Pinwheel News Community Newsletter - Summer 2021
Greetings from the President and CEO
Happy Summer to our Neighbourhood!
Hope you are enjoying summer weather and activities! At the PNE, we are slowly getting back to more normal operations although this year will be another very non-traditional summer. We opened Playland June 11 and the park is currently open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to5pm. Also added this year, we are open Friday and Saturday nights from 6-11pm. Tickets are date and time specific so we can control capacity. Come have some clean safe, outdoor fun!
The PNE will be hosting our Fair this summer but it will be smaller than usual. You will be able to see the SuperDogs, West Coast Lumberjack show, Toon City kids shows, all our agriculture and animal displays, a cooking stage, roaming entertainers and a stage with live local music. You’ll need to stay late so you can also experience our nighttime finale show, Electric Fire. We will not be having the Summer Night Concerts this year, but they will be back, bigger and better than ever in 2022. Other than the Marketplace and agriculture displays in the Livestock building, this year’s Fair will be all outdoors so you can feel safe and have lost of room to explore. Again, tickets will be date specific so set a date with the family – we can’t wait to welcome you back!
On that note – we are incredibly grateful to you all for your support over the past 15 months and we have been very happy to see so many of our neighbours enjoying the outside spaces on site. Thank you for bearing with us through the challenges and changes…we see bright light of hope for the coming months.
I also wanted to share some very exciting news. On June 23, Vancouver City Council unanimously passed the PNE Amphitheatre redevelopment plan. This $65 million dollar project will be paid for by the PNE through a loan from the City and it will bring a world-class outdoor venue to the site that will help support long term financial recovery for the PNE, the music industry and the local arts and culture community. Planning is well underway, and construction is expected to start in 2024.
Stay healthy and safe, and we look forward to seeing you back soon!
Shelley Frost
2021 PNE Fair
This year’s PNE Fair has all the essentials to make it really amazing…
SuperDogs ✅
Lumberjacks ✅
Mini Donuts ✅
Experience all these Fair FUNdamentals… and MORE, like live entertainment, farm animals, marketplace, rides, games, and the nightly pyro show: August 21-September 6.
Most shows and attractions are outside, so you’ll feel safe and have room to explore.
Tickets are limited due to capacity. Book them in advance to ensure you can attend when you want.
PNE is Hiring
We look forward to continuing to deliver memorable experiences throughout this summer!
We are hiring for various roles including front line team members and our Management team! Visit www.pne.ca/jobs for all available job opportunities including many positions available for our 2021 Fair!
Hastings Park Access
As we prepare for the PNE Fair, fences have gone up around the fairground footprint. As this year’s Fair will be smaller than usual, the Sanctuary will be fully accessible throughout the Fair. However, a few of the paths on the north side of the sanctuary will not connect to the Amphitheatre area. Please note the “DETOUR” markers on the map below.
This middle zone of Hastings Park is also now closed off to cyclists; however, cyclists can continue to use Miller Drive to connect East-West through the site, and can enter/exit through Gate 2 or 6 on the west side of the site, and Gate 9 on the east side of the park. The area south of Rollerland is currently closed due to film production.
Road Work and City Planned upgrades
The City will be Working along Renfrew Street by the PNE for Sewar and Light signal upgrades. The work Directly on Renfrew should be finished up by the end of July, but they will continue working on the side streets only. Work along Renfrew Street further south of Hastings Street will resume after Labour Day.
Prize Home 2021
The 2021 PNE Prize Home was built in South Surrey this year and was not built on the PNE site for the first time in its history. It is just over 3600 sq ft spanning over 3 levels; it offers 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms. The main level features open concept living with walk-out access to a private backyard oasis. Upstairs you will find a large primary bedroom with ensuite and walk-in closet, 2 additional bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as laundry. Downstairs offers a spacious home gym, media room, and a guest bedroom and bathroom.
The 2021 Grand Prize Package includes:
- West Coast modern home built by Distrikt Homes
- Located at Pacific at McNally Creek in South Surrey, just minutes from White Rock beaches
- Clean energy technology, including an electric vehicle charger and high efficiency heat pump
- Premium appliances throughout including Samsung laundry pair
- Stylish indoor furniture from Yaletown Interiors
- Hot tub and outdoor living package from Coast Spas Lifestyles
- Media room and home gym
What’s New at Playland
Playland, Vancouver’s iconic amusement park, reopened its gates in June, welcoming guests back for safe, clean fun. Admission includes unlimited rides and unlimited good times! There are also some new attractions that you have to check out!
Adventures in Happyland
For this summer only, Playland and BCAA are taking you on a magical journey…. Get sucked down the rabbit hole into a storybook world where you’ll encounter enchanted creatures, explore a neon forest, be invited for tea, take some selfies, and ultimately escape the labyrinth.
The Adventures in Happyland exhibit is included with Playland passes. As safety is our top priority, masks are strongly recommended while enjoying this walk-through experience.
Sweet Escape Mini Golf
Grab your putter and make your way through this newly themed mini-golf course. Cross over bridges, pass a water feature, and go through the Candy Cane Forest to conquer every challenge along the course. Try to level up your game by putting backward, on one leg, or with your eyes closed! With giant lollipops, candies, and pieces of cake, you’ll be craving a sweet treat by the 18th hole.
Iced Mini Donuts
You don’t want to leave the park without trying the new iced mini donuts! There is a new feature every week. The classic cinnamon & sugar ones are still there too.
Dates have been selling out in advance, so make sure to get your tickets early!
After over a year without events or gatherings, we are pleased to share plans are shaping up well for the return of live events at Hastings Park.
Assuming our province remains on track with the reopen plan set forth, we can look forward to once again experiencing favourite events including trade & consumer shows, cultural festivals, and concerts as early as this fall!
In recent weeks, we announced a number of concerts taking place this fall in PNE venues.
Circus West
Last month, for the first time since the start of the pandemic, students of CircusWest performed a show called “Once Upon a Circus” to small audiences outdoors.
Congratulations CircusWest team!
Sports at Hastings Park
Pedalheads Bike Camps are back at Hastings Park this summer!
You will find young riders in and around the Sport Court on the West side of the park through August 27. Thanks for exercising caution and keeping our little riders safe! For more information and to register visit www.pedalheads.ca
Hoops
New for 2021, the Vancouver Basketball Foundation will be occupying the Nash Family Court, getting kids active and hosting basketball summer camps. These not-for-profit camps will take place Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm through August 20.
For more camp details:
Ball For All: https://www.vancouverbasketball.org/ballforall
STRONGHER: https://www.vancouverbasketball.org/strongher
Nike Sports Camps Canada, Basketball: https://www.sportscampscanada.com/camps/academy-tm-nike-basketball-camp-vancouver
Urban Roots Garden Centre
Due to popular demand the Urban Roots Garden Centre is extending into August. Visit, shop, and experience daily from 9am – 6pm! They are located at Hastings & Windermere (across from Playland’s main entrance)