Community Events

Celebrate Games-time with Livingcolours 2010 Spirit Spectacular!

February 12-14 at Spirit Square, next to Victoria City Hall.

In February, the weather may be grey but Spirit Square will come alive in a brilliant burst of colour, energy and excitement at a three-day festival that celebrates Victoria's spirit during Games-time!

livingcolours 2010 Spirit Spectacular will feature exciting events, sports activities and live performances during the opening weekend of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, Friday, February 12 to Sunday, February 14, in Spirit Square, next to Victoria City Hall. Events will occur rain or shine with many activities taking place under heated tents. Admission is free.

"We are pleased to host a celebratory event that brings our community together to share in the spirit and excitement of the Olympic Games," said Mayor Dean Fortin. "Spirit Square is a wonderful public space in which to hold a celebration of this magnitude and show our support for Canadian athletes."

Friday's events will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with a festive celebration featuring CTV's LIVE coverage of the Olympic Opening Ceremonies on a giant screen in Spirit Square. The community is invited to wear red and white and visit the interactive Canadian Pavilion, Kids Zone, or relax with friends and enjoy a beverage in the Spirit Lounge with a great view of the screen and stage.

Participants will enjoy the 'Cirque'-style atmosphere, complete with roving performers and costumed fantasy characters. Friday's performances will include Bucan Bucan (pronounced loudly as booCHAN booCHAN), a 13-piece 'gypsy' brass band that includes creative elements of dance, costume and audience interaction. An exciting fire performance by the Poi Pixies' Fyre and Lyte will provide a thrilling finale to the evening.

On Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., the focus will be on active fun, with the addition of many demonstrations and activities including the UVIC Ski and Snowboarding Club's Rail Jam snowboard demo, and salsa dancing by Caliente Dance Co. Families can participate in Wii sport games, activities and giveaways. Live music on stage will include the lively bluegrass group Rock Island Ramblers, as well as the critically acclaimed contemporary folk group Outlaw Social. Roving performers, magicians, jugglers, stiltwalkers and giant puppets add to Saturday's fun, with plenty to do and see in the Canadian Pavilion, Kids Zone, livingcolours LEGO City and other festival attractions.

Those who venture inside City Hall on Saturday from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., will be treated to Love, Poetry and Chocolate: Running on Love, Lyrics for the Human Race, an afternoon of poetry readings that celebrate the season of love. Victoria's Poet Laureate Linda Rogers will be joined by poets Susan Stenson, John Barton, Tim Lilburn, and poet/songwriters Jane Rogers and Rick van Krugel, with special guest artist Mailarta/Dale Roberts. Admission is free. Registration is not required. Those who mail in a Valentines poem by Friday, February 12, may have it displayed or read by Mailarta. Valentines poems can be mailed to Studio J, 1324 Broad Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2A9.

Sunday marks the start of Chinese New Year, with beautiful Chinese dance performances by the Ocean Rain Chinese Arts Academy, and an opportunity for people to make their own Chinese lantern and tiger mask. The community is invited to let their creativity flow by contributing to a large Tiger lantern designed by artist Jennifer Witvliet, a community art project that will be presented to the Chinese Benevolent Association. Treats, giveaways, tastings, and the Canadian Pavilion, Kids Zone, LEGO City and other festival attractions, are all part of the fun from noon to 4 p.m.

(Note: The Chinese Benevolent Association's annual traditional Chinese New Year Celebration and Lion Dance will take place on Sunday, February 21.)

During Games-time, the Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre will host an "Athletes' Village" in its lobby, complete with sofas, an electric fireplace and large screen television. Patrons can celebrate their Olympic spirit by participating in table top hockey and Wii sports activities, or luge down the pool's waterslide to earn a medal on the Centre's podium. There will be an opportunity to meet and compete with Paralympians, as well as enjoy a variety of fun, Olympic theme swims and a free skate at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. These activities and more will take place Friday, February 12 - Sunday, February 28.

The City of Victoria has also provided one-time grants of up to $500 to six community groups to host their own Olympic Games celebrations. These groups include the Burnside Gorge Community Centre, Fairfield Gonzales Community Association, James Bay Community School Centre, Oaklands Community Association, downtown Silver Threads Seniors Centre, and the James Bay New Horizons.

livingcolours 2010 Spirit Spectacular is presented by the City of Victoria in cooperation with the Greater Victoria Spirit Committee. For more information, visit: www.victoria.ca/livingcolours