Assignment Editors: Special Events in Vancouver Parks

July 3, 2009 (No. 16) - Vancouver Parks host a diverse range of cultural events and outdoor activities. Listed below are some upcoming special events facilitated by the Vancouver Park Board. For information about other events please go to the Park Board website at www.vancouverparks.ca and look for Special Events under the For Your Information section.

Note to Stanley Park Visitors: To make an outing to Stanley Park on these busy summer days even more enjoyable, park visitors as asked to consider alternate modes of transportation: transit, cycling or walking. Or, park the car at one of the lots in the park and climb aboard the Stanley Park Shuttle. An all day ticket costs $2 per adult and $1 for children aged 2-11. The Shuttle stops at 15 popular sites around the park and runs from mid-morning to early evening.

Miniature Railway/Children's Farmyard Stanley Park Open Daily 11 am - 4 pm Fun for the whole family awaits you at the Stanley Park's Farmyard and Railway. Lots of new farmyard babies to see along with an array of delightful alpacas, ducks, goats and more. Ph. 604-257-8531.

Jazz in Bloom at VanDusen Gardens July 12, 19 and 26, 5:30 - 8:30 Bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy great jazz in the beautiful garden setting of the Great Lawn, sponsored by the VanDusen Botanical Garden Association and the Jazz Cellar. Purchase tickets at ticketstonight.ca , at the Garden Shop or the Jazz Cellar at 3611 Broadway. Go to vandusengarden.org for more information.

Music in the Park at Haywood Bandstand, Alexandra Park 1755 Beach Avenue at Bidwell July 12 and July 26 1pm - 3pm . Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy these free performances in the relaxing setting of Alexandra Park. Suitable for all ages. All performances are presented courtesy of the Esmond & Edith Lando Trust Fund and the Arts & Culture Office of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival July 17 - 19 at Jericho Beach Par k Offers the world's finest traditional and contemporary folk and roots music. Phone 604-602-9798.

HSBC Celebration of Light July 22, 25, 29 and August 1 at English Bay and Vanier Park Don't miss Vancouver's signature summer extravaganza. Fireworks will light up English Bay . Go to
celebration-of-light.com for details.

Farmers' Markets Various Locations Featuring farm fresh fruits, vegetables and plants, quality local crafts, delicious edibles, community information, live music and lots more. Trout Lake Community Centre Parking Lot, Saturdays, 9 am - 2 pm, to October 10 th ; Nelson Park, Saturdays, 9 am to 2 pm, to October 24 th; Thornton Park, Wednesdays, 3 to 7 pm, to October 21 st; Kitsilano Community Centre Parking Lot, Sundays, 10 am to 2 pm, to October 25 th. For more information go to www.eatlocal.org .

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For more information, contact: Carol DeFina , Communications Coordinator, at 604-257-8440

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.