NATIONAL: Nick Di Donato, the CEO of Liberty Entertainment Group, has announced the launch of the first-ever Canadian national Young Chef Young Waiter (YCYW) contest. Open to industry professionals based in Canada under 26 years of age, the competition focuses on sustainability in hospitality, plus supports the education and development of talent. The YCYW contest is organized by Nth Degree Global in partnership with UKHospitality and the Restaurant Association. Submissions are now open and will close on Sept. 16. Winners will move on to the World Finals, slated for Nov. 15-17 in Monaco.

CALGARY: It has been announced that the city of Calgary will host the Masters equestrian show jumping event, slated to take place Sept. 7-11 at Spruce Meadows. The five-day event will feature more than 70 vendors, plus live performances, a display of classic cars and carriages, face painting, and pony rides. There will also be special appearances from the British Military, including the Household Cavalry Band, flower displays from Holland, a drone show, and more. Tickets are available via Showpass.

TORONTO: The St. Regis Toronto has partnered with Michter's Whiskey Distillery for a new edition to its flight-tasting series at the hotel's 31st-floor restaurant, LOUIX LOUIS. Guests at the award-winning, two-story bar and restaurant will be able to taste a selection of Michter’s US1 limited production, single barrel, and small-batch ultra-premium whiskeys from Sept. 1-Dec. 31. The Michter’s tasting experience—available on the LOUIX LOUIS beverage menu for $60 per person—will include a flight board of four 0.75 ounce glasses of four expressions.

VANCOUVER: SHUX 2022 returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre Sept. 30-Oct. 2 with a lineup of stage shows, massive social games, and special events. SHUX is an ode to board games and board game culture where attendees will have the opportunity to meet their favorite designers, reviewers, and entertainers, plus make friends with similar interests and try the newest—including unreleased—games. Tickets are available on SHUX’s website starting at $159.

The Chilliwack Sunflower Festival is open now through Sept. 5, marking the fifth year of the annual summer event. Attendees can discover 50 varieties of sunflowers—plus more than 50 kinds of gladiolas, zinnias, and cosmos—planted across three display gardens. And on Aug. 25, the flower-clad fest is hosting a fundraiser in support of Ukraine where, for one day, all ticket sales will be donated to the H.E.R.O (Humanitarian Emergency Response Operations) Society, a nonprofit, Canada-based organization that’s a registered charity in Ukraine.