Here’s the most recent blog entry for the Metro Blenz News Squad.
I live in Yaletown and I have to say living in one of the Olympic hot spots has been so exciting. It’s electric every waking moment of the day.
The excitement for me really started on Thursday when with friends I watched the Olympic flame being carried right in front of the building I live in on Mainland St. Here’s a brief clip of the torch passing in front of my friends condo. What you didn’t see was the mimosas and the fantastic buffet of food our hostess had arranged. We celebrated in true Yaletown fashion!
Friday a bunch of us tried to get into to see the opening ceremony at Live City Yaletown but as we feared the crowd was overwhelming and we were sure we wouldn’t get in. So instead we headed to the Mill Bistro as guests of the owner Daniel Frankel. An outdoor beer garden covered by tents plus large plasma screens meant the usually intimate bistro handled over 200+ people that night. Check out some of the photos from our time there courtesy of Daniel Frankel.
- Photo courtesy of Daniel Frankel
- Photo courtesy of Daniel Frankel
- photo coutrtesy of Daniel Frankel
Saturday & Sunday had me out in the streets both in the DT core as well as in my own hood of Yaletown. Buskers, street vendors and all the bars and restaurants were absolutely hopping! I was curious about how the crowds were effecting businesses other than those that in the F&B category so I asked a few local business owners about how it’s effected their business.
Val Litwin, a partner in Blo, said that business is as they expected. Right on schedule with their regular clients not scared away by the crowds. While Chris Breikss owner of 6S Marketing expected a slow down and adjusted his staffing accordingly. Here’s what he had to say:
So all in all I think Yaletown has benefitted from the past couple of days and as more people flock to this local hub the businesses can only prosper.
Marc Smith is Vancouver based event planner and will be reporting daily on various events happening around Vancouver. http://twitter.com/amuseconsulting
