starts at 11:00 a.m. and goes to 7:00 p.m. Admission is $2 at the door.
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Side Glance With Al Tee – Honest Nat’s Department Store – History On Fraser Street
26 Mar
Sometimes travelling around East Van, it feels like being part of something on National Geographic or History Channel. One of those programs about lost civilizations. Worlds that no longer exist and what fragments remain.
There’s an old radio jingle that’s an example of the lost world of East Van. The ad was for Honest Nat’s Department Store and if you’ve lived here long enough you know what three words follow the store’s name.
But beyond the jingle there’s no history of a department store that once was an anchor on the principal commercial ribbon of East Vancouver. Located at 6394 Fraser, Honest Nat’s was the brainchild of Nathan Lacterman. A prairie orphan who escaped Winnipeg and came West, Lacterman made several unsuccessful stabs at the retail business in Vancouver. Then a chance visit to Toronto lead him to stumble across the famed discount store Honest Ed’s at Bloor and Bathhurst. Inspired, Honest Nat’s was born.
Honest Nat’s department store would last at 48th and Fraser for 40 plus years. Supporting the community, sponsoring teams, doling out balloons to customer’s kids, Honest Nat Lacterman acted as the unofficial mayor of Fraser Street. Eventually Honest Nat fell ill and his daughter took over. But Fraser Street started to change. A Superstore came in at the bottom of Fraser along Marine Drive. When Nat’s daughter started hearing patrons tell her that they’d looked all over town for an item they couldn’t find, but knew Honest Nat’s would have it, she saw the writing on the wall. Why weren’t they coming straight to Honest Nat’s in the first place? Honest Nat’s Department Store closed in 1989 and the building was sold. Shortly afterwards, it was destroyed by fire.
All that remains now of Honest Nat’s Department store is this artifact, the jingle.
By Contributing Writer: Al Tee
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What’s On East Van: March 23rd Edition
23 Mar
Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out lots more cool events for the upcoming week. Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.
Butcher – The Cultch – Till March 31st
Not for the light of heart, this stage thriller is on now at The Cultch till March 31st. If you missed our contributing writer’s review Nicole Alivojvodic check out Butcher to see what this psychological crime thriller is about.
Blackbird – Backspace – March 21st to April 1st
A play dealing with some poignant subject matter is happening at Backspace, 1318 Grant Street. The production touches on the relationship of Una, a 12 year old girl, and Ray a 40 year old male. The two had a sexual relationship for which Ray served a sentence, changed his name and began a new file, but Una tracked him down and confronted him, but the question is what does she want? The play features a great line up of local talent including local musician Rodney DeCroo. Tickets are $15 and available through Eventbrite.
Made On Salt Spring – Heritage Hall – March 23rd to 25th
This weekend over 40 artisans from Salt Spring Island will be at the Heritage Hall with a wide variety of offerings including pottery, jewellery, food, woodwork and much more. The event kicks off Friday afternoon from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm and continues Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and again Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tickets are $5 at the door, kids under 12 are free. For the early birds, swag bags for the first 25 people through the door each day. To learn more, visit Made On Salt Spring.
Vancouver Gem & Mineral Show – PNE Forum – March 23rd to 25th
Vancouver Gem & Mineral Show is happening at the PNE Forum this weekend. There will be a wide array of offerings including crystals, gems, minerals, gems, Native art, hand carved stone and much more. To learn more, check out Vancouver Gem & Mineral Show.
Greyhaven Bird Sanctuary Open House – March 24th
Greyhaven Bird Sanctuary is hosting their last Open House at this location before they need to move. You are invited to stop by and meet a variety of exotic birds including macaws, amazons and cockatoos. These exotic birds are available for adoption, so if you might be interested, this is a great opportunity to check things out. This is a free event happening from Noon to 4:00 pm, but registration is requested through Eventbrite.
History Walk With James Johnstone March 24th
Last weekend to catch historian James Johnstone who will another history walk in East Vancouver this Saturday, March 24th. To learn more or reserve your spot, visit History Walks In Vancouver.
Zumba & Beer – Andina Brewing – March 25th
If you love Zumba and beer, you best get over to Andina Brewing this Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Andina Brewing will be hosting in collaboration with Zumba Vancouver a high energy Zumba class followed by a flight or glass of beer. Cost is $20. To register, visit Zumba Vancouver.
Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment
If it’s burlesque you are looking for, the Rio Theatre has you covered. The Geekenders are hosting a show Friday and Saturday night. Love listening to live jazz? Tangent Cafe on Commercial Drive has the Elliot Freedman Group playing this Sunday starting at 6 pm. The Winter Farmer Markets continue this weekend with Saturday’s being held at Nat Bailey Stadium from 10 am to 2 pm and Sunday at Hastings Parking 10 am to 2 pm. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.
Image Credit: June Hunter
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