What’s Up This Week: Jan 26 – Feb 1

#Explore Nanaimo’s Many Events & Activities this week!

TUESDAY JANUARY 26^TH                                                                                        

10-12am and 3-5pm: NS3’s Science Studio (Drop-In), Departure Bay Eco School, $4/child

Let your kids explore a variety of hands-on activities like our marble wall, wind tunnel, microscopes and more!

6:30-9:30pm: WordStorm, First Unitarian Fellowship Hall, $5

Nanaimo’s popular Spoken Word and Open Mike event welcomes everyone. Featured performers are Bren Simmers and Patrick Friesen with live music at the beginning.

Photo Credit: http://tophdimgs.com/

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 27^TH                                                                        

10:30-2:30pm: Cheese Course, Gabriola, $100 (reservations required)

Ever wanted to make cheese yourself? Paula will give you step-by-step instructions, demonstrations and of course some cheese tasting, lunch and ingredients to take home.

3:00-6:00pm: Island Roots Farmers Market, Pleasant Valley Social Centre, FREE

Visit Nanaimo’s only indoor winter farmers’ market! Local vendors provide healthy, fresh, delicious locally grown and produced foods, as well as some locally made artisan crafts.

6:00-9:00pm: Teen Vegetarian/Vegan Cooking Class, Costin Hall (Lantzville), $55

Kelli and Jennifer from the Stir Cooking School will teach you all about creative vegetarian and vegan breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas. Teens and parents welcome!

7:00pm: On the Dock: Cory Frisenhan, Drandon Stone, Chirstina Lemmon, Dinghy Dock Pub, $20 (incl. ferry)

Enjoy an evening in Canada’s only floating pub with some great local music talent in this acoustic concert series.

7:00-10:00pm: One Act Festival, Malaspina Theatre, $5

Get a glimpse at 5 original plays put on by students and enjoy an evening celebrating local theatre.

Photo Credit: Stir Cooking School Website / Etheridge Photography

THURSDAY JANUARY 28th

10-12am and 3-5pm: NS3’s Science Studio (Drop-In), 3004 Departure Bay Road, $4/child (adults free)

7:00-9:00pm: Wine Club: Australia (Part 2), Lucky’s Liquor Store, $35/adult

Looking for a fun and interactive evening? Join wine expert Gord Johnson taste some Australian wines paired with gourmet foods.

7:00-10:00pm: One Act Festival, Malaspina Theatre, $5

This event features 5 original works directed, acted, designed and crewed by students. Enjoy a full evening of great live theatre.

8:00-11:00pm: Big Mess invades the Vault, The Vault Café, $10

The Big Mess is a father and son duo combining, Latin, Pop, Jazz, Swing and Broadway.

8:00pm Live at Longwood, Longwood Brew Pub, FREE

Enjoying a locally brewed craft beer, live music and pair it with the Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake.

FRIDAY JANUARY 29^TH                                                                                          

6:00pm & 8:00pm: VIU Mariners vs Douglas (Volleyball), VIU Gym, $6/adult

Cheer on VIU Volleyball teams as they battle Douglas. Women play at 6pm, the men at 8pm.

7:00-10:00pm: One Act Festival, Malaspina Theatre, $5

This event features 5 original works directed, acted, designed and crewed by students.

7:00-10:00pm: Ken Hamm and Friends (Music and Dance), Cedar Community Hall, $20

The Cedar Farmers Market is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year. Join them for Great Music and Dancing at the Cedar Community Hall.

7:30pm: Western Edge Theatre: Venus in Fur, Harbour City Theatre, $23/adult

Second in the Western Edge 2015-16 Series is the sensual hit comedy Venus in Fur by David Ives. Enjoy an evening of live stage theatre and lots of laughter.

Photo Credit: http://mariners.viu.ca/ 

SATURDAY JANUARY 30^Th                                                                                    

9:00-12:00am: NS3’s Science Studio (Drop-In), 3004 Departure Bay Road, $4/child

1:00-2:00pm: Mimi La Diva Malbouffa, Malaspina Theatre, $10

TheatreOne’s Just Kidding for Kids presents a show about opera and healthy eating, starring Quebec’s favourite soprano Natalie Choquette.

1:00 & 3:00pm: VIU Mariners vs Douglas (Volleyball), VIU Gym, $6/adult

Cheer on the local University Volleyball teams as they battle Douglas. Women’s  game at 1pm, Men’s team plays at 3pm.

4:00-7:00pm: 9^th Annual Robbie Burns& Chinese New Year Celebration, Bowen Park. $25/adult (advance only)

Have you ever tried Haggis Wantons? This popular event combines Chinese and Scottish traditions and features live music, dance performances, and a ton of fun.

7:00pm: One World- The Atlas Affair, Gabriola Community Hall, $10, $15/door

More than 59 maps have been turned into art by Gabriola artists and will be auctioned off. Enjoy music, Cash Bar, 50/50 Draw, Raffle and international cuisine.

7:00pm: Morgan Davis at the Queens, The Queens, $15/advance, $18/door

See a Juno Award winner play live. Opening the show will be local talent Mark Chrissinger.

7:30pm: TheatreOne: La Mamma, Malaspina Theatre, $50 (w/$25 tax receipt)

Choquette uses laughter to explore classical music and the power, emotion and brilliance of opera.

8:30-11:00pm: Noah Edwards live at White Sails Brewing, White Sails Brewing, FREE

See Noah Edwards playing a blend of traditional folk and blues with alternative pop and indie rock, while trying some locally brews craft beers in Nanaimo’s newest brewery.

9:00pm: David Gogo Band, Surf Lodge (Gabriola), $20

Award winning, David Gogo plays live on beautiful Gabriola Island. See one of Canada’s most influential blues musicians in an intimate setting.

SUNDAY JANUARY 31^ST                                                                                        

12:00- 1:30pm: Free Skate, Frank Crane Arena, FREE

12:00-3:00pm: Borscht Fest 2016, St. Michael’s Ukrainian Parish Hall, $10

You be the judge, who makes the best Borscht in town? Sample your way through the various recipes. Think of it as a chili cook-off with a Ukrainian twist!

1:00-3:00pm: Family Literacy Day, Nanaimo Harbourfront Library, FREE

Come to the library and have fun with great family activities including bookmark making, Yoga Storytelling and a family concert.

Photo Credit: http://www.wisegeek.org/

 MONDAY FEBRUARY 1^ST                                                                                                                    

1pm & 7pm: Theater One’s Fringe Flicks: My Internship on Canada, Avalon Cinema, $12

This is a smart comedy that will have Canadians smiling from ear to ear.

 

For more local events, visit www.tourismnanaimo.com/events

#EXPLORENANAIMO 

Finding the True Meaning of Christmas

Are you one of those people who lives for Christmas or are you a bit more like scrooge before he had his moment of enlightenment ?  Are you somewhere in between?

This year will be my 50th Christmas!  That means I’ve had many to reflect upon and to come up with a meaning that fits for me.  We all have Christmas memories, some good, some not so good.  As I share this with you, I hope that it you will stir in you some memories as well as some new possibilities of ways to view this often very busy and stressful yet magical season.

A wee Janice

Personally, I have wonderful childhood memories of Christmas.  My parents really knew how to do Christmas.  It was full on.  My Dad put the lights outside and even made a wooden display of Santa and the reindeers for the yard with big colored flood lights.  This was pretty advanced at the time.  He’d get at big, lush tree (that smelt so good) from the bush and we’d all decorate it well ahead of time.  A fond Christmas traditions at our house was that one night before Christmas my brothers and I would sleep under the twinkling Christmas tree.  We loved this tradition.  What my parents didn’t know (until years later), was that we opened up our presents, played with them i the middle of he night and then wrapped them back up.  We actually got very little sleep.

Me and my brothers

My Dad was Norwegian so Christmas eve was Scandinavian style with smelly lutefisk, yummy lefsa with hot, melter butter drizzled over everything.  My Mom was Irish so Christmas day involved – potatoes. Picking hot potatoes smothered with her delicious turkey gravy.  We usually had lots family around, aunts, uncles, cousins and card games util the wee hours.

Traditional Norwegian Lutefisk (credit: dailyscandinavian.com)

Then fast forward to my adult life.  I never managed to recreate those wonderful childhood Christmas memories.  Lord knows I tried!  One year, come boxing day, I was mad as a hatter, hunkered down in my bed, with my beloved journal, spewing out pages of frustrations and disappointment.  As I was now on the other end of all the work involved and the fatigue,  and trying to juggle all of the dynamics of a blended family.  The universe was calling me to reflect on why I was doing all this and what it all meant to me.

Then it happened!  The magic of Christmas returned for me.

That year my gifts came tied with heartstrings.  I watched my 3 boys (who fought most of the time) excitedly exchange their gifts with one another.  I could see that what they were really exchanging was warmth and love.  I realized that even through the exhaustion, the traditions that I was creating were the threads of an emotional security blanket that they could invisibly carry out into the world.  The turkey and all the fixings were like emotional glue that cemented memories of times shared, of joy and laughter.

And then there is the whole Santa part of Christmas.   All the fun I had staying up late, ensuring the kids were sound asleep, then putting out all the stuff that Santa brought.  Down on the floor, playing with the Brio train set or the lego, eating half the cookies and drinking some of the milk, staging the sceen. Then finally falling into bed, to be awoken about 6:00am by the kids shaking me “Let’s go see what Santa brought”.  Those days are over for me but the message of Santa still remains for  “I believe.”

I believe with the excitement of a child, that we too can open our minds and hearts to the impossible, the unthinkable.  With a child-like trust we can have faith; faith in the unseen.  We can consider the expectant possibilities of a life of joy and of goodwill for all.

I believe that Christmas is not just a day; its a state of mind.

That the decorations, the beauty, the twinkling lights, are all outward symbols of our radiant light.  For our lives are a gift and what we do with them is our gift in return.

This Christmas I invite you to find meaning in the traditions you create for your family.  To allow the spirit of Christmas to become your state of mind.  To recognize your radiant light and the gift of your life.  And to listen.  For as 7 year old Bobby put it, “Love is what’s in the room with you when you stop opening presents and listen.”

Thanks for reading,

Janice
Tourism Nanaimo Volunteer

Haunted Nanaimo

Boo!

(It’s Amanda)

There are only a few days left until Halloween.  To help get you in the spirit I thought I would round up some “allegedly” true stories of Nanaimo’s haunted history.  Beware, though – Nanaimo does have a dark side…

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Beban House

Beban House – with Frank Beban (owner/builder) pictured

One of the most well-known ghost stories of Nanaimo is the hauntings at Beban House.  Once the home of a wealthy sawmill owner, Frank Beban, the house was featured on Creepy Canada in 2001. There have been stories of people hearing balls bounce down the hall, children talking and playing with a boy that no one else can see but them, sights of women passing through the halls, sounds of tea cups and chatter upstairs when the house was empty, and unexplained doors locking & keys going missing. Rumours say that a young Chinese servant was accidentally killed in the house or on the property – no one is really sure. Having worked for Tourism Nanaimo when we were located at Beban House, I know firsthand of the haunted history that still lurks in the house.  Working late nights or going down to the basement was best done in pairs.  The house was beautiful, but there was definitely a ghostly presence.  Read more about our experience with the Vancouver Island Paranormal Society here.

 

       

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Kanaka Pete

In the 1860’s, Kanaka Pete (real name Peter Kakua), was a Hawaiian coal miner living in Nanaimo. His story goes to tell that after a late night of drinking he came to find his wife committing adultery with her father.  In a fit of rage, he went after his wife, murdering her along with their baby, her mother and her father with an axe.  He attempted to escape to Vancouver by canoe but was captured when spending the night on Newcastle Island.  He was promised a fair trial but one never happened, and he was hung at Gallows Point on Protection after being held in the jail in the Bastion. He vowed to return and shouted “vengence will be mine!” Neither the Europeans or the First Nations wanted to bury him on his land, so he was laid to rest in an unmarked grave on Newcastle Island in what’s now known as Kanaka Bay. He apparently haunts the eastside of the Newcastle Island, and some have even gone to say that he was responsible for the mining disaster on the Island in 1887 that killed 150 people.

Some also say they have heard screams and chopping sounds late at night in the forests on Newcastle Island.  There are also stories of people disappearing after going to the far side of the Island at night; it’s no wonder that camping is prohibited on that side of the Island…

Source: KanakaPete.com

The hanging of Kanaka Pete (KanakaPete.com)

You can read some chilling experiences of people who have experienced paranomal activities while camping on Newcastle Island HERE and HERE.

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Other Stories

There are so many more ghost stories about Nanaimo. Some take place in hotels, some in bars, and others in ordinary Nanaimo homes.  So the next time you are wondering the streets of Nanaimo, take a minute to look and listen.  That blast of cold air, an eerie feeling, unexplained noises and the goose bumps on your arm may be telling you that you’ve been joined by an unexpected travelling companion nearby.

For more interesting stories on Nanaimo’s haunted history check out these links:

• Kennedy House B&B – http://kennedyhouse.ca/about/a-ghost-story
• Beban House – http://www.vanisleparanormal.ca/beban-house-nanaimo/
• The Legend of Kanaka Pete (Newcastle Island) http://www.secondhand-souls-4occult.com/haunting-of-kanaka-pete.html 
• The Best Western Dorchester  (Mrs. Mcreedy is rumoured to haunt a room on the 3rd floor…ask the staff for stories)
• The Bastion – http://www.hauntedplaces.org/item/nanaimo-bastion/
• The Nanaimo Courthouse, Gallows Point, Brother XII & more – http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/lifestyles/tourism/160194775.html
• Other Nanaimo & Vancouver Island Hauntings – http://livinglibraryblog.com/?p=899

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Also be sure to visit the Nanaimo Museum for one of their Lantern Tours.  You’ll hear more details and get a chance to visit some of these historic sites.  The last Lantern Tour is October 30^th, 6-8pm.  Be sure to book ahead.

Have a safe and spooky Halloween!

~Amanda

What’s Up This Week: September 22 – 28

Wondering what’s happening this week in Nanaimo & Region? We’ve got you covered!

Featured Event: 2015 Culture Days (Fri-Sun, Sept 25-27)

Culture Days celebrate all things Arts and Culture in BC, and during the three days there are numerous events that will showcase different sides of Nanaimo’s unique culture.

Friday- Sunday:

• Silva Part 1: O Horizon @ Nanaimo Art Gallery: The exhibit is a contemporary art project that follows a thematic path from the microcosms of the forest floor, to the quantifying and processing of lumber, to the global distribution of forestry products.
• A Terrible Beauty @ Nanaimo Museum: Edward Burtynsky in Dialogue with Emily Carr.

Saturday:

• “FEASTIVAL” @ Vancouver Island Conference Centre: Its an exciting showcase of the local food and beverage scene featuring some of the finest locally-sourced products, ingredients, talent and attractions on the mid-Island.
• World of the Metis @ China Steps: get a glimpse of Metis History and a glance at the Metis today. Historical artifact display, traditional bannock, cultural conversation and sharing of information about the Metis Community in Nanaimo.
• Nanaimo Arte de Carnevale @ Bowen Park: The Nanaimo African Heritage Society is celebrating Culture Days with live music performances.
• Nanaimo Conservatory of Music Open House: Expect an afternoon of musical fun with mini lessons; an instrument petting zoo; performances by Conservatory students; prizes; refreshments and more!

Sunday:

• Film Jam! @ Hub City Cinema Studio: Filmmakers of all kinds and experience come together to conceive and shoot a short film with the resources available in only 6 hours.
• Just Kidding for Kids: Improv with Nicolle Nattrass: Participants (8-14years) will have fun exploring activities such as the Name Game, the Martha Game and other classic improv exercises that ignite the imagination.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22^nd

10:00-11:00am: NS3’s Science Studio (Drop-In), 3004 Departure Bay Road, $4/child

7:00pm: On The Dock: The Distributors, Alex Wickett & Tora Leigh, Hart & Soul (live music), Dinghy Dock Pub, $20/adults (incl. ferry)

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 23^rd

10:00-11:00am: NS3’s Science Studio (Drop-In), 3004 Departure Bay Road, $4/child

10:30am-2:30pm: Mozzarella and Chevre Cheese Making Corse, Gabriola Island, $95/person, pls call 250-247-8635

4:00-6:30 pm: Bowen Road Farmers Market at Beban Park

7:00pm: QUEEN- It’s a Kinda Magic! Port Theatre, $59/adult

7:30pm: The Pete Magadini Trio in Concert, SimonHolt, $25/adult, $15/student

Credit: QUEEN – It’s a Kind of Magic!

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24^th

10:00-11:00am and 3:00-5:00pm: NS3’s Science Studio (Drop-In), 3004 Departure Bay Road, $4/child (adults free)

4:00-9:00pm Maffeo-Sutton Park Market. FREE

7:00–9:30pm: Nanaimo Harbour Bird Nerd Tour, meet @ the Bastion, $25/adult

8:00pm: Live at Longwood, Longwood Brew Pub, FREE

Come learn about the Garry Oak eco-system with NS3 in their Science Studio!

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25^th

10:00am-4:00pm: Morningstar Bison Ranch Tours, train ride $20/adult $5/child.

10:00am-6:00pm: McNab’s Corn Maze and Hayrides, $8/adult $5/child

12:00-4:00pm: Bastion Waterfront Farmers Market, next to the Bastion. FREE

6:30pm: Vancouver Theatre Sports Comedy Improv, VIU Drama Theatre, $10/adult

7:30pm: 2015 New Waves Festival: Making Tracks, Harbour City Theatre, $22/adult. “Making Tracks” is the centrepiece of the fifth New Waves Festival, a 10-day celebration of new writing that also includes staged readings of new scripts by Nanaimo-area writers.

  

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26^th

9:00am-12:00pm:NS3’s Science Studio (Drop-In), 3004 Departure Bay Road, $4/child

9:30am-10:30am: Art Lab- Saturday Studio (5-7year), Nanaimo Art Gallery, $12/child

10:00am-4:00 pm Morningstar Bison Ranch Tours, train ride $20/adult $5/child.

10:00am-4:00pm: Feastival!, Vancouver Island Conference Centre, $5/adult

10:00am-6:00pm McNab’s Corn Maze and hayrides, $8/adult $5/child

11:00am-12:30pm: Art Lab- Saturday Studio (8-12year), Nanaimo Art Gallery, $12/child

12:00-3:00pm: Arte De Carnevale, Bowen Park, FREE

2:00pm-4:00pm: Botanical Walk with Celestine Aleck, Newcastle Island, $5/adult

7:30pm: 2015 New Waves Festival: Making Tracks, Harbour City Theatre, $22/adult

7:30-10:00pm: PechaKucha Night Nanaimo Vol.2, Port Theatre, $6.30/adult

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27^th

10:00am-2:00pm: Cedar Farmers Market at the Crow and Gate Pub Field in Cedar.

10:00am-4:00pm: Morningstar Bison Ranch Tours, train ride $20/adult $5/child.

10:00am-6:00pm: McNab’s Corn Maze and hayrides, $8/adult $5/child

1:00, 4:00 & 7:00pm: Fringe Flicks: I’ll See you in my Dreams, Avalon Cinema, $12

1:00-2:30pm: Culture Days with Nicolle Nattrass (8-14years), VIU Theatre Studio (Bldg 330), FREE

1:30-4:00 pm: Lantzville Farmers Market, St. Phillip’s Church (Lantzville), FREE

2:30pm: Port Theatre Spotlight: Bollywood Orchestra and Dancers: Spirit of India, Port Theatre, $40/adult, $15/student

Cedar Farmers’ Market (credit: Local Loves Nanaimo)

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 28^th

7:00pm: Fringe Flicks: I’ll See you in my Dreams, Avalon Cinema, $12. TheatreOne’s Fringe Flicks season features new independent films which were selected for their artistic merit, content, and genre, with a focus on diversity and entertainment value. The first movie is a vibrant, funny and heartfelt film with Blythe Danner.

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For more local events, visit www.tourismnanaimo.com/events

What’s Up This Week August 24-31

What’s Up This Week August 24-31, 2015

FEATURED EVENT OF THE WEEK

Summertime Blues Festival 2015 (August 28-30) Nicknamed “Memphis of the North” Nanaimo is home of the annual Summertime Blues bringing 18 bands and three days of incredible live performances to the Harbour City. Headliners include the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee Elvin Bishop, the Queen of Louisiana Swamp Blues Marcia Ball and the Zydeco powerhouse C.J. Chenier. To continue the International flavour, harmonica sensation Little Victor makes the trip from England along with Canadian Blues Stars Harp Dog Brown, Jack Semple, Poppa Dawg, Murray Porter and Jason Buie. The Fest is also thrilled to present our friends, who just happen to be the best Blues singers and musicians the Island has to offer. Be sure to catch at least as few concerts in Maffeo Sutton Park, enjoy a drink in the beer garden and stroll the vendors. For more details and a complete line-up, please visit http://www.nanaimobluesfestival.com/festival.htm

 

ALSO – Tourism Nanaimo Street Team will be handing out our #ExploreNanaimo sunglasses to festival attendees – please say hello and pick up your pair!

Tourism Team feeling the “blues” with #ExploreNanaimo shades

TUESDAY AUGUST 25

11:45 am Daily Cannon Firing Ceremony next to the historical Bastion.

5:00-6:00 pm Family Golf Night at Fairwinds Golf Club, Nanoose Bay, $33-$66.

7:00 pm On the Dock with Almost Famous, TJ Muhl and Salmon Friends (Live music), Dinghy Dock Pub. Head over to the legendary Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island and enjoy some great live music in this acoustic concert series in Canada’s only floating Pub. Doors open at 7pm, tickets are $20 (incl. ferry round trip and show).

 

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 26

11:45 am Daily Cannon Firing Ceremony next to the historical Bastion.

12:15-1:00 pm Lunchtime Music Series on Wesley and Selby St., FREE event.

1:30-3:30 pm Summer Family Programs: Chinatown at the Nanaimo Museum.

4:00-6:30 pm Bowen Road Farmers Market , Beban Park.

6:00-7:30 pm Concerts in the Park: Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra, Maffeo Sutton Park. Nanaimo features numerous free concerts in beautiful Maffeo Sutton Park in the heart of Nanaimo right on the sea wall. Join the free fun event at the Pavilion starting at 6-7:30, FREE event.

7:00-9:00 pm Wine Wednesdays at ACMe Foods Co. (live music by Marty Steele).

 

THURSDAY AUGUST 27

11:45 am Daily Cannon Firing Ceremony next to the historical Bastion.

12:00-12:30 pm Guided Bastion Tours by the Nanaimo Museum, by DONATION.

12:00-2:00 pm Summertime Music Series (live music) in Lois Lane FREE event.

4:00-9:00 pm Maffeo-Sutton Park Market.

7:00-9:30 pm Historic Pub Walking Tour meet at the Bastion, $25/adult.

7:00 -9:00 pm Wine Club: Spanish Night, Lucky’s Liquor Store. Taste your way through the wines of Spain paired with a Spanish inspired menu at the Lucky’s Liquor Store, event starts at 7:00-9:00pm $35 per adult, Sorry no minors, registrations are advisable.

7:30-9:30 pm Eric Harper and Lani Nash (live music) at Simonholt, $10 or $12/door.

 

FRIDAY AUGUST 28

10:00-1:00 pm Nanaimo Bites and Sights Food Tour, $55/adult.

10:00-4:00 pm Morningstar Bison Ranch Tours, train ride $20/adult $5/child.

11:45 am Daily Cannon Firing Ceremony next to the historical Bastion.

1:30-3:30 pm Summer Family Programs: Vikings, the Nanaimo Museum, $.75-$2.

2:00-6:00 pm Bastion Waterfront Farmers Market, Pioneer Plaza next to Bastion.This market has a great selection of farmers, growers, bakers, crafters and so many more vendors. Enjoy live music and local products on Nanaimo’s original farmers market every Friday from 2-6pm right next to the Bastion.

3:00-9:30 pm Summertime Blues! (various concerts), pls refer to featured event.

7:00-10:00 pm Dave Hart (live music) at Boston Pizza, FREE event.

  

SATURDAY AUGUST 29

10:00-3:00 pm Garden Party, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, FREE event.

10:00-4:00 pm Morningstar Bison Ranch Tours, train ride $20/adult $5/child.

10:30-12:00 pm Art Lab (5-11years), registration required, at the Art Gallery, $12/child.

10:30-2:30 pm Mozzarella Cheese Making Course, Gabriola, required, $95/adult.

11:00-2:00 pm Mid Island Co-Op Fun Family Day, Co-Op Gas Bar (Bowen Road).

11:00-9:30 pm Summertime Blues! (various concerts), pls refer to featured event!

11:45 am Daily Cannon Firing Ceremony next to the historical Bastion.

12:00-4:00 pm Gallery Row’s Art Festival 2015, Old City Quarter. This annual event celebrates local artists and raises funds to support art programs. During the event, new art is unveiled and previous art pieces auctioned off. Gallery Row will be filled with live music, family activities and BBQ concessions. Event takes place at the corner of Fitzwilliam and Wallace Street and runs from 12-4pm, with the art unveiling at 1pm, FREE event.

4:00 pm: VI Raiders vs Valley Huskers, Caledonia Park, $12/adult and $5/students.

 

SUNDAY AUGUST 30

10:00-2:00 pm Cedar Farmers Market at the Crow and Gate Pub Field in Cedar.

10:00-4:00 pm Morningstar Bison Ranch Tours, train ride $20/adult $5/child.

11:00-8:30 pm Summertime Blues! (various concerts), pls refer to featured event.

11:45 am Daily Cannon Firing Ceremony next to the historical Bastion.

1:30-4:00 pm Lantzville Farmers Market, at the St. Phillip’s Church in Lantzville.

7:00-10:00 pm PJ Perry, Oliver Gannon and Neil Swainson (JAZZ concert), Simon Holt Restaurant & Lounge. If you know something about Jazz these names will bring a bell for sure. If not, here is a hint on how good they are, they are JUNO Award winners, National Jazz Award winners and have worked internationally with the greats.  These three artists are three of the best Jazz musicians and they are playing in Nanaimo for one night only. Experience some of the JAZZ greats in a small and intimate setting. Concerts starts at 7-10pm at Simon Holt Restaurant & Lounge, $30/in advance (advisable), $25/students.

8:00 pm Alpha Yaya Diallo and the African Guitar Summit LIVE @ The Queens, $25.

Have fun & #ExploreNanaimo Events! Check back next week for events happening September 1-7, 2015. For more event information, visit our Events Calendar.

A Day Downtown Nanaimo with Two Tiny Dancers

Sitting at breakfast on Saturday morning with my girls, I announce this is going to be a mommy and daughter weekend full of play, pampering and treats. My eldest daughter’s eyes light up as wide as her pancakes and asks “oh my gosh mom, are we going to Disneyland”? “Um, well, no darling” I reply, “although that would be fun! We are going to go on an adventure downtown Nanaimo”. Perhaps not the answer she was looking for, but despite it not being Disneyland, we had so much fun!

We started at the Bee’s Knee’s Cafe where the kids sipped imaginary tea in tiny cups and enjoyed a home baked goodie. This happy mom sipped a perfected latte and gazed around at the funky decor while the kids moved on to the play kitchen. My eldest decided she needed a recipe from Great Grandma so gave her a “call” to get directions (apparently I call grandma often for guidance). I was drawn to the owl pillow, dainty, gold velour couch and sat back to admire the ladies behind the counter grooving to the tunes, chatting happily and baking up some amazingly yummy Cinnamon Buns. A fabulous start to the day.

Morning Fun Stuff: 

• Climbed the spiral staircase on the waterfront and enjoyed the amazing views of the harbour and neighbouring islands
• Watched the float planes come and land
• Looked for sea stars in the low tide of Swy-a-lana Lagoon
• Walked to the end of the crabbing pier watching locals catch dinner, we looked for the local seal “Lucy” who apparently loves to visit the pier – no sign of her today
• Took our picture in the giant, gold picture frame at Maffeo Sutton Park
• Played on the playground at Maffeo Sutton Park
• Searched for fairy houses in all park gardens, admiring at all the public art pieces

For lunch we had heard Pirate Chips new location was kid friendly and were excited to give it a try. It’s easy to find on Front Street with a big pirate statue out front welcoming patrons in. My youngest refused to stand anywhere near it as he looked way too scary for her. Once inside the smiley staff said help yourself to a table, we naturally chose one right beside the cool looking playhouse. The kids got a basket of “Fish n Chips” which was so cute (gold fish crackers & potatoe chips) to nibble. They were given coloring pages, funky water toys to play with at the table and couldn’t wait to check out the pirate playhouse. It was amazing, the kids played while they waited for their food (which was quick!) and ate everything right up. This smart mom decided to tell them the only way they were allowed to choose a toy from the pirate treasure chest is if they ate all their food. This place is brilliant! Snacks, toys, treasure (bribery) toys, really great kids food options, fabulous prices and my food was delicious too. I went for the fresh bacon, corn chowder – YUM!

After Lunch Activities:

• Got our shop on at Maliah Magoo’s Childrens wear & Pumpkin Pie kids who have a train table to distract one child while you get your other child’s feet properly measured and fitted
• Played at the Children’s Treehouse toy and book store, this place is awesome! They played with the toys, read in the play treehouse and oohed and ahhhed at all playmobil sets
• We decided to get haircuts at Vanilla Alley Hair Salon and the loveliest young girl, Courtenay, was fabulous with the kids. She gave them a trim (my youngest’s first haircut!) and straightened their hair

After the hair “do’s” they couldn’t stop swishing their hair back and forth. On our way back to the car, they broke into a dance performance on the stairs in the street. When I finally dragged them off their “stage” they were all giggles on the ride home. A fantastic day downtown with my two tiny dancers.

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Thanks Nanaimo!

Chelsea Barr