Around town BC . . .

| Vancouver Island | Okanagan | Upcoming | Ongoing |
| Swap meets | Sales |

Greater Vancouver . . .

Pomo rec centre birthday

Celebrate the first anniversary of the new Port Moody Recreation Complex, Friday, April 17. Sip on free Starbucks coffee, win prizes, eat birthday cake, enjoy free fitness classes, and the kids get to have some fun on the ice rink and in the gym. For the schedule, visit Port Moody online.

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.

Sing with the frogs

Spend a spring evening at the marsh for an unforgettable experience: smell spring fragrances, learn about frogs and other amphibians and sing along with the frog chorus on Friday, April 17, 7 to 9 p.m., at Minnekhada Regional Park in Port Coquitlam. To register, call Metro Vancouver Regional Parks at 604-432-6359. For children seven and older, and their families. $20 per family.

Gem and mineral show

Feast your eyes on some sparkling crystals, minerals, rocks and handcrafted jewelry at the BC Gem and Mineral Show, Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19, at the Ag-Rec Building, 32470 Haida Dr., Abbotsford.

Bradner flower show

April showers bring Bradner flowers. It’s once again the Bradner Flower & Garden Show, Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Bradner Community Club, 5305 Bradner Rd., Abbotsford.

Ski and snowboard fest

Head up to Whistler Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 26, and enjoy events filled with music, arts, fashion, and hitting the slopes all in conjunction with the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival.

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 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.

Ciao baby salmon

Spend a morning with LEPS and the Yorkson Watershed Stewardship Committee to release baby salmon, Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. to noon., at Walnut Grove (20400 block of 98 Avenue in the Derby Hills community) in Langley. Wear boots. Rain or shine. Wear gumboots since this work can sometimes be messy! Rain or shine.

Outdoor Earth Day fun

Head out to Whole Foods at the Village at Park Royal in West Vancouver for an outdoor Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 18, noon to 4 p.m. Check out gardening ideas, local and green friendly product demos, and educational tables from environmentally minded groups in the community. Enter to win a Whole Foods Market canvas bag or an eco-friendly gift basket.

Surrey Earth Day celebration

Kick off the 2009 Environmental Extravaganza at Bear Creek Park, 13750 88th Ave., Surrey, Saturday, April 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the annual City of Surrey Earth Day Celebration. Enjoy entertainment, release Chum salmon fry, make crafts, plant trees and much more. Ongoing programs and events will run until World Oceans Day, June 7. Programs are free and open to everyone. Visit online for more information.

Evergreen’s Earth Day fun

Plant native trees and plants at Jericho Beach Park and celebrate the upcoming Earth Day with lots of family fun, including entertaining zones, drum circle, food, and more, Saturday, April 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jericho Beach Park, Vancouver.

SAWA Global Heroes

Children and adults will be able to experience the Canopy Walkway, a unique suspension bridge up into the canopy of a Pacific Coast forest, while learning about 10 SAWA Heroes from the world’s poorest communities who have made a significant and positive impact in their community, at the SAWA Global Heroes Earth Day event, Saturday, April 18 to Wednesday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Greenheart Canopy Walkway at UBC Botanical Garden, 6804 SW Marine Dr., Vancouver. Cost: $5 per child; $15 per adult.

Earth Day celebration at Capers

Drop by Capers Whole Foods Market at 1675 Robson St. in Vancouver for Earth Day Fair, Saturday, April 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check out earth-minded vendors, and lots of fun educational info.

Cambie community cleanup

Help clean up Richmond at the Cambie community cleanup Saturday, April 18, noon to 3 p.m., East Richmond Community Hall, 12360 Cambie Rd., Richmond. At the end of the clean up, enjoy a fun celebration.

Bike the blossoms

Hop on our two wheels and join in for the annual Bike the Blossoms, Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Presented by Slow Food Vancouver and Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, the bike event is a self-guided food-focused cycling tour for the whole family in Vancouver. Enjoy a leisurely ride, stopping at local community centres to meet local farmers, to sample local foods and refuel at slow food designated eateries, restaurants and cafes along the way. For all the details, visit www.slowfoodvancouver.com.

BC Book week

Saturday, April 18 to Saturday, April 25, it’s BC Book and Magazine Week, an annual week-long literary celebration offering events at various locations throughout BC. For the complete list of events visit bcbookandmagazineweek.com.

Nature in Squamish

Enjoy a community Earth Day celebration in Squamish filled with music, fun, kids’ activities, and an ecology tour of the estuary, Sunday, April 19, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nexen Beach.

Articulate Nonsense

In partnership with the Vancouver International Children's Festival, Centennial Theatre's Family Festival series presents Articulate Nonsense, an exploration of the silliness of a three ring circus, Sunday, April 19, 2 p.m., North Vancouver. Flyin' Bob, a balancer, wire walker, professional idiot and highly skilled goofball, takes you on a visit to the one-man, three-ring circus in his mind. For tickets and information contact Centennial Theatre 604-984-4484 or visit centennialtheatre.com for details.

Earth Day at Lonsdale Quay

Celebrate Earth Day with the Zox of the Forest, earth-friendly displays and more at Lonsdale Quay Market in North Vancouver, Sunday, April 19, noon to 4 p.m.

Bye salmon fry

Release salmon fry into the creek at Kanaka Creek Regional Park in Maple Ridge, Sunday, April 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The hatchery is on 256th Street, south of Dewdney Trunk Road (east of Haney). For information, call 604-530-4983. Presented by Metro Vancouver and Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society.

Delta chum release

Help release 25,000 chum fry into Watershed Creek at Watershed Park, Old Pumphouse, 11600 Kittson Parkway, Delta, Sunday, April 19, noon to 2 p.m. Follow fish directional signs posted from parking areas on Kittson Parkway, Pinewood Drive and Highway 10. Safe and hands-on fun for the entire family. Call 604-946-3375 for more info.

British car invasion

Check out the fun annual British Car & Truck Show, Sunday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Langley Community Hall.

Garbage-munchers

Do your bit to help the environment with a fun family program at VanDusen Botanical Gardens in Vancouver, Sunday, April 19. Learn how worms turn food scraps into nutritious compost, construct a worm compost for VanDusen and make your own soda bottle composter. For families with children four to 11. Two sessions available at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. To register call 604-718-5898 or e-mail familyprograms@vandusen.org. Cost includes admission to the garden.

Sun Run

Sunday, April 19, the streets of Downtown Vancouver will come alive with runners galore for the annual Vancouver Sun Run. Visit www.sunrun.com for road closures, post-race festivities info and more.

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.

Earth Day

Celebrate Mother Earth in BC on Wednesday, April 22 for Earth Day. Reduce your carbon footprint. Walk to the park, work, ride a bike, turn off lights, and just enjoy this wonderful planet!

Celebrate Earth Day in the forest

Celebrate Earth Day with the students and staff of the BCIT Renewable Resource programs in Maple Ridge at 28101 Dewdney Trunk Rd. Woodlot 0007, Wednesday, April 22, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m., for an afternoon of tours and activities. Event is free.

Playdate with Max & Ruby

Max & Ruby will be hitting the stage at North Vancouver’s Centennial Theatre, Wednesday, April 22, Clarke Foundation Theatre in Mission; Thursday, April 23, 7 p.m.; Bell Performing Arts centre in Surrey, Friday, April 24, 7 p.m.; Michael J. Fox Theatre in Burnaby, Monday, April 27, 7 p.m. For tickets, visit Ticketmaster online.

A talk by Dr. Deborah MacNamara

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.

Preschool fair

Visit a health nurse, play on an indoor playground, and take part in activities and crafts and more at the Healthy Kids’ Preschool Fair, Thursday, April 23, 9:30 a.m. to noon, Bonsor Complex, 6550 Bonsor Ave., Burnaby. Free admission.

Cherry Blossom Festival

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

Vancouver Island . . .

Floating boat show

Set sail for the annual Yacht Brokers Floating Boat Show in Victoria Harbour, Thursday, April 16 to Sunday, April 19.

Outdoor and marine garage sale

The Maritime Museum of BC is hosting the Massive Outdoor & Marine Garage Sale, Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Ogden Point Pier A in Victoria. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children.

Tumblebums opens

There’s a new place for parents and children in Langford, but owner Brenda Kovitz Tumblebums, an indoor play centre and toy store, is celebrating its grand opening Saturday, April 18. Doors open at 9 a.m. Tumblebums is located in Langford at 133-735 Goldstream, in the Goldstream Station and is designed to meet the running, tumbling, sliding, and play needs of children from ages one to five.

Chili festival

If you like chili, then you’ll want to check out the High Noon Chili Cook-off and Festival, Saturday, April 18, with the cook-off starting at noon, at the New Apostolic Church, 600 Wentworth St., Nanaimo. Games for kids, prizes and more. Event is free.

A playdate 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 . . .

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 . . . (7 *New*)

Plant sale *NEW*

It’s the sale of the year where more than 40,000 plants are available at the annual VanDusen Botanical Garden Plant Sale in Vancouver, Sunday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission to the garden. Visit www.vandusengarden.org for more information.

Everett Crowley celebration *NEW*

We love this annual Earth Day event at Everett Crowley Park in Vancouver at Kerr Street near 64th Avenue. The park that used to be Vancouver’s landfill is rocking on Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Earth Day celebrations, including a concert by Bobs & Lolo at 11:30 a.m.

Earth fest *NEW*

Enjoy a fun-filled event for the whole family at the WRA Wildlife Rescue Association of BC anniversary celebration, Sunday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Burnaby Lake Rowing Pavilion, 6871 Roberts St., Burnaby. Build and take home nest boxes, go for a nature tour, visit community group exhibits, plus more stewardship activities, games, and prizes. Visit www.wildliferescue.ca or call 604-526-2747 for more.

Looking for a babysitter? *NEW*

Those in search of great babysitters, should check out the Lullaby League mixers. The Tri-City mixer is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 6:30 p.m., at Newport Yoga in Port Moody, and
Wednesday, May 6, 7 p.m., at Solarice Wellness Spa in Kitsilano. These are the last two mixers until the fall. For more information and to register, visit www.lullabyleague.ca.

Collingwood school fair *NEW*

Mark your calendar for some recession friendly fun for the entire family at the Collingwood school spring fair, May 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 70 Morven Dr., West Vancouver. Check out the toy store, bags and bling where you can pick up some gently-used clothing and accessories for mom, artisans, spa services for mom, garden centre, teddy bear walk, silent auction and more.

Fingerling festival *NEW*

The Port Moody Ecological Society presents the annual Fingerling Festival, Saturday, May 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Noons Creek hatchery and arena, 300 Ioco Rd., Port Moody. Help release 35,000 young chum salmon into Noons Creek so they can begin their journey to the ocean. Musical performances by Bobs and Lolo, crafts, displays, raffle, and more. For more info, call 604-469-9106 or visit www.noonscreek.org.

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.

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.

You’re not the boss of me *NEW*

Kitsilano Area Child Care Society presents Dr. Deborah MacNamara, parent educator and counselor, and her talk You’re Not the Boss of Me – MacNamara will teach parents simple strategies on how to handle resistance in their children, and ways to trade tears for smiles, Thursday, May 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m., St. James Community Square, 3214 West 10th Ave., Vancouver. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. To reserve tickets in advance, e-mail your request to kaccs@yahoo.ca or call Margareda at 604-730-2590.

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

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. Pedalheads bicycle instructors will be on hand to teach kids who have their bikes how to ride safely and have a try at their “bike rodeo.” 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.

Swap meets . . . (4 *NEW*)

Kids’ only swap meet *NEW*

Pick up some gently used gear and clothing for kids at the swap meet at Pitt Meadows Heritage Hall on Harris Road (just off Lougheed Highway) in Pitt Meadows, Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Swap-O-Rama-Rama *NEW*

Recycle, reuse and learn at the Swap-O-Rama-Rama, a community clothing and craft swap event, Sunday, April 19, Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St., Vancouver. Also check out workshops, learn how to silk screen, make your own buttons, and more. Admission is $6 plus one bag of clean clothing.

Friendly Forest swap meet *NEW*

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.

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.

Sales . . . (2 *NEW*)

Pinky Blue spring sale *NEW*

Check out PinkyBlue.ca where you’ll find a great sale now until April 20. For all the details, visit online.

Bugalug sale

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.

Sample sale *NEW*

It’s the time to hit up the sample sales at GX Building. Jeff Swartz Agency in showroom 251 will be offering big discounts on brands like Yogini, Rocawear, Joe Boxer, Sweet Peanut, Calvin Klein, and more, Monday, April 20 to Wednesday, April 22, and Monday, April 27 to Wednesday, April 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash or cheque sales please. GX Building is located behind Home Depot on Terminal Avenue, 1868 Glen Dr., Vancouver.

Serious shoe shopping required

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.

B.C. archives

Illustration by Emilie Vanvolsem

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