Around town BC . . .

| Vancouver Island | Okanagan | Upcoming | Ongoing |
| Kid's Swap Meets | Sales |

Greater Vancouver . . .

Sewing and craft show

Thou who are crafty or enjoy sewing, check out the Sewing and Craft Show at the Tradex, 1190 Cornell St., Abbotsford, Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4, You’ll be able to find tons of exhibits, seminars and shopping opportunities in regards to sewing, crafts, quilting, quilting, home décor and more.

Mindful eating for babies and tot

Join registered dietitian and clinical counsellor Victoria Pawlowski as she presents Mindful Eating for Babies and Toddler too, Friday, April 3, 2 p.m., and Friday, April 17, 10 a.m., Cambie Capers Whole Foods Market at 16th and Cambie in Vancouver. The seminar will focus on what foods to introduce and how to introduce them to your new baby so that you grow a healthy eater and prevent eating struggles and health problems down the line. Free seminar with food samples and gift bags. Preregister by e-mail mailto: vanessa.pratt@wholefoods.com.

Mama needs a Mercedes

Check out the latest and hottest in cars at the Vancouver International Auto Show which continues all weekend long until Sunday, April 5, at BC Place in Vancouver.

Olympic fun

Pulse to the Podium: Celebrating Vancouver's Countdown to the 2010 Winter Games fun events continue on Saturday, April 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Britannia Community Centre just off Commercial Drive in Vancouver. A fun event for the whole family to get into the spirit of the 2010 Winter Games.

Eco Arts Festival

Check out the Eco Arts Festival of Sustainable Culture, a free event that brings together artists, citizens and organizations to celebrate North Vancouver being a green city, Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5., at John Braithwaite Community Centre, 145 West 1st St., North Vancouver. Enjoy performances, workshops, an Eco-Art Mart and more.

Kiddies Korner fair

Enjoy an afternoon of family fun full of kids crafts and activities, prizes, face painting and a silent auction at the Kiddies Korner Preschool’s Imagination Fair, Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Port Coquitlam Recreation Centre (in the Mabbott room), 2150 Wilson Ave., Poco. Special guests are Bobs & Lolo. Tickets are $10 each and children under two are free. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Tabitha at 604-944-9626.

TriCity Home Expo

Port Moody is hosting its first TriCity Home Expo where you can check out the latest trends in decorating and renovation ideas from more than 180 exhibitors, Friday, April 3, 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Port Moody Recreation Centre, 300 Ioco Rd., Port Moody. Admission is free.

Yaletown Baby and Toddler Fair

Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., head down to the Roundhouse Community Centre in Vancouver for the Yaletown Baby and Toddler Fair. Stop by and say hi to Babyvibe and Kindervibe and enter to win a $250 gift certificate to jack & lola.

Festival of health and longevity

Celebrate better health through Taoist Tai Chi internal arts of health at the Festival of Health and Longevity, Saturday, April 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Vancouver Centre, 588 East 15th Ave., Vancouver. Watch demonstrations, enjoy a free Chinese lunch, and try a free introductory class. Traditional lion dance and entertainment for the whole family.

Nanny Salon

Nannies on Call is hosting a Nanny Salon, Saturday, April 4, 2:30 p.m., Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews (at Davie and Pacific streets), Vancouver. The Nanny Salon offers families a chance to interview several part time and full time nannies in one sitting. Visit www.nanniesoncall.com for more details.

Diapering Alternatives 101

MamaMaven presents a workshop covering all you need to know about diapering options, looking at environmental, health, cost and convenience perspectives. Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m., at Dunbar Community Centre in Vancouver. Visit www.mamamaven.ca for more details and registration info.

Chum salmon release

Help the Glen Valley Watersheds Society release thousands of baby chum into West Creek, 25000 block of 80 Avenue (just west of 252 Street) in Langley, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sunday, April 5. For more information, call 604-532-3517.

Family day at PdA

Place des Arts in Coquitlam is hosting a fun family day event on Sunday, April 5, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., where families get to explore the world of visual and performing arts. Event features a portraiture workshop by Tracey Costescu, clay modelling workshop by Michelle McCutchon and a movement-based workshop. Admission is $20 for a family of four or $5 per person. For more information, call 604-664-1636. Place des Arts is located at 1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam.

Story time at dandelion KIDS

Enjoy the great storytelling skills of Ashley Spires as she reads from her children’s book Penguin and the Cupcake, the adventures of a headstrong penguin on a mission to find a cupcake, Sunday, April 5, 3 p.m., dandelion KIDS, 1206 Commercial Dr., Vancouver.

Cool kids’ art classes

Check out the following cool kids’ art classes coming soon to Coal Harbour Community Centre in Vancouver: parent & tot: sculpture, masks & mobiles (for one to three year olds), Tuesdays, April 7 to 28, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (cost is $39); young artkitects (for three to five year olds), Tuesdays, April 7 to 28, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., $39; parent & tot: recycle art (for one to three year olds), Tuesdays, May 5 to 26, 2:15 p.m., $39; young Picasso – let’s paint (for three to five year olds), Tuesdays, May 5 to 26, 3:30 p.m. $39. Call Coal Harbour Community Centre at 604-718-8222 for more details or to register.

Doodlebops Live

It’s the Doodlebops Together Forever Tour, Thursday, April 9, 7 to 9 p.m., Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver. For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.

Cherry Blossom Festival

The Vancouver Cherry Bossom Festival continues until Friday, April 24. For all the details, visit www.vcbf.ca.

Vancouver Island . . .

Spring craft fair

Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5, it’s the Metchosin Hall Arts & Crafts Fair, Metchosin Community Hall, 4401 William Head Rd., Victoria, pick up some great local-made food, jewelry, pottery, seaweed baskets, and more. Admission is free.

Bobs & Lolo in concert

Babyvibe favourite children’s entertainers Bobs & Lolo are scheduled to perform at the Errington War Memorial Hall, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Sunday, April 5, in a fun musical concert to help support the Errington Co-operative Preschool. General admission is $12.50. Tickets are available at Cranky Dog Music, 194 Morrison Rd., Parksville, and the Errington General Store, Errington.

Model railroad show

It’s the Nanaimo Model Railroad Show, Sunday, April 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Beban Park Auditorium, 2300 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo.

A play date with Max and Ruby

The children’s show Max and Ruby hits the stage with a fun presentation suitable for children pre-kindergarten to Grade 3, Sunday, April 26, 2:30 p.m., Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo. Seats are $22. Buy tickets online, by phone, 250-754-8550, or in person at the theatre’s box office.

Okanagan . . .

Family Enviro Day

Drop by the ECCO Centre, Mission Creek Regional Park, 2363A Springfield Rd., Kelowna, for the Family Environment Day, Sunday, April 5, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Art with the family

Kelowna Art Gallery presents Family Sundays: Assembling Assortments, Sunday, April 5, 1 p.m., in the gallery’s Scotiabank studio.

Toddler Time

Mission Library, 4105 Gordon Dr., Kelowna, presents a new toddler time program, March 31 to May 5, 10:15 a.m.

Upcoming events . . . (5 *New*)

Pedagogy toys birthday *NEW*

New Westminster’s fun toy store Pedagogy Toys turns two on April 11 and to celebrate the store is hosting a birthday party with a performance by Bobs & Lolo at 11 a.m. and more. For all the details, visit Pedagogy Toys online.

Critter Capers *NEW*

Calling all detectives! Can you solve the mystery of the missing fish? Visit the crime scene, learn about prime suspects and weigh the evidence against them. Bring your sleuthing skills to Tynehead Regional Park in Surrey on Monday, April 13, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Examine tracks, maps and other clues during this free family event. Meet at the 96th Avenue entrance. Allow one hour to complete. Find the thief before 2 p.m. and receive a reward. Free, no registration required. For more details, visit www.metrovancouver.org.

Spring sprouts *NEW*

Celebrate the joyful change of season with your preschooler as natures shakes off the winter blues with Spring Sprouts, Monday, April 13, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Pitt River Regional Greenway, Pitt Meadows. Watch for frisky cottontails, search for birds, and take home a special craft of your own. Suitable for children three to five accompanied by an adult. Cost is $12 per child and adult pair. Register early. Call 604-432-6359 to register.

Environmental extravaganza *NEW*

Starting April 18 there will be ongoing programs and events as part of the annual Environmental Extravaganza – Earth Day to World Oceans Day in Surrey. Programs are free and open to everyone and run until World Oceans Day, June 7. Visit Nature Matters for the schedule and more information.

Family fun night

Help your child get ready for kindergarten with a fun family night, Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., April 21 and May 12, in the ParkLane Room at Port Moody Library, 100 Newport Dr., Port Moody. Build important pre-reading skills with stories, alphabet crafts, and take home activities. For children three to six with parent/caregiver. Drop-in, no registration required.

Playdate with Max & Ruby *NEW*

Max & Ruby will be hitting the stage at North Vancouver’s Centennial Theatre, April 22 and Clarke Foundation Theatre in Mission, April 23, 7 p.m. For tickets, visit Ticketmaster online.

Family Musik

Music in the Morning presents Rob Kapilow's Family Musik, "Casey at the Bat - Play Ball to Music!", Sunday, May 3, 3 to 4 p.m., Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC in Vancouver. Tickets available at Music in the Morning's Box Office 604-873-4612, Chan Centre Ticket Office (in person sales only), or online through Ticketmaster / 604-280-3311. For more information, visit www.musicinthemorning.org.

Move for Health Day

Friday May 8, 10 to 11 a.m., Downtown, East Van and Westside
Fit 4 Two® Vancouver is promoting Move for Health Day 2009 by running a special Stroller Fitness Class at three different locations: David Lam Park in Yaletown, Trout Lake in East Van and Kits Beach on the Westside. Stroll over to your nearest location and join in for a full body workout on the go. Please dress for the weather and bring a yoga mat. More details at www.fit4two.ca. This event is also a fundraiser for the Pacific Postpartum Support Society so please make a minimum donation of $10. RSVP David Lam Park: melanie@fit4two.ca; Trout Lake callie@fit4two.ca and Kits Beach dee@fit4two.ca.

Friendly Forest swap meet

Come out to Anmore for the first annual Friendly Forest Preschool Kids’ Swap Meet, Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for a day of bargains and fun. Spring Cleaning? Rent a table! This is a great way to find a new home for your gently used clothes, toys and baby/child gear. Table rentals are $20. Prefer to shop? Come shop the bargains and find some unique, quality items for your child or baby. Admission is $2/person (kids get in free). Call or e-mail Ann-Marie at 604.949.1488 or amthiele@hotmail.com for table rentals or more info. Swap meet is scheduled to be held at the Anmore Elementary School Gymnasium, 30 Elementary Rd.

Children’s fest

Vanier Park in Vancouver comes alive May 11 to 18 with captivating performances, hands-on arts activities, roving entertainers and much more at the Vancouver International Children’s Festival. Treat the whole family to the best in music, theatre, dance, circus arts, puppetry and storytelling from Canada and around the world at BC’s number one cultural event for children and families. Visit www.childrensfestival.ca for details.

Crazy Carnivale

Science World in Vancouver presents Crazy Carnivale, a family fundraiser to raise money for Science World’s Tower of Bauble, Saturday, June 6, 6 to 10 p.m. It’s a 20th birthday party for Science World. Join Science World in celebrating 20 years of igniting minds at Crazy Carnivale! and help raise money for the Tower of Bauble outside TELUS World of Science. Live music by XLR8, street entertainment, delicious food, family photos, take-home art projects, face painting, birthday games, the famous Crazy Carnivale! goody bag and more. Tickets $250/family before April 30. $300/family after April 30. Call 604-443-7500.

Ongoing events online . . .

Click here to find out the scoop on ongoing events in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

Kids' swap meets . . .

Eagleridge kids’ swap meet

It’s the second annual Kids’ Only Swap Meet, Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Eagleridge elementary, 1215 Falcon Dr., Coquitlam.

Spring kids’ swap meet

We hear that this is a good swap meet – it’s the Spring Kids’ Swap Meet, Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., North Langley Community Church, 21015 96th Ave., Langley. Admission is $1.

L’IL Rascals Kids Swap Meet

Once again it’s the L’IL Rascals Kids Swap Meet, Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Chilliwack Heritage Park, 44140 Luckakuck Way, Chilliwack. Early bird admission is $5, and admission after 10 a.m. is $3. Children’s admission is free. To book a table (200 are available at $25 each), call Tammy at 604-858-4034 or e-mail lilrascalsswap@telus.net.

Preschool yard sale

Village Parent Participation Preschool is holding a fundraising yard sale on Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m. to noon. Lots of kids' clothes, toys, and household goods. Sale is scheduled take place at 3840 Edgemont Blvd., North Vancouver, corner of Edgemont Blvd and Capilano Rd. All proceeds will fund programs at Village Parent Participation Preschool.

Spring Kids' Stuff Swap Sale

The North Shore Mothers of Multiples is having its Spring Kids' Stuff Swap Sale, Saturday, April 4, 9:30 a.m. to noon, St. David's United Church, West Vancouver (Taylor Way at Highway 1). Admission is $2 (children free). Partial proceeds to a local charity.

Sales . . . (No *NEW*)

Spree Fashions warehouse sale

Every Friday, 1 to 5 p.m. Spree Fashions holds an inventory blowout warehouse sale where you can pick up great finds at super low prices on children’s brands like Trish Scully, Crib Rock Couture, Bical Grippers and more. Spree Fashions is located at 21-7228 Winston St., Burnaby.

While we do our best to inform you of great family happenings around town, event details are subject to change.

B.C. archives

Happy birthday Mateo! We’ve enjoyed your second year so much, you’ve grown a ton! Love mom and dad.

Antoine and Meredith wish to announce the births of their sisters Emilie Raine and Kaidence on March 21. Welcome babies!

Marley's three! Our busy monkey has grown so much. Happy birthday, lovey. Mum, Dad & Piper love you.

Happy third birthday Rio Birdie! Love Mom, Dad, Kris and Diego.

 Sponsored event:

Social media . . .

facebook | twitter
Connect with other babyvibe readers on our facebook and twitter sites.

Cool features . . .

nest egg blog | ongoing events
Enter to win cool prizes weekly at the nest egg prize blog, and keep in the know with the ongoing local event listings!

Babyvibe is a free twice-weekly e-newsletter delivering pint-sized news and reviews on innovative products and services, expert tips and family friendly events for new and expecting parents.

~ involved parenting, happy kids, healthy community ~