Canada's 150th birthday is taking the world by storm with residents and travellers encouraged to participate in special events popping up across the country. Yaletown, one of Vancouver's oldest neighbourhoods, is no exception - the former warehouse district's #YaletownHeartsCanada initiative features a series of free public events and a social media contest with 13 Raleigh bikes up for grabs.
On Sunday, May 21, a free festival centered around Engine 374 will be open to the community. On May 23, 1887, this little engine pulled the first transcontinental train into Vancouver and sealed the deal for British Columbia joining Canada, completing a nation that spans from coast to coast. Now, 130 years later, the public are invited to re-live the moment alongside the famous engine at its resting home in Yaletown's Roundhouse Turntable Plaza. The family-focused affair will offer children's activities and crafts, a brass band playing a rousing background score and plenty of photo opportunities while kids of all ages play and interact with the train. Festivities begin at noon and run until 3pm; attendees can also claim complimentary Yaletown-themed Canada 150 t-shirts and frisbees, while supplies last.
The fun continues in June with Let's Hear It For Yaletown - five-days of free outdoor jazz taking place the week leading up to Canada day. The neighborhood will be serenaded with the sounds of live Canadian jazz bands at lunchtime and after work. Vancouverites are invited to visit Yaletown and join the community at Bill Curtis Square (Canada Line Station at Mainland and Davie) for free performances from Monday, June 26 to Friday, June 30 (between 11am and 1pm, and again between 5pm and 7pm).
To commemorate these neighbourhood and national celebrations alike, the Yaletown Business Improvement Association is excited to launch an online contest encouraging locals and visitors to post photos and videos sharing what they love about Canada. Thirteen lucky winners - honouring the 13 provinces and territories of Canada - will each receive a Raleigh bike crafted specifically for city cycling, plus a custom fitting from Yaletown's Reckless Bikes. Kicking off today, the contest will run until Wednesday, May 31. For more information and details on how to enter, visit Yaletowninfo.com.
