Do I have a fixation on food, or does it just seem that way?
Looking at my waistline, you would be easily convinced I do. But surprisingly, I don’t – either that, or I’m in denial.
Either way, I’m devoting this space to food… and fun.
Let’s start with the presence of eight local restaurants and about 30 brewers and beverage suppliers at the charity Tip ’N‘ Taste last week.
Three of Langley’s four Rotary Clubs united to host this fundraiser at Cascades on Friday. And in doing so, they provided a good time for 560 guests, gave invaluable exposure to dozens of hospitality businesses (several of them local), filled many a tummy, and – most importantly – raised an estimated $11,000 for a local charity. The money is earmarked specifically for Langley Lodge equipment.
“This was the best attendance in over five years,†said event committee chair David Truman.
• Click here to see more photos from the event
Openings on the books
Now, speaking of food and charity, a few weeks back I told you about the opening of a new restaurant, Lori’s Donair, at 203rd Street and Douglas Crescent.
Well, Lori Armour and her family are hosting a fundraising grand opening event this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and giving part of the day’s proceeds to the Canadian Cancer Society. Might want to stop by for some food and entertainment.
Along with the reminder about Lori’s grand opening, I want to mention a grand re-opening planned for a long-time Langley business – also happening this weekend.
A few months ago, I also told you that Matthew Purdy and his team at Toy Traders and GameStars – along with almost every other tenant in the Langley’s City Square on the Langley Bypass – were relocating because of redevelopment of their mall.
Well, that mall redevelopment is well under way. But Purdy has already finished his, relocated his two businesses to a much larger space right behind that mall (next to Princess Auto). And he’s having a heck of a shindig this weekend to celebrate the reopening.
In this case, the event runs July 18 and 19, with giveaways and door prizes, plus pictures with some of your favourite character on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – by donation.
And seguing back to food, Purdy is serving up hotdogs, hamburgers, and veggie burritos, with proceeds to Langley Shrine Club.
For those who haven’t checked out this locally owned collectibles and toy store, it’s worth a visit. And what better time than during a party?
A chance to explore downtown
Looking for other things to do this weekend, how about a little shopping and some time spent exploring.
For the second year running, the Downtown Langley Business Association is hosting its open air sale and scavenger hunt.
The event runs Saturday, July 18, with half as many businesses as last year (a total of 35) participating in the sale and 20 downtown merchants taking part in the scavenger hunt, explained the association’s executive director, Teri James.
“Throughout the course of the day, hundreds come out,†she said.
Sure, it’s a sale to entice people downtown. But, moreover it’s a community event too, James said, pointing out the scavenger hunt as a fun way to discover the City’s centre, meet the shop owners, and get a little something for your effort.
It’s also a chance to take in some live entertainment in McBurney Plaza – including performances by contemporary musician Colin Bullock, along with facepainting, balloon twisting, and even demonstrations by a caricature artists.
And, in addition to a series of giveaways and prizes, participants can also enter to win more than $1,000 in downtown dollars.
To find out more, people can visit downtown between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., or go online to www.downtownlangley.com.
Where did they go?
And speaking of the downtown, where did Envision go?
The credit union that vowed it wouldn't leave the core seems to have disappeared.
I'll try to get you some answers on that one.