Author Archives: Raniery Melo

Get Ready to Go Back in Time: A new festival ‘with no name’ is bringing a taste of the Old West to Vancouver

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If I invited you to take a step back in time with this brand-new summer fest?

The “Fest With No Name” promises a real Old West adventure, complete with country music, fun activities, and a setting that’ll make you feel like you’re in a Western movie.

The organizers vow to transform the PNE into an Old West cultural experience, inspired by the iconic “Man With No Name” and the “A Fistful of Dollars” trilogy.

You can stroll through a locally recreated Western movie set, where every detail transports you to a time of sunset duels and mysterious saloons.

Among the attractions, you can try out an old-fashioned photo booth or browse a vintage market brimming with cowboy accessories. For the more daring, how about testing your skills on a mechanical bull? (I’ve tried it and man, it’s a blast!) But that’s not all: the festival also features drag queen performances, and a variety of delicious BBQ food from local vendors—pretty cool, right?

Musically, the festival is shaping up nicely too, with renowned country artists like Midland and Shane Smith & The Saints making their debuts in Western Canada. We’ll also see performances from Pony Bradshaw, Summer Dean, and Jaime Wyatt, plus the well-known “Queen of the Road,” Nikki Lane, returning to delight the audience alongside other talented Canadian artists.

Mark your calendar: the festival is on July 20 and 21, starting at 4:15 PM (gates open at 4:00 PM) at the PNE Centre Grounds. Tickets are available online for $100 (general) and $200 (VIP). The event will kick off with an opening ceremony by the Squamish Ocean Canoe Family and is open to all ages.

Don’t miss out on this unique party, set to be one of the most memorable experiences of Vancouver’s summer. So, excited about the festival?

For more details and information about the tickets, visit: [LINK]

Please, leave a comment below and let me know what you’re looking forward to most at this spectacular event!

Enjoying the Summer: Where to Legally Drink on Vancouver’s Beaches and Parks

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Hey there! Summer’s almost here, and with it comes that urge to soak up every bit of outdoor fun, right? Well, the good news is, that the Vancouver City Council has approved a program that allows folks over the legal drinking age to enjoy a drink on select beaches. The “Alcohol on Beaches Program” will be in effect from June 1 to September 30.

Happy Hour Drink GIF by Un si grand soleil - Find & Share on GIPHY

(Imagem via Flickr by Un si grand soleil)

Based on a decision made at the Vancouver Park Board meeting on May 6, drinking alcoholic beverages is now allowed from 11 AM to 9 PM. But just a heads up, last year there were some issues with disorderly behavior and increased trash in these areas. So, this time around, there will be more police and inspectors on hand to keep things in check.

Here are the spots where you can enjoy a cold one with a view of the sea:

  • Jericho Beach
  • Spanish Banks
  • Locarno Beach
  • Second Beach (Stanley Park)
  • Kitsilano Beach
  • John Hendry / Trout Lake Beach
  • New Brighton Beach

And remember, drinking is still banned on these beaches:

  • English Bay Beach
  • Sunset Beach Park
  • Third Beach (Stanley Park)
  • CRAB Park Beach
  • Beaches along the Fraser River

Now, if you’re wondering about parks, it’s a bit more flexible. 31 parks allow drinking year-round and another 15 join the list between July 1 and August 31. Some of these parks include Adanac Park, Kitsilano Beach Park, and Queen Elizabeth Park.

So, if you’re planning to enjoy the summer with some drinks, these are your options. But hey, let’s keep it responsible, okay? Drink in moderation and don’t forget to throw your trash in the bin.

Now tell me, do you have any plans to hit these beaches or parks?

Please, leave a comment below about what you think of this flexibility and if you have a favorite spot to enjoy an evening out. Let’s chat!

Tennis Revolution! How Felix Auger-Aliassime Is Redefining Expectations and Conquering the World!

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Felix Auger-Aliassime, one of the bright talents in Canadian tennis, faced a significant setback in his journey at the Italian Open. The match, which took place in the third round, saw Felix go up against Alex de Minaur from Australia, an opponent he had a history of defeating. This time, however, the story took a different turn, and Felix left the court with a loss of 6-7, 6-4, 6-4.

The game, lasting over three hours, turned into a real emotional rollercoaster. Felix, known for his power and precision, managed to fire off five aces. However, the 13 double faults were a major hurdle, ultimately costing him dearly. The balance between brilliant moments and unexpected errors highlighted the unpredictability of the sport.

De Minaur, on the other hand, played with impressive calmness. He capitalized on just four of the twelve break opportunities, but that was enough to clinch the victory. With consistent serving, scoring only one ace and a single double fault, the Australian displayed a solid, strategic performance.

Felix Auger-Aliassime hails from Laval, Quebec, Canada. He started turning heads in the tennis world at a very young age, known for his early talent and relentless work ethic.

From an early age, Felix showed promise in tennis. He had a notable junior career, reaching the number two position in the ITF junior world rankings. His ability to perform at a high level from the get-go was evident when he won the US Open junior doubles title in 2015 and made it to the singles final of the same tournament in 2016.

Professionally, Felix quickly transitioned to the ATP circuit and continued to impress. He claimed his first ATP title in 2021 at the Stuttgart tournament in Germany. Since then, he has been a regular in ATP tournament finals and has achieved multiple victories against top 10 players, solidifying his reputation as one of the most promising players of his generation.

Besides his achievements, Felix has also been a key component of Team Canada in the Davis Cup. He played a crucial role in Canada’s historic win at the 2022 Davis Cup, where Canada clinched the title for the first time.

Felix is known for his powerful game, which includes a strong serve and very solid baseline shots. He is also praised for his maturity on the court and his ability to stay calm under pressure, exceptional traits for someone so young in such a competitive sport.

However, this match showed that even the best have their off days. The loss is certainly a tough blow, but also a learning opportunity. Knowing Felix’s determination, he will use this experience to come back even stronger.

The match was reminiscent of the showdown of the 2022 Davis Cup, where Felix helped Canada defeat Australia, but this time, de Minaur had his revenge. Now, the Australian moves on to face the sixth seed, Stefanos Tsitsipas from Greece, who comes off a victory over the Brit, Cameron Norrie.

Felix’s journey in Rome may have come to an end, but the season is far from over. Tennis fans will surely be eager to see how he bounces back and adapts after this defeat.

So, guys, what do you think Felix needs to adjust to come back stronger in upcoming tournaments? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Get Your Tickets: Concert Week Offers Unbeatable Prices in Vancouver!

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Hey, live music fan! Live Nation’s Concert Week is in full swing, and until May 14th, you can snag tickets to top shows in Vancouver for just $25. Yes, you heard that right: twenty-five bucks to see some of the hottest names in music today!

This year is extra special as it marks the tenth anniversary of Live Nation’s “Concert Week.” During this week, music and comedy lovers can grab tickets for only $25, available for over 5,000 shows throughout the year. The lineup includes an impressive variety of artists and bands, so get ready to mark your calendars.

Here are some highlights you won’t want to miss:

Prateek Kuhad – Soft sounds promising an unforgettable evening at the Commodore Ballroom on May 8th.

AJ Mitchell – The pop sensation will be rocking the Hollywood Theatre on May 31st.

Vampire Weekend on their ‘Only God Was Above Us’ Tour – A triumphant return to the stage at Deer Lake Park, Burnaby, on June 18th.

And there’s more! Orville Peck brings his “Stampede Tour” to the UBC Doug Mitchell Stadium on July 18th, while Billy Idol, with his “Rebel Yell 2024” tour, will shake up the Rogers Arena at the end of July.

Rock fans can look forward to Kings of Leon and Weezer in August and October, respectively. And for those who like a softer vibe, Cigarettes After Sex will bring their “X’s World Tour” to town in September.

Kygo, Evanescence, and Arkells are also on the list, bringing a fantastic diversity of styles and sounds to suit all tastes.

Remember: to take advantage of this amazing offer, look for the ticket type marked as “Concert Week Promotion” during purchase. This is your chance to see big names for a price that’s music to your ears!

This is the perfect time to plan those get-togethers with friends and ensure a year filled with live music.

The Unexpected Hero: How Josh Donaldson Supercharged the Blue Jays’ Dream Season

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Back in November 2014, something huge happened in the world of baseball. The Toronto Blue Jays made a bold move by trading for Josh Donaldson, a third baseman everyone thought was off-limits. They gave up Brett Lawrie, Kendall Graveman, Sean Nolin, and Franklin Barreto to get him from the Oakland Athletics. This deal was a game-changer, thanks to the gutsy decision-making of Alex Anthopoulos, the team’s general manager at the time.

Josh Donaldson, also known as the “Bringer of Rain,” truly lived up to his nickname. He brought his A-game to Toronto, turning the team’s luck around. Before you knew it, the Blue Jays went from being the underdogs to serious contenders. In the 2015 season, Donaldson hit an impressive .297, knocked 41 homers, and led the league with 123 RBIs. His performance was so outstanding that he bagged the AL Most Valuable Player award. He wasn’t just a player; he became a Canadian hero.

During a chat on Sportsnet 590 The FAN’s Blair and Barker show, Donaldson shared, “We all had one goal in mind, and we knew we were good. It felt great knowing that other teams were relieved when we left town. That’s one of the best compliments we could get.” Alongside stars like Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion, he pushed the Blue Jays into the playoffs for the first time since their 1992 and 1993 World Series wins. They even clinched the AL East title with a record of 93-69.

The most unforgettable moment came during the ALDS against the Texas Rangers. In the decisive Game 5, the Blue Jays sealed their victory, and it included the famous “Bat Flip” moment that everyone still talks about. The energy in the city was electric—everyone was rallying behind the Blue Jays.

Donaldson fondly remembered, “Knowing that we had beaten teams mentally before the game even started was thrilling. There was a real sense of brotherhood among us.”

Though they didn’t win the World Series, falling to the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS, 2015 was definitely not a loss for the Blue Jays. It was the beginning of a new, exciting chapter, proving they were back in the game.

Let’s chat about it! What’s your favorite moment from the 2015 Blue Jays season? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts!

Getting Ready for Summer: BC’s Biggest Water Park Reopens Its Doors!

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Summer is on its way, and with it comes the much-anticipated reopening of BC’s largest water park: Cultus Lake Waterpark.

Cultus Lake Waterslides

(Imagem via Flickr by Tracy Friesen)

This classic destination promises to cool down those hot summer days. The adventure kicks off on June 8, and I must admit, as it’s my first summer here, I’m super excited to check it out for the first time.

Cultus Lake Waterpark, together with Cultus Lake Adventure Park, has been a summer tradition since 1984, started and is still operated by a local family. While the adventure park has been open for a few weeks, the water park had us waiting eagerly. The wait is over!

https://twitter.com/asdfghjrbr_/status/1153181006649651200

Starting June 8, the park will open on weekends until June 22. After that, it will be open daily until September 2. To celebrate the opening, the park is offering an $8 discount on all tickets. This includes all-day passes, half-day, and evening tickets.

With over 11 water slides, five large hot tubs scattered throughout the park, a lazy river, and four areas dedicated to kids, Cultus is considered the biggest water park in the province. Plus, it has five food outlets, 150 covered picnic tables, locker rentals, BBQs, and lots of grassy areas to relax.

Tickets will go on sale soon. The park offers special rates for school groups, discounts for evening entries, post-school promotions, VIP cabana rentals, and early booking throughout the season.

For more details and information about the tickets, visit: [LINK]

Here’s a tip: it’s advisable to buy your tickets in advance. The place gets really busy, and if you leave it until the last minute, you might miss out, as there will be no ticket sales at the gate if they sell out online.

Located at 4150 Columbia Valley Hwy in Cultus Lake, BC, Cultus Lake Waterpark promises to be the perfect retreat for those seeking adventure and an escape from the summer heat. I’m already counting the days until I can dive into those slides! What about you, are you going to miss it?

So, who else is planning to visit Cultus Lake Waterpark this summer? Share your expectations in the comments or leave a reply below!

 

Experience the Tradition and Joy of Italian Day 2024 in Vancouver!

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Ever felt that electric energy of a street festival celebrating not just one culture but bringing people together?

Well, Italian Day is making its comeback to Commercial Drive in Vancouver this year, and it’s not to be missed! Circle your calendars: June 9th, Sunday, the heart of Little Italy in Vancouver will transform into a massive 14-block party.

Italian Day is more than just an event, it’s a celebration that draws people of all ages and backgrounds. Expect over 100 participants, including vendors, partners, and community organizations, with around 300,000 people anticipated!

It’s a unique opportunity to spend a day filled with activities, performances, and attractions that honor the rich Italian cultural heritage alive in Vancouver. This year, the festival is themed “Storia,” which means “History” or “Storia” in Italian. The idea is to showcase how stories and memories shape our emotional connections, bridging generations. We’ll celebrate the traditions and values that link the past to the present and teach us valuable lessons to build a better future.

And of course, what’s Italian Day without mentioning the food and wine? The colors green, white, and red will dominate Commercial Drive, bringing the best of Italian cuisine right to our doorstep. And yes, plenty of music to keep everyone moving.

Beyond the fun, the festival is also a moment to acknowledge the Italian immigrants who came to Vancouver seeking a better life. It’s our chance to say thanks and celebrate these invaluable contributions.

So, let’s make this Italian Day a memorable one. I’m super excited to see the event for the first time. I plan to enjoy every moment.

Please, don’t forget to drop your comments below. Let me know what you’re most looking forward to at the festival or share your favorite memories from past editions so I can get a head start. 🎉🇮🇹

 

Canada vs Brazil at the Volleyball Nations League: It’s Now or Never!

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Today, something big is about to go down at Maracanãzinho in Rio de Janeiro – Brazil. Our Canadian women’s volleyball team is facing off against Brazil in a key match of the 2024 Volleyball Nations League. And, listen, this isn’t just any game; it’s Canada’s shot at ending a nearly three-decade-long wait for an Olympic spot since Atlanta 1996.

With the world rankings tight and the scramble for a spot in Paris 2024, our players have a serious challenge ahead. Brazil, already qualified for the Olympics and playing on home turf, is coming in strong, but we know our Canadian team means business.

Who could forget the last VNL in 2023? It was electrifying: we beat the Brazilians in an epic five-set match!

This recent victory has boosted the team’s confidence, but it also brings pressure—the expectations are sky-high. Shannon Winzer, the team’s coach, made it clear that reaching Paris is more than just the effort of the 14 players selected. “It’s a collective effort that involves every player and the entire coaching staff,” she said, stressing the importance of teamwork.

Facing Brazil now is not just a chance for revenge, but a golden opportunity to prove we deserve a spot among the best on the Olympic stage. A win here would not only earn us crucial ranking points but also a massive morale boost.

So, if you’re a volleyball fan, you can’t miss this game. It’s a chance to see a team that grows, overcomes, and never gives up. With a mix of veterans and rising talents, we’re ready to surprise and fight for a spot in Paris.

Be sure to catch this epic battle. Tune into VBTV from Tuesday at 5:00 PM (PDT) and cheer on the Canadians! Let’s show the world the strength and determination of Canada.

Canadian Wow GIF by Volleyball World - Find & Share on GIPHY

(GIF via Giphy by Volleyball World)

Ready for this historic night? Comment below, share your expectations, and join us in cheering them on!

Olympic Qualifier Series: Meet the Canadian Athletes in Breaking and Climbing Who Might Shine at Paris 2024

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As the world prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Canada presents a strong list of potential athletes who could reach the new competitions. This year, breaking and climbing will not only test the limits of physical ability but also showcase the unique talents of Canadians on the global stage.

Breaking, a dynamic street dance that started in the 70s, is set to make its Olympic debut in Paris in 2024.

Originally a cultural expression on the streets of New York, it has evolved into a full-fledged Olympic sport.

The Olympic Qualifier Series (OQS) is where dancers get to showcase their skills. This sport mixes flexibility, technique, and even a little theater, as each movement tells a story.

The competitors, known as b-boys and b-girls, face each other in exciting battles, very similar to a boxing duel, but at the rhythm dictated by the DJ. Although stars such as American Victor and Lithuanian Nicka are already guaranteed a place in Paris, it is worth keeping an eye on emerging talents on this global stage.

Among the potential Canadian representatives, two names from Vancouver stand out: Phil Wizard. Phil Wizard is known for his refined technique and ability to pull off complex and innovative moves.

He is a prominent figure in the Canadian breaking scene and carries Canada’s hopes for medals in Paris.

Moving to sport climbing, this Olympic discipline is no less thrilling. Paris 2024 will feature climbing competitions in two distinct formats: speed, and a combination of a boulder and lead. Each format challenges athletes in different ways, demanding not just physical strength but also strategy and technique.

From Canada, Sean McColl and Alannah Yip, both from North Vancouver, have already secured their spots. Sean started climbing at 10 and quickly made a name for himself with his versatility and technical skill in all climbing disciplines. His career includes multiple world championship wins, making him an inspiration to many young climbers.

Alannah Yip started even younger, at 6, and excelled with her strength and skill in bouldering, as well as competing in lead and speed. Her dramatic qualification for Tokyo 2020 at the Pan-American Climbing Championship showcased her exceptional talent and determination.

With the OQS and the upcoming Olympics, we have a unique opportunity to see our athletes in action. It’s a time to support our local heroes, feel the thrill of the Olympic Games, and perhaps witness history in the making. These events are not just competitions; they are a celebration of human talent, dedication, and passion for sports.

So, let’s cheer for our breaking and climbing athletes!

Who are you looking forward to seeing compete in the OQS? What are your expectations for Paris 2024?

Leave your comment below and let’s discuss the exciting Olympic journey that’s about to begin!

Toronto in the Race to Host the MLB All-Star Game: A Golden Opportunity!

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There’s a lot of buzz around the possibility of Toronto hosting an upcoming MLB All-Star Game.

All Star Game Sport GIF by MLB - Find & Share on GIPHY

(GIF via Giphy by MLB)

With MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred set to visit the Rogers Centre, expectations are high. Manfred, who’s in his final term ending in July 2029, mentioned that the 2027 and 2028 games could go to cities like Toronto and Chicago. For Toronto, which hasn’t hosted the event since 1991, this would be a triumphant return.

After the last game against the Mariners, Blue Jays President Mark Shapiro expressed optimism, saying there’s a “good chance” Toronto will be picked in the next four to five years. Toronto isn’t just a strong contender because of its world-class stadium and vibrant multicultural vibe, but also due to the recent success of the Blue Jays, who’ve rejuvenated their fan base with a young and exciting roster.

The economic benefits of hosting the All-Star Game are massive. The event spans several days, including the Home Run Derby and FanFest, drawing tens of thousands of visitors not to mention the lasting impact it could have in strengthening Toronto’s legacy as a top-tier baseball destination, inspiring young athletes, and promoting the sport across Canada.

Of course, hosting the All-Star Game also comes with challenges. Toronto’s weather can be unpredictable in the summer, and while the Rogers Centre’s retractable roof is practical, it doesn’t offer the same appeal as an open-air stadium. Plus, careful planning would be needed to avoid clashing with other big events in the city.

Despite the challenges, the optimism is high. Manfred’s visit is seen as a positive sign, and Toronto’s experience in hosting major sporting events like the Pan American Games and the NBA All-Star Weekend only boosts its chances.

It might still be a while before an official announcement, but Toronto is gearing up to welcome baseball’s stars and show off its passion for the game soon.

So, what do you all think about Toronto’s chances? Are we ready to host the MLB stars?

Please, drop your comments below, and let’s chat about this exciting possibility!