Langley’s shining stars Dallas Smith and Mitch Merrett are once again up for national accolades.
The two men – well recognized names in the Canadian country music world – have been nominated for the industry’s music awards set to be given out in Halifax in mid-September.
Smith, a 37-year-oldsinger and songwriter from Walnut Grove, learned of the news last week, and tweeted out “Thanks for the support!”
In addition to being in the running for album, single, and male artist of the year, Smith is up for the fan’s choice award, which means he needs votes at at http://ccmafanvote.dmds.com.
In the meantime, Smith and buddy Chad Brownlee, a country music singing sensation in his own right, are once again partnering this summer on their annual Boys of Fall charity golf tournament at The Redwoods Golf Course. They’re reuniting, if you will, on the greens to help babies from needy families through the JRfm Basics for Babies campaign.
And another Langleyite, well known and even tight with Smith and Brownlee, is Merrett.
He’s an award-winning songwriter, producer, and manager who’s being recognized this time out for his prowess with a guitar at the CCMAs.
• Stay tuned to the Langley Advance for the results and reaction.
Aspring astronomer invited
Gaze at the night sky through telescopes, meet astronomers, walk lantern-lit trails, take part in crafts and learning activities, enjoy some entertainment, and consider camping out under the stars.
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and Metro Vancouver parks are once again hosting their meteor shower watch and walk.
On Saturday, Aug. 8, star gazers of all ages are invited out to Aldergrove Regional Park to participate in this event. Admission is $2 per person, and attendees are asked to meet at the Aldergrove Bowl entrance, 550 Lefeuvre Rd.
Campers must arrive between 5 and 8 p.m., with the event actually running 8 to 11 p.m. – rain or shine.
This year, members of the Aldergrove Elks Lodge will be providing an evening cash-only concession with coffee, hot chocolate, and snacks, as well as a pancake breakfast Sunday morning for campers.
More information and the park events schedule is available at www.metrovancouver.org.
Langley Eats returns to market
From farm fresh produce and fine wine, to artisan meats and cheeses, to the best in baked goods, a feast of delicious food can be found right in Langley’s backyard.
On Wednesday, Aug. 5, Langley Eats Local returns to give guests a taste of the bounty that is grown and produced right within their own community.
A foodie’s paradise, the free, family-oriented event will be held from 2 to 6:30 pm in the courtyard of Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), in conjunction with the weekly Langley Community Farmers Market.
“This is the seventh annual event and it has taken on a really interesting new direction and atmosphere,” said Ava Shannon of the Langley Environmental Partners Society, a Township of Langley partner organization that is presenting Langley Eats Local along with the farmers market.
When Langley Eats Local first started, it was hosted at various farms throughout the community. Now that the market has become well established and can be found every Wednesday throughout the summer at KPU, organizers felt it was the right time to showcase a variety of local food growers and producers – all at once, Shannon explained.
“It made sense to join forces and go big and attract even more people,” she said. “The market is doing so well and this will give the vendors some extra visibility.”
This is the second year that Langley Eats Local has teamed up with the market, and with more and more people interested in eating locally and sustainability, Shannon anticipates it will be a hit.
Guests will have the opportunity to sample and purchase locally-produced vegetables, meat, cheese, bread, wine, honey, organic products, and more.
The event will also feature free family activities such as face painting and a chance for kids to do farm “chores.” A canning demonstration will be offered and prizes will be up for grabs for children and adults.
The event will also be a great opportunity to learn more about local food production and the farmers who feed us.
“People are taking an active interest in where their food comes from,” Shannon said, noting that a number of farmers featured at Langley Eats Local encourage the public to come see their farms.
“They want people to go to the place where the food comes from. They want consumers to not just meet the farmer, but meet the farm. There is a lot of pride in what they do,” she concluded.