Vancouvers Iconic Halloween Parades Tonight!

Well it looks like Halloween weekend is in full effect as the The annual Parade of Lost Souls will be held today, at a new location at Trout Lake and John Hendry Park in East Vancouver!

If you want something to do for halloween weekend then this parade is something you might like. As a halloween enthusiast myself, I believe Vancouvers iconic annual parade has something for everyone to enjoy. I went to this parade a few years back and I tell you what this hauntingly thrilling event has in store for you, your friends, your family for the night of your life.

This evening filled with haunting yet mesmerizing performances, people rocking their most cool costumes ranging from funny to spooky, and amazing activities. Now this parade is not the typical everyday Halloween events you might know; it’s an event that embodies the true spirit of Halloween from its most fun events to its more frightening core. Be wary now because once that sun goes down and the moon comes out, the horrors will roam will start to about.

Imagine this, You walk down all the dimly lit trails of Trout Lake and John Hendry Park on a moon lit night. You’ll see dance troupes, fire dancers, live music, and halloween art that makes the evening come alive. But then you hear the creatures of the dark and the lost souls screams to send shivers down your spine. While the ghosts, witches, and vampires fly high in the sky to give you your evening frights.

One of the highlights of the evening is the iconic Dance off’s, a gathering where you can join others on the dance floor to show off your moves. It’s a fun, haunting and groovy experience that will give you the chance to dance to legendary halloween jams from Monster Mash to Thriller. For families, there are interactive areas and spaces specifically set up for kids to enjoy the festivities in a way that’s spooky but not too scary at the early part of the night. But later into the night the adult crowd will be faced with the true Halloween frights.

With everyone invited to join in the costume fun, it’s a night where imagination runs wild. Whether it’s the great costumes, the amazing performances, or the dance under the moonlight, the Parade of Lost Souls is where you’ll have the time of your life. So, put on your best costume and head out for a night that’s filled with magic, mystery, and memories.

Canucks Halloween Party

It seems like everyone went all out with halloween as the Canucks had an insane halloween party where the players of the team costumes this year were on another level entirely! Lets take a look at some of these costumes shall we.

Ok, I know what your thinking about J.T. Millers costume: “Why in the world is he wearing a fembot costume?!”. Yeah, I was a little surprised myself to see J.T.’s costume choice this halloween. Especially when earlier in the day this was the costume him and his wife wore.

I’m not gonna lie when I say this costume honestly suits him much better. His wife Natalie however nailed the Austin Powers look so good that I honestly thought that was him for a second. But that costume choice did make me laugh at the fact that the colour pink actually suits him (not in terms of the outfit tho). This reminds me of the Playboy Bunny costume Hugh Hefner’s wore last year. In terms of unexpected and funny costume choices J.T. definitely brought a smile to my face with his Fembot costume.

Photo on the left: If we’re talking about iconic costumes, Boeser (Fred) & his girlfriend (Daphne), Pettersson (Shaggy) & his girlfriend (Velma), and Hughes (Scooby) nailed their costumes as the Scooby Doo Mystery Gang. Honestly, when I saw this photo, I was shocked on how Petersson, Boeser & his girlfriend actually looked like Fred, Shaggy & Daphne. They should star in the next live action Scooby Doo movie if there will be another one.

Photo on the right: Filip Hronek & his partner Dominika Benakova went as Batman and Poison Ivy from the 90’s batman movies. Their costumes actually look really cool, they definitely put their own spins on the DC characters with these costumes and really pulls off the looks.

https://twitter.com/canucksgrande/status/1852225878933291316

Thatcher Demko and his family were members of the Despicable Me movies. Demko was Gru, his wife Lexie was Vector, their son Dawson was a minion and their dog was wearing a banana costume. The Demko family had some great costumes but Dawson and the dog definitely has the most adorable costumes.

Now in my opinion, this was the one who had the best costumes out of the Canucks with Kiefer Sherwood and his fiancée, Ariela Smith dressing up as Neo, and Trinity from The Matrix. Just look at those outfits and how they kill the look as actual members of the Redpill Resistance operatives.

Finally, we got Fin as Deadpool or should I say Dinopool or maybe even Canauckpool. This definitely is a really creative costume and if the Canucks had a costume contest this would definitely win for being the most creative costume.

It was great to see the Canuck players and members go crazy with the costumes. What do you think the best costume was from the players? Was it one from what was showed here or something else? Feel free to leave your opinion in the replies!

Thatcher Demko might return the Canucks in 2-3 weeks

A recent report has come out that the Vancouver Canucks’ star goaltender Thatcher Demko, will potentially return to the team within the next two to three weeks after recovering from a rare injury. This report comes after Demko has been seen on the ice working with the coaching staff.

If Thatcher Demko does return within the next two to three weeks, his presence could prove pivotal for the Vancouver Canucks’ season. Demko, known for his agility, quick reflexes, and unwavering poise under pressure, has been a cornerstone in Vancouver’s defence. However, his absence has put a strain on the team’s goaltending, with backups stepping up but often unable to deliver the level of consistency that fans have come to expect from the Canucks’ star goalie.

The Canucks have struggled with maintaining some of their momentum this season, especially on the defence side, where they’ve conceded more goals than they’d hoped. Demko’s return might bring a renewed confidence and energy for the team. His ability to make key saves in high-stakes situations will be essential as Vancouver looks to gain traction in the Pacific Division standings and secure a playoff spot.

Head coach Rick Tocchet expressed cautious optimism about Demko’s impending return, noting that while it’s important not to rush the star back too soon, having him on the ice will provide a psychological boost for both the players and fans. Tocchet said:

“Thatcher’s presence in the net changes everything, Not only does he have the skills, but he brings a leadership that our guys look up to.”

Demko’s recovery from a rare injury has been closely monitored, and Canucks’ medical staff remain diligent to avoid any risk of the injury happening again. We will likely see Demko return to the net in a limited capacity initially, with Tocchet and his coaching team working to ease him back in slowly, ensuring that he’s all good before he’s playing full games again.

The timing of his return could be key, with the Canucks set to face several of the rival teams in the coming weeks. A successful reintegration of Demko into the lineup could be just the push Vancouver needs to regain their competitive edge. If Demko is able to perform at his peak again, Vancouver could find themselves back in the playoff race, ready to make a statement in the postseason. His anticipated comeback could mark a turning point for the team, giving fans renewed hope as the Canucks slowly approach the mid-season.

B.C. Lions VS Saskatchewan Roughriders

This is it. The game that decides it all of who’s playing in the 111th grey cup in November. Will it be The B.C. Lions or the Saskatchewan Roughriders? Well, let’s talk about it.

With everything on the line, both the B.C. Lions and the Saskatchewan Roughriders are will be putting all their effort on the field. As this game will decide who is going to the Grey Cup which is being hosted in Vancouver, BC this year.

The Lions had a great start during the first half of the season with many wins. They have proven to be a formidable team this season, with standout performances from key players who consistently deliver under pressure. Their cohesive team dynamics and well-executed strategies have kept fans on the edge of their seats. As they approach the latter half of the season, the Lions are focused on maintaining their momentum and securing a top spot in the standings. However, they lost quite a few games in the second half of their season including their second game against the Roughriders Oct. 19th (39-8) so many are wondering how it will play out. But with their recent win against Montreal, They could follow it up with a back to back win with this next game.

The Roughriders also had a great start in the first half of this season with multiple wins but was mixed with a few loses as well. They’ve showcased a strong offence and an even stronger defence. Showing both determination and adaptability, which has kept them going throughout the season. This really showed with them continuing to have a great run in the second half of this season with them improving more on their win side. Like I said before the Roughriders has one win over the BC Lions but the lions also beat them on July 13th (35-20). Although, they lost their recent game to the stampeders, They have every chance to bounce back and take the win. The pressure is now on both these teams as they have 1 win and 1 loss over each other as this last games outcome will decide who’s going to the finals.

This round 3 clash between these teams will put their strengths and strategies. Will the Lions’ win this game like the first and bring this victory home? Or will the Roughriders’ take the win again like they did in the last game against the lions? Well the score is 1-1 on both sides, both teams are ready for November 2nd and are hungry for this win. Will just have to see what happens in 3 days from now at 3:30 pm. PT.

 

Update On Conner McDavid

An update has been released about Conner McDavid’s injury from Mondays game against the Columbus Blue Jackets and the news is both good and bad in some ways.

In case you haven’t heard or are just finding this out. Edmonton Oilers Captain Connor McDavid suffered a lower body injury in the opening period of the Edmonton Oilers vs. the Blue Jackets game on Monday night. During the beginning of the first period, Conner got tripped by Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski’s stick during at the beginning of the game and ended up colliding heavily into the boards. He was able to get back up but had to skate toward the benching area as he was having some problems and went to the trainer’s room and it was later announced he would miss the remainder of the NHL game after finding out he suffered a lower body injury. He was then later flown back to Edmonton for further medical evaluation. Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch stated later on Sports net that updates on the situation were coming soon.

This update that the fans and analysts are waiting for is out now. Conners injury was an ankle injury and is is expected to miss two-to-three weeks of the hockey season. Its a relief to hear it was nothing to serious and that Conner will maybe be back mid-late November, But a question now arises about what will happen with the Edmonton Oilers with their team captain unable to play. Edmonton has a total of 10 games scheduled over the next three weeks from today.

Coach Kris Knoblauch and the Oilers’ staff face the challenge of filling the leadership void left by McDavid and adjusting their strategies to keep the team on track. All eyes will be on players stepping up to carry the team forward, and the fans will be eagerly awaiting McDavid’s return, hoping for a strong comeback. For now, Edmonton’s resilience will be put to the test as they navigate the coming games without their captain.

I believe they will be able to manage with the upcoming games over the next 2-3 weeks. However, it’s worth pointing out the fact that The Oilers won only one of their six games during the fall of last hockey season when McDavid was sidelined. I guess will have to wait and see how the Oilers manage this year now that they’re placed in the same kind of circumstance.

 

Brentwood New FREE Holiday Market

As the Halloween season begins to end and we slowly transition into the Christmas season, It seems like Brentwood is ahead of the game with preparing for the holiday season. An announcement yesterday made by Heart & Hustle, said that the Brentwood Mall in Burnaby will be hosting a new free holiday market that will take place every Sunday from November 17 to December 22.

The market titled the Brentwood Bliss Holiday market will host dozens of vendors from local people with an amazing variety of home decor, jewelry, candles, art, food items, and even more. This market will provide you an opportunity to discover unique, handcrafted items and support local artisans. The vendors will showcase an impressive array of goods, from beautifully designed home decor and one-of-a-kind jewelry to locally sourced candles and art pieces. Those with a taste for gourmet treats can sample a delightful selection of food items, including artisanal jams, chocolates, and baked goods, perfect for holiday gifting or indulging in on the spot. This market offers something for everyone and makes it an ideal stop for holiday shoppers like you who are looking to find thoughtful, meaningful gifts.

In addition to shopping, the Brentwood Bliss Holiday Market is packed with festive activities to keep the you entertained. This includes live performances by talented local musicians, creating a vibrant, holiday atmosphere. A highlight of the entertainment lineup is the festive choir, which will be performing holiday classics, adding to the charm and holiday spirit of the event. For those interested in hands-on activities, craft workshops will be held throughout the day, allowing guests to learn new skills and even create their own holiday decorations to take home. The workshops cater to all ages, making them a perfect family activity.

Also, Raffle draws will take place and give you the chance to win prizes. This adds an element of excitement to the visit, with the winners being announced throughout the event. The raffle prizes include exclusive handmade items, vouchers for local businesses, and holiday-themed gift baskets to bigger surprises that might catch your attention.

So if you want to check out amazing things, listen to music, engage in some Christmas activities while you go Christmas shopping then be sure to check out Brentwood Bliss Holiday Market. It’s free in terms of entry, the events and activites and definitely something you would not want to miss.

The Goodfellas Gala

Both the Bootleggers and Internet Masterminds are teaming up to host Goodfellas Gala Halloween event with the Mobs Most Wanted’ at The Vancouver Club on Oct 31st, Halloween day!

The Goodfellas Gala is a night filled with intrigue, excitement, and a heavy dose of 1920s mobster style and will really embrace the theme of Mobs Most Wanted.

Once you enter the Vancouver Club, You will step into a world reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties, where elegance meets the danger of the underground. Every corner of the club will exude the charm and mystery of a speakeasy, with dim lighting, velvet drapes, and vintage décor setting the stage. Expect classic jazz and swing music to play, adding a lively yet shadowy soundtrack to the evening’s festivities. My kind of setting if you ask me.

Costumes are, of course, encouraged whether guests prefer to dress as suave mob bosses, glamorous flappers, cunning detectives, or even notorious outlaws from the Prohibition era. There will be prizes for the best-dressed guests, so it’s the perfect opportunity to channel the energy of legendary Al Capone or the daring Bonnie Parker and let your creativity shine.

Throughout the night, You can look forward to a mix of entertainment acts, from captivating live performance to capture the seductive yet rebellious energy of the era, while illusionists will keep the crowd on edge. Rumor has it there may even be a secret casino room, where guests can try their hand at blackjack and poker—just remember, house rules are strictly enforced by the “mobsters” overseeing the games!

Also as a goodfellas fan, no Goodfellas Gala would be complete without signature cocktails which will blast you back to the past. Specially curated drinks will include Prohibition-era classics like the Sidecar, Old Fashioned, and French 75.

As the night unfolds, the Goodfellas Gala will give you a chance to fully immerse yourself in the thrilling, romanticized world of mob culture as you join Vancouver’s most notorious Dons, Mob Bosses, Mob Queens, Consigliere, Associates, and Hitmen as they come together for one unforgettable night filled with dancing, laughs, and great photos. This event will be full of wildly good entertainment, stylish energy, and everyone will be showing off their best looks.

So if you’re a goodfellas fan like me, then gather your crew, wear your most daring don attire, and get ready for a night with Vancouver’s most wanted at the Goodfellas Gala. Who know’s maybe I might see you there.

The Goldsmith Mural Replaced or Remade?

It has been some time since the iconic goldsmith mural of Vancouver was removed. Although, It was a shame to see the iconic mural of a medieval goldsmith spanning the east wall of the seven-storey office building at 555 West Georgia Street get taken down, This presents a couple opportunities for the wall. That being the addition of a new mural or remaking the original.

Now you might be wondering if you’re just hearing about this now, Why was it removed in the first place? The goldsmith mural was replaced by the concrete wall coating due to the office building deteriorating over time. In 2021, the buildings age was starting to really show, with multiple large areas peeling and falling from the building facade. Although, it was not really noticeable at first, The deterioration really started showing at a rapid pace within the 2 years leading into 2023 where you can see parts of the wall/mural peel and even fall off.

This led to a decision being made by the building management to remove the mural to apply the concrete wall coating in 2023. Mainly, because the wall holding the mural couldn’t be repaired in any way due to the age of the building and the fact the wall was crumbling on the inside for years.

Building Condition 2021 (Still Good)

Building Condition 2023 (Deteriorating)

It’s understandable why this happened however it’s still unfortunate that one of Vancouvers most iconic murals was removed. But, an interesting opportunity has now been presented on a new mural being on the new wall of the building. Although the the non-profit organization behind the Vancouver Mural Fest currently has no plans to paint a new mural this year as they stated:

“VMF would welcome a conversation with the building owners and other potential funders to place a new mural on this prominent location in downtown, and make this rumour a reality,”

However, they might paint something there later down the road should it be a new mural or a recreation of the old one?

In my personal opinion, I believe the old one should be recreated. The history behind the original mural which was based on a 1698 copper engraver and art dealer, Christopher Weigel. The goldsmith mural is something that always caught peoples eye in downtown Vancouver with it enticing those who see it to look into its history and learn more about it.

However, The creation of a new mural is something that could be interesting as well. I guess will have to wait and see what happens with the wall and if they Replace or Recreate the mural.

The Toronto Maple Leafs ends Jets’ undefeated start

Things are really now starting to shake up in terms of the NHL power ranking as The Toronto Maple Leaf players, John Tavares and Max Pacioretty, has put an end to the Winnipeg Jets’ undefeated start with a 6-4 victory!

 

The Leafs showcased their scoring abilities and teamwork, signaling they’re serious contenders this season. With their offensive plays and leadership, the Leafs showed they were ready to take the win in this game. This was a statement game that showed the Leafs’ offensive depth and leadership as they aim to solidify themselves among the league’s top contenders.

This game overall was fast-paced, with both teams showcasing their skill and speed early on. The Jets, who had their perfect record on the line, came out strong, netting an early goal. But the Maple Leafs quickly answered back, led by none other than team captain, Tavares who was in his element, controlling play from the faceoff circle and setting the tone for his teammates by positioning himself in the right spots and delivering a beautiful goal in the second period that was able to shift momentum Toronto’s way.

Pacioretty, a recent addition to the Leafs, also made his presence known. With his experience and knack for scoring, he capitalized on Winnipeg’s defensive lapses, notching two goals in the third period and helping the Leafs pull ahead in a critical moment. It’s clear Pacioretty is fitting in seamlessly with his new team and will be a crucial asset as the season progresses.

However, the Jets didn’t go down without a fight. They pushed hard on the offence side, cutting the lead down to one goal in the final minutes of the game. However, The Leafs defence held strong, with goaltender Ilya Samsonov coming up with several saves that allowed them to secure the win.

With this win under the Leafs belt, This game highlights a major change that will occur in the NHL power rankings. Toronto’s ability to handle an undefeated team like Winnipeg shows they have the resilience and firepower to be serious playoff contenders. With the leadership of players like Tavares and the addition of veterans like Pacioretty, Toronto is poised to give any opponent a run for their money. As the season heats up, Leafs fans have every reason to be optimistic about their team’s chances.

I know it’s still pretty early in the season, but this victory might mark a turning point for Toronto, establishing themselves with the ability to ascend up the NHL Power Ranking List. Something tells me if they follow up this win with more down the line, They’ll reach the top 10 soon enough. Maybe, Even take the No. 1 spot, Who knows, Will just have to see as the season progresses.

 

Grey Cup Coming To Vancouver!

The Canadian Football League has announced that the 111th Grey Cup in November 2024 will be hosted by the city of Vancouver!

This highly anticipated event marks a significant occasion not only for the league but also for the passionate football fans in British Columbia. Vancouver, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture, is ready to go all in and prepare for one of Canada’s most loved sports event.

The Grey Cup, which was last hosted here in Vancouver 2011 was an insane event with Vancouvers very own BC Lions beating the Blue Bombers (34–23) and became the first team in CFL history to win the Grey Cup after starting the season with five straight losses. Just like the 2011 grey cup, The 2024 event promises to be particularly special, with various festivities planned leading up to the big event. From festivals created by the fans to community events, the excitement will build as teams prepare for a chance to compete for the iconic trophy.

The announcement has already sent people from local fans and businesses into excitement as plans are already in motion from the community. Fans can look forward to a week-long festival that includes live music performances, interactive fan zones, and opportunities to meet both the players and coaches. Adding to this already exciting list, there will be various competitions and events for families, making it a memorable experience for fans of all ages.

As the teams prepare for the big day, the city will come alive with an energy unlike any other. Not just for celebrating the sport but also the spirit that the Grey Cup embodies in the Canadian football community. With the iconic skyline of Vancouver as a backdrop, this year’s Grey Cup promises to be an unforgettable event and experience, uniting fans from across the country in a shared love of Canadian football.

The countdown to the 111th Grey Cup begins now with one month left, fans can look forward to a weekend filled with football, festivities, and a  community. Vancouver is ready to host this spectacular celebration of the sport, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of Canadian football fans.

The event will take place at BC Place Stadium and will feature exciting activities in the lead up to the championship game with kickoff slated for 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET. Be sure to get your tickets for the grey cup before they sell out!