Vancouver Winter 2010 Olympic Anniversary Party

Dig out those red mittens, put on your Canuck t-shirt and let’s paint the town red this Saturday. This time last year, Vancouver was rich in visitors, high in spirit and fireworks and the Olympic Cauldron lit up the city. After the month long party was over, many Vancouverites had the post-Olympic blues and to commemorate that fun month, the city is hosting a one-year anniversary party on Saturday, February 12, 2011.

Wayne, where are you?

Granville Street will be shut down  from Smithe to Dunsmuir for festivities that start at noon until 9pm. Although there will not be a zipline set up by Robson Square (remember that?), there will be free ice-skating at Robson square and plenty of other family-friendly activities throughout the day and into the evening. While you’re there, take advantage of the free admission into the Vancouver Art Gallery.

We can’t forget about the sporting event locations and Grouse Mountain is pulling an all-nighter by staying open from 8:30am on Feb 12th until 10:00pm on Feb 13th. If skiing at sunrise is something that’s on your bucket-list, now is your chance! And, despite the fact that there will be no zipline over Robson Square, you can go ziplining on Grouse. Reservations 24 hours in advance are recommended. There will also be a torch light parade, theatre in the sky, DJs spinning, snow shoe tours.

Lighting up Granville

It’s the last weekend for Lunar Fest and the lovely lit-up art is displayed between Robson and West Georgia on Granville Street. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s free! While we’re on the subject of brightly lit things, Illuminate Yaletown is also worth checking out this weekend and will be running on the 12th and 13th. This event is free and will feature this line-up:

• Element Art Designs Ltd Benjamin Feagin Jr.
• Tangible Interaction
• Urban Visuals
• Vivid Lighting Solutions
• Jigsaw interaction design lab
• Render light and planning
• Vancouver design nerds
• Burnkit
• Hfour Stuart Ward
• Sensory Overload productions inc
• M2O Productions
• Tim Rolls
• Roderick Quin and Suez Holland
• Peter Pierobon

Line-up list courtesy of Yaletown Info

Zipline across the sky!

The Olympic Cauldron now calls Jack Poole Plaza home and is only lit for special occasions, and this is obviously one of those times. At 4pm, the cauldron will be re-lit and making a special appearance will be the infamous blue jacketed volunteers. Now we’re talking about re-living the true Olympic spirit!

There will be plenty of activities happening in and around Vancouver and Whistler this weekend, so grab your friends and get out there!