Kitsilano Connection

Only time will tell what tomorrow brings

Aug 7 • Speaker's Corner • 754 Views

It is time we close the doors of Kitsilano Connection for a little while. How long will we be away? Only time will tell. We have had a great time getting to know the businesses, service providers and event hosts in this great neighbourhood. Our goal was to become a resource for those looking to gain inside information about the great locations of this historic neighbourhood. Our team consisted of interns, volunteers, contributors and a board of advisors. Over the past year we attracted a collection of great contributors that were able to showcase their talents on a platform so many people have come to enjoy.

We want to take a moment to thank our Director, Jer Baum, who gave us all a place to showcase our skills and build upon our portfolios. Each of us owe you our gratitude for your help in making our names a little brighter on the worldwide web. We thank you for your efforts and vision.

Kitsilano Connection will remain published to preserve the material that the contributors and volunteers added to this great platform.

Be sure to stay connected as we hope to return to this great social site some day down the road.

Our intern team will remain on Facebook to help those in the neighbourhood gain a little more exposure from our connected following.

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KitsFest 7 at Kits Beach starts August 7th

Aug 6 • Events • 942 Views

Over the past decade, The Canada One Athletic Foundation (COF) has built up a sporting festival in Kitsilano like no other. Through the help ofThe Vancouver Parks Board, acceptance of The Kits Point Residents Association and local support from many community partners, KitsFest has become a spectacular sporting event like no other in Canada. With a great supporting cast directing each sport, Beach Volleyball, Tennis, Basketball tournaments have been held on the same weekend at the same iconic Kits Beach site. With the addition of beachside classes such as morning Zumba (lead by The Zed Team), astounding (glow in the dark) Sunset Beach Yoga by Lululemon, and now two Spin cycling classes by Steve Nash Fitness, the festival can appeal to an even wider audience. By adding on a new Water Polo tournament, the entire beach will be taken over by what Co-Founder Howard Kelsey describes as an “active living and healthy lifestyle smorgasboard.”

KitFest Volleyball – photo credit: Vancouver Sports Pictures

As am Olympic Basketball Alumni, Kelsey teamed up with Julien Phipps, past President of The Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce, to form a sports festival on Kits Beach. Having grown up at this site, Howard Kelsey and Ron Putzi refer to these courts as their old stomping grounds. Both Kelsey and Putzi grew up playing at Kits Beach before making it to the international level of basketball. With their roots deeply seeded in the grounds of Kits Beach, these two legendary “ballers” along with Phipps, have furthered the mission and purpose of the COF. The COF launched in the year 2000, with the purpose of developing youth leadership excellence, sports and education. Following 15 years of awarding youth education grants surpassing $1.2M via The HSBC/TELUS Basketball Classic, The Foundation oversees the annual community tradition of KitsFest. Now in its 7th year, this free public event has helped steward over $750 K of community legacies at KitsilanoBeach and their mission continues to grow. COF has helped lead renovating, maintaining and the manicuring of amenities at Kits Beach via the palm trees outside of The Boathouse Restaurant, the ten recently renovated Kits Beach tennis courts and the two Kits Beach basketball courts.

Sunset Beach Yoga - Photo Credit: Vancouver Sports Photography

Sunset Beach Yoga – Photo Credit: Vancouver Sports Pictures

The coming August 7th, the seventh annual three-day KitsFest will be bigger than ever. Live entertainment will be provided by Smooth Grooves Productions throughout the entire festival. Be sure to visit the JoyTV BC enJOYment zone for beach side lounging with special host Carmen Ruiz y Laza.

Follow KitsFest on Twitter / Instagram / Facebook for special updates, contests and prizes.

This will be one of the most sports-packed festival’s to date.

KitsFest Schedule

KitsFest Schedule:

Friday, August 7, 2015:

Basketball Tournament begins at 9:00 am – 8:00 PM.

Kitsfest Doubles Tennis Social / Warmup with Babolat and Racket & Runners events: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

LuLuLemon Sunset Beach Yoga – 8:30pm (click here to register)

Saturday, August 8, 2015

The Zed Team Zumba Class from 9:30am – 10:45 AM

Two (2) 45 minute Steve Nash Fitness Spin Classes : 9:30 AM and 10: 30 AM sessions

KitsFest King / Queen of Court tournaments – 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Recreational 4’s and 6’s Volleyball – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Kitsfest Tennis Round Robin: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Water Polo Tournament: TBD

Sunday, August 9, 2015:

Basketball tournament: 9:00 am – 12:15 pm. Boys / Girls and Mens Finals: 1:20pm – 3:45 PM

KitsFest Tennis Playoffs / Finals: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Recreational Volleyball: 9:00 am – 6:00 PM.

King & Queen of the Court: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sunday Funday Restaurant / Corporate Challenge Tournament: 12:00pm – 6:00pm

Water Polo Tournament: TBD

Special Online Accompaniment:

Shnarped Exclusive iPhone Application Download Offer (click here to download)

Exclusive VanCity Buzz Coupon code for Shnarped application: VCBKitsFest

Website: www.KitsFest.com

Date: August 7, 8 and 9, 2015

Address: Kits Beach (Arbutus St. and Cornwall Ave.)

Kitsilano Connection • No Comments on KitsFest 7 at Kits Beach starts August 7th

Brent Grassie leaves Kitsilano far too early

May 1 • Exceptional • 1995 Views

On Sunday, April 26th in his Kitsilano home, one of Vancouver’s beloved artists was found dead, with his beloved dog Hendrix by his side. The neighbourhood was shook up after hearing that one of their treasured souls had passed on. Brent Grassie was a remarkable person that touched the lives of so many people and animals around him. Often seen walking around Kitsilano with his beautiful blonde labrador Hendrix, the two had become staples of the community for over a decade. Grassie left his hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba for the beach side town of Kitsilano, and never looked back. Although his life was cut short at 38, he lived a thrilling and entertaining lifestyle. Grassie was a rock’n’roller, visual artist, stage hand, actor, biker and skateboarder. There was nothing Grassie couldn’t do.

Vancity Buzz article “Vancouver Artists flourishes from the roots of GRASS”

Earlier this year we had the opportunity to feature Grassie as one of Vancouver most under appreciated artists. His work has been seen in various coffee shops, restaurants and even on children’s clothing. Grassie was a dear friend to so many people and his time was cut short.

We wish his family and friend the very best in peace and happiness.