Williams Sonoma Canning Workshops: Learn how to combine sweet and sour to make delicious relishes that are great accompaniments to grilled meats and cheeses. These free classes will cover the basics: what pickling means, how to make pickling spice and how to create your own favorite flavors for relishes. Aug. 12, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., 2903 Granville St., Vancouver. Info: 778-330-2581 or www. williams-sonoma.com. Adult Pirate Paks will sail into White Spot restaurants on Aug. 15 for its annual kids' camp fundraiser. For each kids and adult Pirate Pak sold on Pirate Pak Day, White Spot will donate $2 to Zajac Ranch for children with life threatening illnesses and chronic disabilities. Info: www.whitespot.com.
The Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival will take place Saturday, Aug. 18 at noon at Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler. The event will feature cheese rolling races, costume contests, cheese seminars, samples and other activities for the whole family. A large wheel of cheese will be rolled down a hill and daring Canadians chase after it. The first contestant to make it down the hill wins the giant wheel of cheese and a Whistler season ski pass for two. There will be an uphill race for kids. Registration will take place on site at 11 a.m. Info: www. canadiancheeserolling.ca.
Longtable Dining Series: Araxi restaurant will hold an al fresco dinner event Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. at Rainbow Park in Whistler. The evening will start with a cocktail reception featuring wine tastings and a dedicated vodka station. A farm to table four-course menu with wine pairings will follow. A farmer's market will also be on site. Tickets are $175 and can be purchased at 6049324540 or [email protected]. A portion of the ticket sales will go to The Chef's Table Society of B.C.
Hart House Summer Garden Parties: Each evening will start with a casual wine tasting with offerings from the featured region. Guests may purchase a bottle or two from the specially-selected wine list to pair with the al fresco dinner that follows, which is served on the estate lawn overlooking Deer Lake. Dinner will be accompanied by live music. Schedule: Aug. 22, Spain Fiesta. All parties start at 6 p.m. and cost $52. Reservations: 604-298-4278. Hart House is located at 6664 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby.
