Author Archives: Kieran Phagura

Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson

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It’s not very often kids from the Lower Mainland have a chance to make it to the big leagues, and it’s even less often for them to be drafted by an MLB team.

Enter Matt “TugBoat” Wilkinson. This kid is a beast. It’s no wonder why the Cleveland Guardians drafted him back in July, 2022. But, just like most other young draftees, he has to make his way through the minors and make a name for himself to get to the big leagues. Matt grew up playing baseball in Ladner, BC, and everyone knew since the day he started playing baseball that he was a special player. His size and strength helped him dominate against kids his age, allowing him to play up with kids who were two to three years older than him. 

Wilkinson entered history books last night with his unreal performance for the Lynchburg Hillcats. He started the game off hot, striking out the first seven batters he faced, giving his defence the afternoon off. It just got better and better for Tugboat and the Hillcats yesterday. He managed six scoreless innings from the mound, and didn’t allow a single hit. In total, he struck out fifteen, yes FIFTEEN, out of the eighteen batters he faced last night. If you don’t know a lot about baseball, just know that is insane.

He ended his night in the top of the sixth inning by striking out all three hitters, only walking one batter in the fourth inning. Matt said post game that he tries to do this every game, and tries his best to help the team when he can. 

“It’s what I try to do every time… You just have to try not to make that moment too big for yourself and just do whatever you can to help the team win. That’s what I did tonight.” Matt Wilkinson, Starting LPH, Lynchburg Hillcats.

This performance puts Tugboat in the history books, yes the 21-year old is already in the same books as some of the MLBs best pitchers. Since 2005 in the MiLB and the MLB, there have only been eleven other pitchers to strike out fifteen hitters without allowing a hit. Some of those MLB names include Clayton Kershaw, and Max Scherzer… both pitches ultimately bound for the MLB Hall of Fame. It’s crazy to think that a kid from such a small town in British Columbia is already in the same sentence as those two pitchers, but Matt knows that this is the kind of stuff that will only make him work harder.

“Being in the same names as those guys makes me want to keep working even harder to get to where I want to be” Matt Wilkinson, Starting LHP, Lynchburg Hillcats.

Tugboat has started his season strong with a 2-0 record, 0.44 ERA, and 41 strikeouts in 20 ⅔ innings pitched.

BMO Marathon continues to grow

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This year’s BMO Marathon is looking to be quite the spectacle, having over twenty-two thousand registrants sign up this year. With that many people looking to take part in Canada’s largest marathon since 2018, the event is already sold out due to capacity limits. 

The BMO Marathon is a run that many people strive to be able to compete in every year, bringing that number well over 22 000 runners, two thousand more than last year. It’s crazy to think that only thirty-two people completed the run in 1972 when the race first started. The BMO Marathon has been recognized by news outlets all over the world, including Forbes, CNN, and USA Today. It is known for its scenic views, including visible mountain ranges, cherry blossoms in full bloom, and 70% of the course being taken up by shoreline views. Along with traditionally selling out, the marathon also sees runners from 65+ countries come and participate.

(Stirl & Rae Photography / Elites)

Way back in 1972, a man named Tom Howard from Surrey BC, brought a handful of runners to run around Stanley park ten times to complete the first “British Columbia Marathon”. Since then, the event has expanded to allow as many people to participate as possible. It now includes a kids run, an 8km run, and a half marathon as well. The BMO Marathon has seen many famous olympians, Canadians, and international athletes compete and take home the Vancouver Marathon title. The current record holder for the race is Yuki Kawauchi from Canada, who finished the race in an outstanding 2:15:01.

The course has changed a few times over the years, but the path that it is on now is very well known and has been well received from many participants since it changed in 2012. The course starts with a loop around the outside of Queen Elizabeth Park, once that is completed, runners head down to West 49th Ave. After running for six kilometres, contestants will head north and begin their loop along the outside of UBC, before heading towards Spanish Banks, Jericho and Kitsilano beaches. Once completing the first twenty-nine kilometres, runners will head up Burrard St bridge before heading towards the final stretch which is around the Stanley Park Seawall. The race concludes at Downtown Pender Street. 

The 2024 BMO Marathon is the biggest marathon Vancouver has ever seen, and has seen back to back record breaking years. The event grew 10% since the last year, and it looks like it will never stop growing.

Viewing party at Rogers Arena

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The Vancouver Canucks are back in action tonight as they take on the Nashville Predators in game three of the first round in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But, how likely is it that you’re going to be in Nashville to watch? Doesn’t matter! You can watch the game inside Rogers Arena with hundreds of other fans on the big screen and cheer on the team from there.

The fans hope the Canucks can turn things around after an underwhelming performance in game two. Rogers Arena is pulling out all the stops for Vancouverites looking to get the experience of being in the arena during gameday. The doors will be opening at 3:30pm, and the pregame show will be as close to a home game as it possibly can be. The national anthem, siren crank, in game hosts and FIN himself will all be there. Every fan with a seat will get their own rally towel, enjoy live music, contests, and giveaways during breaks and intermissions. This is all for the fans, and thanks to president of sports and entertainment Michael Doyle, more fans and families can experience a home playoff game. 

“For fans that haven’t been able to attend a home playoff game this season, we are replicating the experience for Friday’s Rogers Away Game Viewing Party so more fans and families can join us on our playoff journey. We want our players to hear us in Nashville and know that we are all together and all in.” Michael Doyle, President of Canucks Sports and Entertainment, Business Operations.

The success of this viewing party has been so high, that the arena is now selling tickets to some upper bowl tickets after they almost sold out of the lower bowl seats. There will be a selection of concession stands open on levels 100 and 300, and each ticket holder will have the opportunity to buy a Rogers Value Meal that will be available on the concourse. Now I don’t know about you, but $15 for a watch party with hundreds of other Canucks fans and some cheap food on top of it? That sounds like a pretty damn good way to spend a Friday afternoon. And to make it even better, the money from each ticket is going to the Canucks for Kids fund.

Puck drop is at 4:30pm PST and 6:30pm CST for those of you who might be lucky enough to be  watching in Nashville. Game four is on Sunday at 2:00pm but no plans to have a viewing party have been announced yet.

Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair

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The Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair is back in action this year, taking place over the May long weekend. This rodeo is a longtime tradition for the city of Cloverdale and the Lower Mainland, starting all the way back in 1888.

The rodeo was founded to promote agricultural development in the Lower Fraser Valley, offer a venue for community social and recreational activities, and host agricultural fairs, exhibitions, race meets, and various social, sporting, and recreational events. But before it was the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair, back in 1888 it was called the Lower Fraser Valley Annual Exhibition, and instead of being held over the May long weekend, it took place early in the fall. The event has changed a lot over the years, and it wasn’t until 1946 when the Cloverdale Rodeo was founded, and then fifty years later the two events came together to become the event that everyone now knows and loves.

The Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair has become a yearly tradition for many people in the Lower Mainland, and invites new people to come check it out every year. With many different activities, there is always something to do for everyone. The rodeo being the biggest attraction, will host ninety-six of the worlds best cowboys and cowgirls who will perform in five different formats. Some of those include, bareback riding, ladies barrel racing, and bull riding! The rodeo contest takes place over the whole week, with POOL A starting off the event at 7:30pm on Friday the 17th, and the finals taking place at 2:00pm on Monday the 20th. The 2023 Cloverdale Invitational Champions and the 2023 Canadian Rodeo Champions are all invited back to compete.

There is much more to the rodeo than just the rodeo itself, with a wide array of things to do, you won’t find yourself unoccupied for very long. If cowboys and cowgirls aren’t your thing, check out the Country Fair side of things! When purchasing your tickets, you have four choices at checkout: admission only, rodeo, ride passes, and Longhorn Saloon tickets. To get access to the rodeo, ride passes, and Longhorn Saloon, you need to buy your admission tickets first. Ticket prices vary anywhere from $12 to $45, so you’re never breaking the bank when visiting! The Longhorn Saloon now has VIP packages that are the newest addition to the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair. For anyone looking to keep the party going late into the night, this is definitely the place to be.

https://www.facebook.com/CloverdaleRodeo/posts/pfbid07inm5N6uE9kAv4HeV2gCsEMnJ2nvvcEiHhixbUKa9xKceqqxAhB6z1kyH6WbGEwnl

Exact details of gates opening and closing have not been released yet, but be sure to buy those tickets in advance if you’re looking for a great way to spend your May long weekend!

Hastings Racecourse Opening Day

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This ones for all of my sports betting folk out there. If you have never tried live betting at a horse race, then you are missing out.

April 27th marks the highly anticipated opening day at Vancouver’s racecourse, promising excitement and entertainment for all who attend. The opening day will be a party, with the racecourse pulling out all the stops to host an amazing event featuring live DJs, great food and drinks, free activities, and so much more.

Even if you’re not into gambling, there’s plenty to enjoy at the racecourse. It’s the perfect outing for friends and families. From the moment you step onto the grounds, you’ll be in love with what the event has to offer. The horses and their jockeys are the stars of the show, delivering amazing performances that will leave you in awe of their skill. Beyond the thrilling races, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re indulging in delicious treats, dancing to the music, or exploring the various activities, there’s never a dull moment at the racecourse. It’s a day of fun and excitement that you won’t want to miss.

As exhilarating as a day at the racecourse can be, BC Racebook, the company responsible for organizing the event, maintains a strict policy regarding underage betting. They stick closely to the regulations established, ensuring that all bettors must provide identification before placing any bets. The minimum age requirement for gambling while attending the event is 19 years old. If you get there early enough, BC Racebook is offering a free ‘mystery wallet’ to anyone who can find the Racebook tent. With this you get a free wallet, and a free voucher that you can use to bet any horse of your choosing! Sounds like an awesome opportunity to win some free money!

The anticipation builds as the opening day race is set to commence at 2:30pm on Saturday the 27th. Despite the thrill of the races, BC Racebook prioritizes responsible gambling and upholds the legal age limit for participation. This commitment to integrity ensures a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees. Admission to the racecourse is always free, welcoming racing enthusiasts of all ages to experience the excitement of the track. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or simply enjoy the atmosphere, the racecourse offers entertainment for everyone. So, gather your friends and family for a day of thrilling races and unforgettable moments at BC Racebook’s event.

Vancouver Canadians April 24th recap

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The Canadians lost again to Spokane last night, falling to 7-10 on the season, and are now fourth in the Northwest league. 

Another disappointing evening for the Canadians after losing 5-4 last night. But hey, at least they didn’t get shut out again, so that’s a positive. The lousy weather stopped just around the time the first pitch was being thrown, but the field conditions did not look great out there. As someone who played baseball for fifteen years, there’s not much worse than playing baseball in the rain. 

Vancouver took advantage of the two errors Spokane provided them, third baseman Ryan McCarty scored in the bottom of the first after being hit by a pitch, and scoring off of a throwing error from Indians centre fielder Cole Carrigg. The Canadians pitcher Kevin Miranda  and the defence behind was solid for the first two innings, however when the top of the third inning came around it fell apart. After securing the first two outs of the inning, Spokane rallied behind a couple of well-timed hits and errors from the Canadians to score three, to make the score 3-1. 

Miranda only lasted four innings, allowing three runs on five hits, racking up three errors and bringing his ERA up to 3.55. He moves to 1-1 in the season as a starter. Blake Adams, starting pitcher for the Indians, lasted six innings only allowing one run on two hits, with four strikeouts. His ERA sits at an incredible 0.53 and is now 2-0 as a starter. 

As for the rest of the game, the Canadians couldn’t get much going and Spokane put up two more runs to put them up 5-1. It all looked pretty much over for Vancouver until the bottom of ninth. The Canadians took advantage of a couple of walks given to them by pitcher Sergio Sanchez, with two runners on base and one out, catcher Jackson Hornung hit a three-run home run to make it a score ball game. Unfortunately that was all the Canadians had in them, as first baseman Brennan Orf struckout, and left fielder Dylan Rock hit a fly ball to left field for the last out of the ball game. 

Vancouver used errors, walks and their well timed base hits to score their runs yesterday, but their measly .100 batting average last night wasn’t enough compared to Spokane’s 0.294 and their ten hits. 

The game tonight is postponed to tomorrow where they will now be playing a double head after their ‘Nooner at the Nat’. Ryan Jennings, 0-1, 0.75 ERA, gets the start for the first game tomorrow, and will be going up against Chase Dollander who has a 2.93 ERA. The Vancouver Canadians look to turn things around and find their first win over Spokane this season.

First pitch is tomorrow at 1:05pm at Rogers Field at Nat Bailey stadium, go out and support your Vancouver Canadians!

Whitecaps to take on Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham AFC

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Vancouver, get ready! The Whitecaps will be hosting Vancouver native Ryan Reynolds’ soccer (football) team this summer on July 27th at BC Place!

This is an awesome exhibition game for the Whitecaps to host, as it brings together a team Ryan Reynolds knows all too well and the team he has now become the owner of. After purchasing Wrexham AFC back in 2022 with friend and fellow actor Rob McElhenny, the team has soared to new heights of popularity and success in their league. After purchasing the club Reynolds and McElhenny transformed their facilities, and funded the club with money to help strive for greatness. Because of this, Disney+ reached out and offered a docu-series about the pair, the team, and how the influx of money helped increase success. The show has two seasons, thirty-three episodes, and documents the rise of the club that has now been promoted to a higher division two years in a row. Before 2022, fans of Wrexham would have thought that they never have played in the top flight of English football, now they are just two promotions away. Ryan Reynolds has fallen in love with Wrexham, stating in an interview last year that he loves how much stress this team gives him.

“I just lost 9 years of my life. And I’m okay with that. Apologies to my family. Also, bury me in Wales…I love every second of hating it… Wrexham AFC is the greatest drug on earth.” Ryan Reynolds, Co-Chairman, Wrexham AFC.

Vancouver will welcome Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenny and Wrexham AFC with open arms this summer for the game, as it looks to be one of the sporting events of the summer. This will be the first time that the Whitecaps have ever played Wrexham, and it’s not often that they get to play against a team with such great history. Founded in 1864, Wrexham is the oldest club in Wales, and third oldest club in the world. Last year, Philadelphia native, Rob McElhenny brought Wrexham to play against the Philadelphia Union, and this year, Vancouver native Ryan Reynolds gets to bring them to his hometown and play against the team he grew up cheering for.

“Last year Rob got to bring Wrexham to Philly. This year it’s my turn… I am so excited my hometown club the Whitecaps will get to square off against the Red Dragons. My official stance on the match will be a very friendly ‘neutral’ even if I will be screaming for a Paul Mullin hat trick.” Ryan Reynolds, Co-Chairman, Wrexham AFC.

Tickets for this summer’s matchup are available HERE, the game will be held at 4:30pm on July 27th. Get your tickets now and go support your local Whitecaps! And as much as we all love Ryan, we will absolutely be rooting against you! 

Inaugural Coquitlam Community Festival

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If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, I’ve got just the right idea! The Coquitlam Community Festival is taking place Saturday, April 27th and Sunday, April 28th. 

The festival looks to bring together many different communities for fun times, great food, and awesome live entertainment. There are many different activities occurring over the two days, and they promise to be fun for all ages. Take part in scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, yard games, and much more to keep your family and friends entertained for hours. The food looks to be delicious, as many different street vendors and food trucks have been booked to keep everyone full and satisfied with what they eat for the day! Some of the food trucks include Baba’s house, Hugs Mini Donuts, and REEL Mac and Cheese. BC shop local, a community driven initiative that supports local businesses, will also have an artisan market set up at the festival, that is perfect for finding a special gift to give to your loved ones.

(Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival / Facebook)

To check out the BC Shop Local Market, and the Food Truck Lineup, click Here. The event is being put together by the Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival and they can guarantee that there will be food there that everyone will love. 

“Satisfy your taste buds with a selection from some of BC’s best food trucks serving up mouth-watering treats…There’s something for every palate.” Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival.

Even with very gloomy weather this weekend, this festival will be sure to bring some excitement to your days off! Join the first-ever Coquitlam Community Festival for an amazing mix of the local culture, cuisine, and entertainment. Speaking of entertainment, there is roaming entertainment and live performances happening all weekend long! The live performers are scheduled from 12pm to 8pm and the roaming performers will be around the festival from 3pm to 4pm on Saturday April 27th. 

The festival is happening this upcoming weekend, and is going to be held at Town Centre Park, located at 1299 Pinetree Way. Saturday’s hours will be from 11am to 8pm, while Sunday’s hours will be 11am to 7pm. This festival is a sure fire way to make the most out of a weekend that isn’t looking to be the best weather wise. Be sure to check out their website to grab a ticket (which is completely free by the way!!) to be kept up to date on performers, food trucks, atrisan market news, and more activities as the information gets released! Hopefully the first ever Coquitlam Community Festival is a hit and can continue for your years to come, go check it out!

The 2024 Flower Festival has started!

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Are you a big fan of beautiful, colourful flowers? What about rows and rows of them? Well if you are, definitely go check out the 2024 Tulip Festival in Abbotsford, BC, at Lakeland Flowers farm!

For the next six months, Lakeland Flowers is welcoming you to come and check out their thirty-five acre land, which is filled with thousands of flowers. The Abbotsford Tulip Festival is the start of their Summer Flower Festival, which lasts from April until September, and starts with tulips and ends with sunflowers. The festival is open rain or shine, so whether you need a pair of shades, or something to protect you from the rain, take the time to book those tickets and experience over one hundred different varieties of tulip.

None of this would be possible without the Warmerdam family. Their family has been in Canada for three generations, since Peter Warmerdam came after the second world war. Coming from the Netherlands, Peter already had excellent knowledge on tulip bulbs and planting. He decided to plant roots in the Sumas Flats area of Abbotsford, because of the ideal sandy soils and windy conditions. Peter shared his love for tulips and planting with his family, who all still plant flowers across BC, and now the name Warmerdam name has become directly correlated to quality BC flowers. There is even a species of tulips named Peter’s legacy, which was named by long time partners Nord Lommerse. The farm is now run by third generation flower farmer Nick Warmerdam, who looks to continue the amazing tradition of flower festivals that his late relatives would be happy to see.

The Tulip Festival has a wide array of ticket prices at Lakeland Flowers for anyone who is looking to go. They range from $8-$25 depending on when you buy them. If you’re not looking to go in the spring, the Summer Flower Festival lasts all summer, with a wide variety of different flowers to go look at! From tulips starting the festival off for two months, to meadows lasting all six months, there is sure to be flowers that will leave you in awe.

If you’re looking for a beautiful bouquet of tulips to give to a loved one, they sell them at the farm, and for $20 you can buy twenty five stems. The festival also has plenty of food trucks to dabble in, and on some days has live music that you can sit and listen to, or listen to as you stroll through the rows of flowers.

Richmond Night Market 2024

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Did you know that Richmond hosts the largest night market in North America? Well, now you do! That’s right the infamous night market is gearing up to open for the year and patrons from all over Vancouver are ready for it.

The Night Market

( es.goh / flickr )

With over 600 different food options to try, you will need to bring your appetite for this nightly outing. There are over 110 Richmond Night Market food booths with unique and flavourful meals from all over the world. The options and combinations are endless here, from sushi tacos to chicken lollipops, you will always be leaving having tried something new. And after all that you can try any one of many different drink options to quench your thirst. 

If you’re not hungry, you better believe that there is much more to offer than just food. The Richmond Night Market is a whole spectacle, from rides and bouncy castles to live music and martial art groups, it always has something going on that everyone will find entertaining. After you’ve eaten and seen a show or two, the night market is known for having a pretty awesome selection of retail booths, where you can find any number of crazy trinkets. If you love anime, there’s plenty of booths that sell anime merchandise, if you love video games, you can buy your favourite character’s model weapon. When I say that the amount of things to do is endless, I mean it. 

The Richmond Night Market has grown exponentially since it was founded back in 2000. The founder, Raymond Cheung, has spent countless hours trying to keep up with the growing crowds of the event, with each year they see over one million guests attend. After not being open for four years, not being able to find a location big enough, he finally settled on the corner of No.3 and Bridgeport Road. This location covering 18 acres, is always filled with booths, festivities, and thousands of patrons every night during its open season. 

The Richmond Night Market is open from April 27th, all the way until October 14th, plenty of time for you to stop by any time during the summer and experience the awesome vendors and festivities the market has to offer! The Richmond Night Market is split into 2 different hours of operations. Regular hours, April 26th – May 31st September 2nd – October 14th, and summer hours, June 1st – September 1st. The pricing for the event has a zoom pass, costing $40, other than that, it’s $8.50 for general admission, and free for children under seven, and seniors over sixty.