July 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
It was sudsy and bubbly in Dawson Creek on Friday, July 17th! The Dawson Creek Vet Clinic was hosting a “Doggy Wash Day” with proceeds going to the Dawson Creek branch SPCA, so being a dog lover, I had to attend. The wash featured a BBQ (and of course a bowl of hot dog chunks for hungry puppies), clinic tours and games in addition to the pools of bathwater to clean local pooches. Dogs of all shapes and sizes were in attendance, and knowing my dollars were going to a cause like the SPCA, how could I not go scope it out?
July 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Air / Airports
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The FSJ AIrshow is always a major community event; a chance to see a variety of planes take part in an incredible display of aerodynamic ballet. The planes flew so close it was incredible; we could even make out the numbers and decals on the sides of the planes! The Snowbirds were undoubtedly the highlight of the aero-performance. The twists and turns and loops were amazing to see so close!
July 10, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
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Jimmy Rankin was among friends July 7th, as he played to a diverse crowd at the Lido Theatre in Fort St. John, which included many islanders.
I myself was in the company of a true Cape Bretoner, my friend Tanya was the first person I thought of to accompany me to the show when I heard Jimmy would be in town. As I anticipated, not only did Tanya know who he was, but was thrilled to go.
What a great time! For those of you familiar with the Rankin Family (now The Rankins), you will appreciate the way Jimmy’s deep, soulful performance can sweep you back to the days when he and his brother and sisters used to charm us with their melodic harmony with such hits as “Tell My Ma” and “Forty Days and Nights” and “Mairi’s Wedding.” Jimmy was sans family this time: one audience member, at the encouragement of Jimmy to name some requests shouted “Mull River Shuffle, boy!” (I cheered and hollered to second the motion…it’s my favorite song of theirs) and Jimmy smiled and replied, “Mull River Shuffle…I need the Rankins for that one!”
Nevertheless, I was still taken back to my childhood, Jimmy superbly belting out some classics accessible to him alone, such as “Orangedale Whistle” and “You Feel The Same Way Too.” He entertained us with some of his hits from “Song Dog” as well as some of his newer material from his recently released CD, “Edge of Time.” True to Rankin form (this is the second time I have seen Jimmy; the first time was the entire family together, including John Morris), he got the audience involved to help sing some of the songs!
It was evident everyone was having a great time—there was a delightful mingling of accents calling out to Jimmy: at one point, after a roaring applause, he came out for an encore and checked the time, when an audience member called out playfully: “never mind your watch!” My friend turned to me and said knowingly, “that’s gotta be a Newfoundlander!”
The performance was one of the best I’ve seen. Jimmy’s sole band member James even managed to squeeze in some banjo playing, and by the time the night was coming to an end, the entire crowd had managed to rise to their feet and clap along to several of the numbers.
Come back Jimmy, and next time, bring your family!
July 08, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
The wet weather didn’t dampen the spirits of anyone in Pouce Coupe last week for their annual Canada Day celebration.
Hundreds of people streamed from the village’s Canada Day parade (complete with classic cars, dressed-up pooches and resplendently-dressed horses) to Pouce Park for games, musical entertainment, and the biggest BBQ in the Peace region.
There was plenty to do and see; including a train taking children on rides around the park, a large inflatable jungle gym, vendors selling jewelry and giving away flags, stickers and washable tattoos, and a face-painting booth. Music featured local artists and a variety of songs, and when the weather did take a turn for the worst, some chose to brave it and huddle under tents while some opted for cover in their vehicles. The rain finally passed, the sun prevailed, and so did the fun!
July 06, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Farms & Markets
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This past weekend was a hot one in Prince George, and I was lucky enough to spend it with my dogs, Oliver and Annie, sun-tanning and enjoying the Forests for the World trails, a mere stone’s throw from my family’s house. The dogs love it because there’s a lake there (recently stocked with fish for those who enjoy the pastime).
On Saturday however, it was time to do something different! The first thing to think about in the morning of course is dinner for later that night, so I got the idea to check out the Farmer’s Market downtown near George Street and see what was up. I was delighted to find organic produce, and the locally grown vegetables are a vegetarian’s dream come true. Although we have a wonderful garden in the front yard which will be bearing its veritable delicacies sooner rather than later, that didn’t stop me from gathering vegetables, honey and of course bread (one can’t expect to peruse the goodies and not invest in some dill cheese loaf). Later, at my aunt’s house, we settled in and began our feast. The fresh carrots, soft white bread, sweet tomatoes and homemade pie was everything that defines summer eating. Farmer’s Markets are one of the great ways to get out and “window shop” locally.