Party in the Park

Set in the Central Community Park in downtown Chilliwack, fun and entertainment can be had by all the family, each Friday evening for eight glorious weeks in July and August. It’s a great place to sit back and relax with friends and family, enjoy the weather and the live local bands that grace the stage at this fabulous community event.

Each Party in the Park starts off with the Night Market which is a true testament to locally grown and produced goods. There’s a variety of food vendors to tempt your pallet as well. There are a variety of activities geared to the youngsters, from face-painting to bouncy castles and the organizers make an  effort to cater to a variety of tastes and ages when it comes to the live music offered as well.

Party in the Park is held at the Central Community Park on the corner of Victoria and Young. There are public washrooms on site and it’s easily accessible for those in wheelchairs. Dogs are allowed; just keep them on a leash.

For info on this event, including opportunities to participate in the market or as a volunteer, visit their website here.

Chilliwack Flight Fest

This year’s Chilliwack Flight Fest is presented by the RE/MAX Realtors of the Lower Mainland.  Check HERE for all the information on this years event.

An action packed weekend was planned for aviation enthusiasts young and old to celebrate the Annual Flight Fest held at Chilliwack Municipal Airport. The celebrations had begun with a Hangar Dance and Twilight Show on the Saturday evening followed by a packed day of events on the Sunday including an early morning Pancake Breakfast and the eagerly anticipated Air show in the afternoon. This was when we arrived, in the blistering heat not really knowing what to expect. We soon realised that we most definitely had not planned or researched well enough for the day. It was by far, one of the hottest days of the summer and we were ill prepared for the scorching heat. We also arrived with puppy in tow only to realise that dogs were not permitted onsite.  Therefore we took it in turns to ‘puppy sit’ outside the main gate.

There were a large number of magnificent aircraft on display, lovingly cared for and maintained by their dedicated custodians.  The male members of the family took great delight exploring the cockpit of an ‘air sea rescue’ helicopter, marvelling at the vast complexity of the instrument panel and grilling the on hand crew member for tales of intrepid rescues.  For those patrons wishing to get a more ‘hands on’ experience a flight simulator was on site to satisfy their need for speed.  The Air show started with all eyes directed to the four parachutes descending from the sky, where we were treated to the breathtaking sight of smoke trails and patriotic flags billowing from the legs of the daring parachutists. Aircraft of different varieties then proceeded to wow the crowd with jaw dropping displays of amazing skill and bravery. Such a delight to see so many aircraft that are only normally seen in old films and history books, take flight and dazzle the crowd.

For an admission free event Chilliwack Annual Flightfest was truly worth a visit, especially for those with an interest in aviation. Chilliwack Municipal Airport is easy to find simply head out of the city on Young Road and turn left into Airport Road. Parking is available on site and also along Airport Road. For those not wishing to drive buses were provided from the UCFV Campus. So for a great day out pack a picnic, bring the folding chairs, slap on the sunscreen, leave the dogs at home and head for the airport.

Julie and Family attended the 2009 Flightfest. Watch for the 19th Annual edition coming in August 2010!

Rustica’s

Rustica’s Ristorante Italiano

Superb!!
Once you try this restaurant it is the place you will be choosing to make reservations for that special event and entertaining your out-of-town company. Located in the heart of downtown at 9339 Main Street, close to Wellington Avenue and great boutique shopping.

Warm classic Italian ambience with a modern touch, we find that the atmosphere makes it the perfect place to grab a table of two, and enjoy some candlelight and Chianti. The service has always been just right, attentive and professional without being intrusive.

Speaking of Chianti, the wine list here is very nice and the staff is quite knowledgeable if you need some wine pairing advice. My only criticism would be that the wine selection by the glass is very limited and not an offering of some of the better wines that they have in the cellar.

This is no simple spaghetti house. While they do serve some lovely pasta dishes with delectable sauces, the menu is far more expansive offering a range of appetizers, salads and entrees from rich and rustic to very sophisticated and delicate. I have also heard from more than one food lover that they serve the best steak anywhere!

Open 11:30 am – 2pm Tuesday thru Friday for lunch, and Tuesday thru Saturday for dinner starting at 5:30 pm. Do yourself a big favour and make a reservation.
604-792-7081

Whispers Wine Bar

Something Different to Do This Weekend

Located at 9282 Main Street in Chilliwack, across from the old Safeway site is a real hidden gem. To the best of my knowledge this is Chilliwack’s first wine bar and it opened it’s doors in January 2009.  Husband Steve and I thought we would finally get over to sample their wares last week and were pleased that we did.

The exterior of the building is quite unassuming, with a mere coro-plast sign with red vinyl letters. Hopefully they will be doing something more permanent and appropriate for signage soon because we all know that books and business establishments are often judged by their covers. It was very quiet at 6pm when we entered but it was a hockey night in Canada so…The atmosphere is very nice although a little spare and wide open. A few more tables, rugs or art would make a world of difference.

The wine menu is extensive featuring many interesting selections with a strong concentration of BC wines. Almost all the wines are available by the glass. The beauty of a wine bar is that ordering wine by the glass, beyond a few crummy ‘house wines’,  gives one a chance to sample something new and broaden your wine experience. Steve ordered a glass of Enigma, a red blend, from Lotusland Winery in Abbotsford (can you say ’100 mile diet?) and I had a lovely white from Hester Creek . We also ordered a delicious baked garlic brie with crackers and grapes to nibble on with the beverages. The food menu is just wine-friendly appys to enhance the tasting experience.

Service was professional and attentive but not bubbly and annoying. Low lights, cool jazz playing softly, a little candlelight, good food and drink… how can you go wrong? Perfect place to talk tete-a-tete or with a group of friends, even as start of say a movie night.

The hours for Whispers  are 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Chilliwack Downtown