Suburbs

The long weekend is here and many will head on over to either the island, Whistler or the interior. However, for those of staying within the confines of Metro Vancouver here are  a list of events you should check out this long weekend. Of course you could do what many like to do and just explore the city on foot and see where it takes you. 

Today is the opening day of the 66th annual  Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair. The fair kicks off the May long weekend with jam-packed family-friendly entertainment and exciting new events, running until May 21, 2012. The 66^th annual Cloverdale Rodeo and 124^th Country Fair combines a unique blend of rodeo action, free-with-admission entertainment, live performances and fierce competition.

Surrey boasts one of the largest Vaisakhi parades in Canada. Expect up to 100,000 spectators on Surrey’s wide streets. Don’t worry, the food never runs out, due to the community’s strong principles of giving.

It looks like Surrey will finally get that tall tower it’s been touting for a long time. It’s not the 800m tower that brash mayor Doug McCallum wanted to build or the dream Berezan towers. According to Civic Surrey, a new 54-storey, 160 metre tower across from the soon to be built City Hall in Whalley is set to go ahead real soon.

Mayor Watts is at it again and before all you Surreyites get up in arms and put on your Ed Hardy glittery cap, don’t let the title fool you, I firmly believe that Surrey, Langley etc… deserve more transit options. I just don’t think it’s time for Rapid Transit Now (whether at grade, below grade or above grade). 

IKEA is known for as the go-to spot for beautifying spaces but this spring, their Richmond store sees all the action. On April 25, 2012 IKEA’s new 334,000 square foot (slightly larger than the store in Coquitlam) Richmond store will open, offering over 9,000 products and showcasing 51 inspirational room settings. Located on Jacombs Road, adjacent to the current location (which closes April 22), the new IKEA will include a 600+ seat restaurant, over 1,400 parking spaces and 100 bicycle racks.