Bumped fists, set chairs, spiked drinks
July 18, 2014 by admin
Filed under Lingerie Events
One of the big reasons for the continued success of this weekend’s Super-Spike tournament is how popular it’s become among the non-bump-set-spike set.
While team registrations for the co-ed volleyball extravaganza at Maple Grove Rugby Park have hit a record-high for the 11th straight year, about half of the expected crowd of 7,000 won’t be hitting the beach or outdoor courts.
“Even though the rec division is extremely rec, some people just don’t want to do it. They want to watch the bands, hear the music, see the scenery and be part of the festival,” general manager Greg Paseshnik said Thursday. “That portion of the event is just as popular as the volleyball tournament.”
A total of 441 teams will be in action in recreational, intermediate and competitive divisions, and all those folks have access to an array of off-court activities. Weekend passes are available for $35.
July Talk headlines the Friday night entertainment and the Arkells are Saturday’s big draw, but there’s plenty more music to be had before and after, a beer garden that holds some 6,000 people and in the neighbourhood of 15 food trucks that’ll be on site.
And with highs of plus-30 expected all weekend, you can bet part of the entertainment will be people watching.
“We don’t have a swimmable body of water anywhere near us but people will be out in bikinis and boardshorts having a good time,” Paseshnik said. “It’s a fun time. It has a little bit of everything you look for in the summer time.”
The event’s popularity has lead to a shuffling of the parking situation at the park near the Perimeter in south St. Vital. While a limited number of weekend parking passes are available for $90, the majority of people will be shuttled to the event from the University of Manitoba.
The event is 18-plus, though those under age are allowed on site until 10 p.m. with a parent or guardian, and kids under 12 are free.
All funds raised go to support the Winnipeg-based national women’s volleyball team, with more than $300,000 turned over since the event’s inception in 2001.
All the city’s a stage
It’s theatre of the absurdly easy variety. The Winnipeg Fringe Festival opened its 27th event on Wednesday, with more than 175 shows to choose from in 31 indoor venues through July 27. And while tickets for truly independent theatre of all types are pretty cheap, hanging around Old Market Square to have a drink, watch the bands and performers for free isn’t a terrible idea at all (other than that gawd-awful Cube).
Speed freaks
They call it the Winnipeg Speed Festival, but you won’t see burnouts of the traditional variety at the RBC Winnipeg Convention Centre on Saturday from 10-8. What you will see is the tried and true formula of hot cars and hot babes, with 20 judged categories of tuner glory, lingerie and swimsuit fashion shows, a pageant, a B-boy dance battle, live music and much more. Tickets are $20 through Ticketmaster.
Which way to the beach?
Organizers of Boardwalk Days in Winnipeg Beach this weekend are busy refuting rumours that high water on Lake Winnipeg has put the kibosh on their annual event. Along with the usual rides, games, outdoor market, and pancake breakfast, you’ll want to catch stellar AC/DC tribute act Whole Lotta Angus on Saturday night with fireworks at dusk. Festivities start Friday at 5 p.m. and wrap Sunday at 5 p.m.
