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Starting February 23rd, culinary curiosities will be satisfied when fabulous food and wonderful wines come together at Parksville Uncorked. Now celebrating its fourth year, this annual tradition allows attendees to sip and swirl over four days of events.

Increasing in popularity each year, Parksville Uncorked is proudly sponsored by Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and The Beach Club Resort. The signature gala event, Swirl, is the pinnacle of the weekend on Friday the 24th. Saturday and Sunday showcase winemakers’ dinners and the Bubbles & Brunch events, but the entire weekend is kicked off with an event just for beer lovers on Thursday, February 23rd.

Photo: John Bollwitt on Flickr

Parksville Untapped at The Beach Club Resort highlights some of British Columbia’s best local brews while serving up tasty treats from fantastic restaurants of the region.

Tickets for the weekend’s events start at $29.95 per person and the organizers have graciously offered a pair of tickets to Parksville Untapped to a lucky reader. The tickets are valued at $100 each and include two commemorative Parksville Untapped beer glasses. Here’s how to enter:

1. Leave a comment below and tell me the name of your favourite BC beer. (1 entry)

2. Post the following on Twitter: (1 entry)

I entered to win two tickets to Parksville Untapped from @beachclubresort and @keiraanne. http://tinyurl.com/7jcxdlk

I will draw one lucky winner at noon on Monday, February 20th. Good luck!

For more information on Parksville Uncorked, Parksville Untapped and a complete listing of the weekend’s events, please visit the official website. A number of “sip n’ stay” packages are also available. If you plan to attend any of the events, please do so responsibly. Arrange for a designated driver or take a taxi.

Winner must be 19 years of age or older. Winner cannot have won a contest on Keira-Anne.com within the last six months. The tickets are not transferrable and are of no monetary value. Keira-Anne.com nor the event sponsors, organizers or venues are responsible for transportation to, from or within Parksville. Keira-Anne.com nor nor the event sponsors, organizers or venues bear any responsibility to the winner, the collection of the prize and/or the use of the prize tickets.

Long known for attracting skiers, snowboarders, hiking enthusiasts and even bird watchers, in recent years Mount Washington Alpine Resort has added foodies and wine lovers to that list. Year-round events at the mountain are rapidly gaining traction, perhaps none more than the Alpine Wine and Food Festival.

This year’s festival combines two of Mount Washington’s most popular summer events into one tasty weekend. Wine makers and distributors will converge at the Raven Lodge on Friday, August 26th for your sipping pleasure. Entertainment will be provided by the Melissa Hill Jazz Quartet and samplings of BC salmon, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, BC grown oysters, Comox Valley-made Hot Chocolates and a BBQ dinner will also be on hand.

The culinary caper continues on Saturday, August 27th in the Alpine Lodge with cooking demonstrations created with fresh, local ingredients. Those attending will have the opportunity to ask chefs one-on-one questions, sample the product and take home the recipes. That evening a six-course meal of local food will be served, paired with incredible wines and commentary by a sommelier.

Ticket prices for the weekend vary: the Wine Festival is $30 per person, the cooking demonstrations are $15 per person and the Saturday dinner is $100 per person including a mile-high chair ride. Mount Washington Alpine Resort is offering package deals including two nights’ accommodation starting at $197 per person. For more information or to buy tickets, check out the Alpine Wine & Food Festival online. Be sure to follow Mount Washington on Twitter while you’re at it!

Please enjoy your weekend responsibly and arrange for a ride home. Shuttle buses will depart from the Driftwood Mall at 5:15 p.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis. This event is for 19+ only.

After a two-year hiatus, the Bearclaw Invitational Slopestyle mountain bike competition is returning to the slopes of Mount Washington Alpine Resort – and not a moment too soon. Bearclaw organizer and Parksville native Darren Berrecloth has already faced one of his most challenging summers yet, including training, competing, filming, suffering from a broken back, trail building, pneumonia, and a chronic lung infection. Yet the show must go on…

Photo: © Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Getting ready to host Vancouver Island’s largest mountain bike event is no easy feat. Crews have been working their fingers to the bone prepping dirt, building trails and completely rebuilding the course.

The Bearclaw Invitational Slopestyle is not for the faint of heart either.

“This will definitely be one of the most challenging courses on the Freeride Mountain Bike (FMB) World Tour,” points out Berrecloth. “Since it’s a gold level event, expect to see all the world’s top athletes battling it out for the points and the $20,000 prize purse.”

Photo: © Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Berrecloth has personally selected the world’s best freeride mountain bikers, inviting them to compete on his signature course, on his home turf, and in front of his home crowd. Starting Friday, August 5th, the hills will be alive with the qualifying round at this fiercely competitive invite-only event. The top 18 riders will then advance to the Slopestyle finals, beginning Saturday, August 6th at 1:00 p.m.

This weekend guarantees to be one you don’t want to miss!

For more information, visit Mount Washington Alpine Resort online or follow Darren’s updates on Twitter. Also visit the official Bearclaw Invitational Slopestyle event page for more photos and information.

No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks – at least not until next week. Spring Break has arrived and the conditions at Mount Washington Alpine Resort could not possibly be more perfect for this week’s Chek News Spring Snow Jam. With a mid-mountain base of over 700 tasty centimetres, there’s no shortage of epic adventures waiting for you this week at the resort.

Photo: Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Dairyland Milk Run presented by Saputo
Tuesday, March 22 – Noon until 3:00 p.m.

Whatever your skill level, the objective is to ski or ride every run within your ability. When you’re done your day, turn in your check card to be entered for a secret grand prize. Registration starts at 9:00 a.m.

Old Dutch Dodge Ball
Wednesday, March 23 – Starts at 1:00 p.m.

For just a buck, enter your team of six or enter yourself to bring your A-game to schoolyard dodge ball in the snow. The last person standing will be crowned King or Queen of the Dodge and snag a prize courtesy of Old Dutch potato chips. Registration starts at 10:00 a.m.

Klondike Bear Scavenger Hunt
Thursday, March 24 – 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Ice cream lovers are required, so if that’s you, start the hunt for Klondike Bears hidden at various points across the mountain. Once you find them all, turn in your score card to win some tasty prizes!

Beavertails Tail Eating Contest
Friday, March 25 – Starts at 1:00 p.m.

This annual event challenges those daring enough to stuff their faces with sweet and tasty Beavertails. If you think you can hack it, register at the Beavertails hut on March 24th and 25th and prepare for some fierce competition.

Full Throttle Friday
Friday, March 25 – 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

This completely free event will have you jamming with the best of them. Grab your board, hit the Stomping Ground Terrain Park and register for your chance to snag some swag while shredding under the stars.

For more information on these and other Spring events at Mount Washington Alpine Resort, visit their events calendar. You can also “like” the mountain on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been close to a year since British Columbians were swept up in an Olympic-sized tidal wave of Canadian pride. From the torch relay to the Games themselves, our spirits were on high.

Photos: Jude Freeman on Flickr

On the first anniversary of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, British Columbia is hoping to recapture the excitement of one of the most memorable times our Province has ever seen with a number of events as part of the BC Spirit Festival. Here’s what’s happening on communities across Vancouver Island…

Campbell River – Campbell River Community Arts Council
February 25-27, 2011

The Rain and Fire Festival of Story incorporates music, dance, literature, spoken word, song, theatre, photography and fine arts to illustrate Campbell River’s heritage. [more information]

Chemainus – Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society
February 5-12, 2011

Ye’Yutul: Carving, painting, jewellery making, drum making, basket making, drum making, weaving and traditional plants are used to celebrate Coast Salish Arts and Culture. [more information]

Denman Island – Arts Denman
February 17-20, 2011

The Secret Tree Festival of Arts & Sustainability highlights environmental sustainability through music, visual art, storytelling and film in a weekend that’s fun for the whole family.[more information]

Duncan – Cowichan Intercultural Festival of Film and Art Society
February 1-26, 2011

Through carving and through storytelling, the Living Legends Festival invites the community to bring to life the Story of Tth’uw’xe’luts’ – The Wild Woman and other Coast Salish. The work will be unveiled at the Cowichan International Aboriginal Festival of Film & Art in April 2011. [more information]

Nanaimo – Nanaimo Arts Council
February 4 – March 30, 2011

The Spirit in the Shadow/Spirit in the Light Multi-media Arts Festival feateures activities in film, dance, music, theatre, visual and literary arts. [more information]

Parksville – Oceanside Community Arts Council
February 1-28, 2011

Oceanside Community Arts Council explores the idea of mail art through an art exhibition and website called Mail Art Olympix. The unique exhibition features mail art from 355 artists in 41 countries – brought together by Ed Varney. [more information]

Pender Island – Ptarmigan Music and Theatre Society
February 4-19, 2011

Beatlemania takes over Pender and Mayne Islands! The Ptarmigan Music and Storytelling and The Shirleys are featured performers. [more information]

Saltspring Island – Salt Spring Arts Council
February 17-20, 2011

From a children’s art show to a dance flash mob, The “Salt Spring Celebrates” Festival offers something for everyone.

Sidney - Saanich Peninsula Community Arts Council
February 1-28, 2011

A stunning art show created by local students will brings students and arts council members together to plan, produce and emphasize an art exhibition in the community.

Sooke – T’Sou-ke Nation
February 26, 2011

First Nations artists from the Coast Salish, Nuu-cha-nulth and Kwakwaka’wakw traditions will be on hand to entertain with story-telling, drumming, dancing and singing.

Victoria
Various Dates

18 different events have been planned for Victoria, including theatre and performing arts exhibits, live music and more. Click here for a complete listing of all Victoria area events. [more information]

For more information on these and all events planned across British Columbia, please visit Act Now BC’s complete listing online.

The illustrious Fairmont Empress Hotel is bringing sexy to Victoria with a culinary competition with Canada going head-to-head against our neighbour to the south. Shaken and Stirred brings together The Fairmont Empress’ Executive Sous Chef, Ken Nakano, and Chad Blunston of The Fairmont Newport Beach in an evening of delectable dishes under the twinkling lights of the Crystal Ballroom.

Challenged to create five mouthwatering courses, each paired with an expertly shaken cocktail, the featured chefs will battle it out for ultimate bragging rights. While there’s no doubt that incredible talent in the kitchen will be burning up the spotlight at Shaken and Stirred, The Fairmont Empress’ general manager, Martin Leclerc, isn’t sweating the competition: “To have the opportunity to pair the meal with cocktails and challenge a peer adds to the mystique of the event” and adds that Executive Sous Chef Nakano definitely “has a competitive advantage on home turf.”

The tempting tastes of the evening, with a twist of 007-esque glamour, promises to be nothing short of exciting.

I have been invited by The Fairmont Empress Hotel to judge each of the five courses presented by Chef Nakano and Chef Blunston, along with Kathy Kay of the Victoria Film Festival, Shelora Sheldan of Cooking With A Broad and foodie blogger Treve Ring. I think I can speak on behalf of the other judges that we are all extremely intrigued to discover what the evening will present to our palates.

If you’d like to join in this sophisticated evening of wine and cocktails, tickets can be purchased for $160 each (+ taxes and gratuities) or $128 for Friends of the Empress. The winning chef will be toasted and celebrated in an after party at The Bengal Lounge. Call The Fairmont Empress at (250) 389-2727 to reserve your spot and purchase tickets or visit the hotel online.

Another month, another calendar packed with events. The list of happenings on Mount Washington in February is as abundant as the tasty powder. Here are a few noteworthy highlights.

Slopeside Singles February 5

Take speed dating sky-high with chairlift dating between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. A singles line at the Eagle chair will pair you with a different single every time. It’s an adults-only event, costs $5 to register (plus the price of your lift ticket) and gives you the opportunity to win an ultra romantic getaway to Middle Beach Lodge in Tofino. Appetizers, wine and beer will be available in FRESH after the event. [more information]

Kokanee Day For Dudes February 11

Hone in on your skills, test ride new equipment and chug back free beer. For $77.90 you get a full-day lift ticket, aprés at Fat Teddy’s and cold, crisp Kokanee beer. What more do dudes need? [more information]

Photo: Kyle Mouritsen on Flickr [used with permission]

Herb Bradley Coca Cola Classic February 13

The Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports aims to provide those with physical or mental challenges the opportunity to learn and enjoy snow sports. The Herb Bradley Coca Cola Classic teams four participants, one of which being a disabled skier or rider, to fundraise for this crucial athletic group. The races wrap up with prizes and even a “Wipe Out Of The Day” award. [more information]

Big Air Competition February 26

The Stomping Ground Terrain Park is the only place to be for adrenaline junkies and those with an appetite for huge air. Skiers and boarders will by competing by lofting themselves off one massive jump. There are prizes, categories for men and women, those under 13, teens and adults. There’s a refundable $10 entrant fee and helmets are mandatory. Register on Marmots Floor on jump day. [more information]

Subaru Women’s Week February 28 – March 4

Kick off the spring season with a week-long event dedicated to bringing chicas together on the slopes. There are a number of packages available that include themed lunches, lift tickets, lessons, and even wine and beer tastings. Childcare will be available at a discounted rate. [more information]

For all these events and more, check out Mt. Washington’s events calendar online.

There are few seasons that are as steeped in annual tradition as autumn is. We celebrate abundance as we watch leaves falling off trees in anticipation of brand new blossoms. Nowhere is this celebration more enjoyable than at the cornucopia of pumpkin patches, corn mazes and orchards across Vancouver Island.

Photo: Awen Photography on Flickr

I’m beside myself with excitement to take my 18-month old niece on her first trip to a pumpkin patch next weekend. Now that she’s walking, it’s time she has her first pair of rubber boots to mark the event! While we plan on staying within the Comox Valley to do so, here’s a quick round-up of the Island’s best seasonal farms that are worth the trip.

Hudson’s Farm

3205 Island Highway, Campbell River – (250) 830-1133
Seasonal vegetables and a hearty pumpkin patch are a draw to this north Island farm.

Shamrock Farm

2276 Anderton Road, Comox – (250) 339-1671 [website]
Sustainable and organic farm growing apples, pumpkins, lavender and garlic. Open daily during October from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Watrin Orchard

1507 Philmonte Road, Comox – (250) 339 7784
Uncertified organic orchard featuring over 15 apple varieties plus juice, jelly and other seasonal fruit such as pears and plums.

Farmer Bill’s Country Market

7666 Pacific Rim Highway, Port Alberni (250) 723-7700 [website]
Hay rides, farm tours, a hay bale maze, farm animals, a pumpkin patch and u-pick pumpkins are only a fraction of the fun you’ll find at Farmer Bill’s. (Please note that Farmer Bill’s is located west of Port Alberni en route to Sproat Lake.)

Yawning Acres

1949 Cedar Road, Nanaimo – (250) 713-6304 [website]
A spooktacular display of pumpkins are the highlight of this acreage featuring hay rides, a pumpkin patch and steaming hot chocolate.

McNab’s Corn Maze

4613 Yellow Point Road, Ladysmith – (250) 245-0666
Extensive pumpkin patch and corn maze with hay rides and pick-your-own pumpkins.

Abby Lane Farm

7233 Mays Road, Duncan – (250) 709-5405 [website]
Horse-drawn wagon rides, pumpkin patch plus u-pick pumpkins, farm tours, covered picnic area and a pumpkin-smashing catapult!

Providence Farm

1843 Tzouhalem Road, Duncan – (250) 746-4204 [website]
Therapeutic community farm with a pumpkin patch; also features seasonal fruits and vegetables, herbs and farm fresh eggs.

Oldfield Orchard & Bakery

6286 Oldfield Road, Saanichton (250) 652-1579 [website]
Apples, pears and squash are all in season right now, but make sure you taste some of their fruit pies and jellies in the farm’s bakery!

Vantreight Farms

8277 Central Saanich Road, Saanichton – (250) 652-7777 [website]
Fresh pumpkins, seasonal produce, farm market and specialized school tours.

Galey Farms

4150 Blenkinsop Road, Victoria – (250) 477-5713 [website]
Close to downtown Victoria, Galey Farms features a farm train, 6 acre corn maze, old western town, pumpkin patch, petting farm and a Halloween haunted house in October.

Photo: Old Itch on Flickr

A few things to remember before heading out:

• Farms are likely to be very muddy this time of year, so gumboots are a must!
• While some farms listed feature free admission, most produce – and particularly pumpkins – are sold on a cash-only basis, so leave your debit card at home.
• Call ahead before bringing your family’s canine companion along. A few farms won’t allow dogs on the premises.