The Mainland's Best Kept Secret By The Sea
So truly? The word is getting out. Those of us who live here year-round just like to think that maybe it’s our best kept secret. This little piece of paradise found, is actually a thriving community filled with theatre, nightlife – our Marine Drive which spans more than two kms of the breathtaking Semiahmoo Bay, is overflowing with restaurants serving an eclectic mix of foods as well as dining styles for culinary snobs of all levels. Vegetarians to wild game lovers are well fed plus, there’s no extra charge for the gorgeous views of sandy beaches, sailboats and the waterfront homes of our great neighbours to the south. Our shops rival Fourth Avenue and Park Royal as astute local retailers cater to the suburban sophisticate living the ultimate west coast life style. And that sunshine! My oh my, it’s glorious in White Rock,with more recorded sunshine and soothing ocean breezes than any place in the country. But enough ofmy gloating, come on out the weekend of August 5th and 6th to find out for yourself. The 57th annual Spirit of the Sea Festival kicks off Saturday with the Kiwanis Children’s Parade starting at 10 a.m.Pricesmart is sponsoring the Penny Carnival where kids can participate in a variety of interactive games and activities including the Sea Salon where they can get their hair ‘coloured’ and faces painted. The Penny Carnival is open all weekend and it’s free. The theme of free,non-stop entertainment runs both days with events centered on families of all ages. Plus there’s a ton of stuff to do if you’re a couple looking for fun in the sun with an edge. New this year is the Beach Bocce Tournament to be played on spectacular West Beach. This uniquely ‘laid-back’version of the game requires no experience and is sure to become an annual event. And the Boathouse Restaurant’s annual Waiter’s Race on Sunday is a hoot to watch. Live from the main stage at West Beach,visitors can swing and sway to the vibrant sounds of Jazz, Reggae,West African, Rock and Roll, Celtic, Bluegrass and more. The one and only Dal Richards and his Orchestra deliver their big band sound on Sunday at 2pm. Favourites of the local community include the always spectacular fireworks display floating high above Semiahmoo Bay on Saturday night. But the grand finale on Sunday has to be one of the best events of the summer, anywhere. As dusk falls, the vibrant and aweinspiring Rotary Torchlight Parade illuminates the waterfront Marine Drive. You will laugh, applaud and maybe even catch a tear in your eye as this magical spectacle passes by you. Get there early as you won’t want to miss even one of the entrants. From 50 foot floats to marching bands, vintage cars, bands and motorcycles, this is what summertime is all about. The Festival’s web site is fabulous with locations, events (only a few have nominal fees which go to support the future of the festival) and travel directions. White Rock is an easy 45 minute drive from the North Shore and Vancouver. If you’re coming in from the Valley, take Hwy 1 and you’ll be here in about the same time. Free trolley buses are scheduled to run both days back and forth between east and west beaches. I recommend parking uptown at either Semiahmoo or Earl Marriott Secondary schools (again for free), then catch the bus (discounted festival fares being offered) down to the beach. Have a ball as you enjoy our “Rock” See www.spiritofthesea.ca for all the details.
INSIDER'S ANGLE
True beauty shines from the inside, then out. You’ll know this is for certain the moment you meet Jana Jorgensen. I fondly refer to her as the unofficial ambassador for the City ofWhite Rock because the first time I met her, she instantly made me feel welcome to this part of the lower mainland. Jana knows the business of health and wellness. However, in the early days of her career, it was her inborn talent and flair for design that parlayed into a successful career in retail merchandizing. Her accomplishments include the design and manufacturing of clothing as well as home accessories in Canada and the US. Interesting though, she had always kept her hand in cosmetics and skin care. Perhaps this attention to one’s image was borne from her year as a young ambassador for Canada - yes, she was Miss Teen Canada in 1970. An honor not always understood by the mainstream, Jana knows it helped her gain confidence and business acumen many could only hope to achieve through academic streams. As she visited 30 cities in 40 days, her love for this incredible country was sealed. Now as the Spa Manager for the Peninsula’s top rated day spa, Casbah, The Palace (according to the women and men who fill the salon seven days a week, and confirmed by the official recognition with readers of The Now, South Surrey’s community newspaper), Jana continues to deliver her special brand of hospitality to regulars and visitors alike. Hercomments about living and working in White Rock reflect her love of the community she works and lives in… “When I was a little girl I lived at the beach on Vancouver Island. When I arrived here in 1995, I felt like I was coming home. Actually, I feel like I’m on a holiday, every day, in White Rock. It’s such a special place.” Visit Jana and her team at the beautiful Casbah and then come spend a day at the beach. www.casbahdayspa.com.