Around town BC . . .

| Vancouver Island | Okanagan | Upcoming | Ongoing | Sales |

Greater Vancouver . . .

Pedagogy toys birthday

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.

Vancouver farmers market

Once again you’ll be able to pick up great local goods, including food, crafts, and more, at the Vancouver Winter Farmers Market, Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac St., Vancouver.

Vaisakhi Day parade

To celebrate Vaisakhi Day, a large parade is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Vancouver. Parade starts at the Ross Street Temple, goes up Main Street, along 49th Avenue, it will then turn right onto Fraser Street and head back to the temple along 57th Avenue. For more information contact the Ross Street Temple at 778-881-4216.

Beat Street Community Drum Circle

Sunday, April 12, 3 to 5 p.m., take part in an intergenerational, multicultural event for all ages and skill levels. Enjoy call-and-response songs from around the world, rhythm games and hand drumming with the freedom to try out a huge selection of percussion instruments and toys., at Jericho Hill Centre, 4196 West 4th Ave., Vancouver. Children under four are free, $5 for children under 16, and $8 for adults (includes drum rental). For more information, visit online. Event runs Sundays until June.

Critter Capers

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

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.

Health and wellness for new parents

Get fit with your baby and meet other active parents by joining one of Metro Vancouver Regional Parks’ Baby and Me Hiking Clubs designed especially for new parents. Not suitable for strollers. Hiking clubs are designed for new parents and their babies (expecting moms welcome) to enjoy guided moderate level hikes in beautiful outdoor settings. Tri-Cities Club (Belcarra and Minnekhada Regional Parks) runs every Thursday, at 10:30 a.m., until June 11, and the North Shore Club (Capilano River and Lynn Headwaters) runs Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. until June 9. Cost is $10 for 10 hikes. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register call Metro Vancouver Regional Parks at 604-432-6359 or e-mail programs.info@metrovancouver.org.

Pregnancy and smoke

Are you a pregnant/postpartum woman who smokes or has quit? Do you have a partner who smokes or quit during your pregnancy/postpartum? If so, you are invited to participate in the UBC School of Nursing study. The school offers a $50 honorarium and provides a light meal for participating in the two-hour group consultation session in downtown Vancouver. They’ll be discussing ways to support tobacco reduction for women and their partners during this important time. The session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. or Saturday, April 18, 1 to 3 p.m., at YWCA Hotel, 733 Beatty St., Vancouver. For more information, please contact Robin Anderson, project director with the UBC School of Nursing at 604-822-5061 or e-mail robin.anderson@ubc.ca.

Cherry Blossom Festival

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

Vancouver Island . . .

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 Sundays

Drop by the Kelowna Art Gallery on Sunday, April 12, 1 p.m., for a special art session for families that’s all about woven watercolour baskets.

Pregnancy and smoke

Are you a pregnant/postpartum woman who smokes or has quit? Are you a professional working in the area of pre/post-natal care? If so, you are invited to participate in the UBC School of Nursing study. The school offers a $50 honorarium and provides a light meal for participating in the two-hour group consultation session Wednesday, May 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the library in downtown Kelowna. For more information, please contact Gayl Sarbit, Knowledge Broker with UBC Okanagan at 250-807-8054 or gayl.sarbit@ubc.ca.

Playdate with Max & Ruby

The stars come out to shine in a power-packed hour-long live show when Playdate with Max & Ruby, Miss Spider, and Bananas in Pyjamas, hosted by The Fairly Odd Parents comes to Kelowna Community Theatre on Tuesday, April 28, at 7 p.m. The tour is in support of World Vision’s child sponsorship program. Tickets priced at $24.35 plus service charge are available in person at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone 250-860-1470, or online at www.ticketmaster.ca.

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 . . . (3*New*)

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 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.

Environmental extravaganza

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

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.

A talk by Dr. Deborah MacNamara *NEW*

West Side Family Place presents A Talk By Dr. Deborah MacNamara, a parent educator and counsellor, Thursday, April 23, 7 to 9 p.m., St. James Community Square, 3214 West 10th Ave., Vancouver. Tickets are $15 each. Call 604-738-2819 to register. MacNamara will be discussing Roots of Resilience and Resourcefulness in Children.

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.

Cool kids’ art classes

Check out the following cool kids’ art classes coming soon to Coal Harbour Community Centre in Vancouver: 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.

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.

Huge Kids Swap Meet *NEW*

Looking to sell your kids’ gear? Vendors are needed for gently used/new kids items for the huge kids’ swap meet at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 6050 176 St., Cloverdale, May 30, 9 to 1 p.m. Two buildings will be filled with baby equipment up to 10 years old. To book a table or for more information, call 604-588-9919 or e-mail mattie1995@hotmail.com.

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.

Barbecue in the park *NEW*

Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society is hosting the annual BBQ in the Park for Brain Injury Awareness and Prevention, in conjunction with Brain Injury Awareness Month, Thursday, June 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Blue Mountain Park, 975 King Albert Ave., Coquitlam. There will be live musical entertainment, food and refreshment, information booths, raffle prizes, and lots of free activities for the kids. Event is free to attend with drinks, barbecue, and raffle tickets available for purchase. For more info please contact elsa@howesound.net.

Ongoing events online . . .

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

Sales . . . (2 *NEW*)

Bugalug sale *NEW*

April 15 to May 1, everything on www.bugalugbaby.com will be 25 per cent off, including already discounted items. Sale does not apply to the Clip of the Month Club.

Serious shoe shopping required *NEW*

It’s the super Army & Navy shoe sale, Wednesday, April 22 to May 3. Pick up stellar deals on more than 100,000 pairs. Brands include BCBG, Steve Madden and Kate Spade.

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

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