This story has been updated since it was first published.
On Thursday organizers of both the Vancouver International Auto Show at the Vancouver Convention Centre (March 25 to 29) and Monster Jam, scheduled for this weekend at the Pacific Coliseum, announced these events have been postponed to future dates, yet to be determined.
March doesn’t necessarily always come in like a lion and out like a lamb, sometimes it just rains for two weeks in a row.
But true Vancouverites don’t let a little rain slow them down, especially when there are things to do and people to see. And, after determining the risk from COVID-19 is minimal, several large-scale events in the city are going ahead as planned.
Here’s a list of just some of the events taking place in Vancouver this month.
March 14 and 15
Pacific Coliseum at the PNE
100 North Renfrew St.
Whether you’re taking the kids or are a fan of Grave Digger, Dragon and Scooby Doo all on your own, Monster Jam is the place to see 12,000-pound trucks and the world-class athletes who drive them and tear up the dirt with gravity-defying feats.
There’s also an opportunity to attend the Monster Jam Pit Party on Saturday and Sunday mornings to see the big trucks up close, meet the drivers and crews, get autographs and take pictures. Visit monsterjam.com for tickets and information.
According to a statement from the PNE, the event will go ahead as planned, but with extra measures in place to ensure the cleanliness and sanitization of the venue. Those measures include increased access to hand sanitization stations and more signs about proper hand-washing protocols at all hand-washing stations.
“We have scheduled additional staff for housekeeping and our advanced first aid teams are visible and available at all events,” the statement read in part.
“The PNE is actively monitoring the status of COVID-19 and will take direction from our municipal, provincial and federal health authorities. Our communications team is ensuring that staff, clients and guests are kept informed on the readiness at the PNE for all events and activities on the site. Currently, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for Canada. Public health risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available. Vancouver continues to be a safe place to host events. COVID-19 is being effectively monitored, controlled and treated in British Columbia and Canada. The PNE is working closely with our industry partners, event promoters and government to align with the deployment of any best practices and communication. We look forward to welcoming you to the PNE site.”
March 25 to 29
Vancouver Convention Centre West
1055 Canada Place
vancouverinternationalautoshow.com
This year marks the 100th anniversary of what today is known as the Vancouver International Auto Show and to celebrate, a procession of unique vehicles will parade through downtown Vancouver March 25 starting from Crab Park at 11 a.m.
The annual auto show has always been a showcase for new technology so this year’s event will not only reflect B.C.’s rich automobile history, but also showcase what’s next for the industry. Other highlights of the 2020 show will include a special invitational Concourse-style showcase, which will include more than fifty specialty vehicles — some never previously displayed, as well as the Look to The Future display, showcasing emerging and advanced technology options for consumers.
As well, on opening day Roger Penske will help celebrate the 100th anniversary. Penske, a former race car driver, formed his own race team in 1966. Team Penske has been winning ever since, with more than 540 all-time race wins — including a record 18 Indianapolis 500 victories and 37 national championships.
As for COVID-19, a statement from the Vancouver International Auto Show says organizers are closely monitoring the impact the coronavirus outbreak is having around the globe.
“As part of this, we are following guidance from the Ministry of Health and related agencies in British Columbia and Canada as well as the World Health Organization and others in relation to travel and understanding potential risks around hosting large events.
“As a result, as the risk in our region and in Canada is deemed to be low, we are moving forward with the 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show. We are working with the Vancouver Convention Centre as well as our other partners to implement enhanced cleaning measures that include additional hand sanitizing stations throughout the venue.”
The statement said organizers are using updated information from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver Coastal Health and the World Health Organization when conducting risk assessments and developing COVID-19 protocols.
Now through March 28
Various locations
There are plenty of special events taking place in March to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and all things Celtic but, of course, the St. Patrick’s Family Day event on March 15 is a highlight with dancing, music, kids crafts, food vendors and more in the square in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Other events include the CelticFest Ceilidh at the Hellenic Community Centre March 13, the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir at Christ Church Cathedral March 14 and live gigs, including Dervish, traditional Irish band Altan March 15 and the Celtic Tenors at the Orpheum March 27 and 28. For a complete schedule visit celticfestvancouver.com.
sthomas@vancourier.com
