Fireworks fêtes: Following a terrific fireworks display by Vietnam, Brazil and Italy followed suit lighting up English Bay for an estimated 300,000 fans nightly. A lucky few caught the pyrotechnic display high above the city at Sparkle. Held at the penthouse suite of Scotiabank Tower, the soiree benefitted McLaren Housing Society. Across town, yours truly emceed A Loving Spoonful’s Dine Above the Stars gala held atop the Coast Plaza Hotel, where 70 guests enjoyed the million-dollar view along with the champagne reception and sumptuous five-course royal repast paired with Blasted Church wines.

Orange crush: Orange was the predominant hue at the grand opening of De Dutch Pannekoek House’s 22nd location at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Founded by John Dys in 1975, De Dutch’s first store continues to dish out the iconic Dutch pancake at Knight and 25th.

Pride pageantry: Thousands of fans packed West End streets for Vancouver’s annual Pride parade. Jenna Talackova, the transgender Miss Universe Canada beauty contestant who made international headlines earlier this year, led the procession as grand marshal. Following the Pride march, yours truly emceed the inaugural XFour Xoxolat Chocolate vodka wrestling competition. A fundraiser for the Vancouver Pride Society, politicos Dr. Hedy Fry and Spencer Chandra Herbert were among the judges at the sweet smackdown.

-----------------

Hear Fred Mondays 8:20 a.m. on CBC Radio's The Early Edition; email yvrflee@hotmail.com; Twitter: @FredAboutTown or fredabouttown.blogspot.com.