Around town BC . . .

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

Greater Vancouver . . .

Rally for no pesticides

Join in for a an Earth Day/anti-pesticides rally Thursday, April 23, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in Richmond. CropLife Canada, a trade association that represents companies such as Monsanto, Syngenta, Dow & DuPont is meeting at the Richmond Executive Inn, 7311 Westminster Hwy, to talk about how to prevent a province-wide pesticide ban. Rally organizers are inviting you to show them that you care about health, community, and planet more than the weeds in your lawn. Bring your own signs, musical instruments, costumes, kids, strollers, stilts, dogs, and puppets and more. Meet at 11 a.m. at Tim Horton's on the East side of Richmond Center, and everyone will walk over together.

Start With Art at Seymour Art Gallery

Seymour Art Gallery in North Vancouver presents Start With Art, an art show designed for children featuring 22 artists that have created art just for little ones until Sunday, April 26.

BC Book week

Now until 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.

Playdate with Max & Ruby

Max & Ruby will be hitting the stage at 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.

Baby carriers galore

A baby carrier often rises high on the list of “essential” baby gear, but which one? Let MamaMaven do the homework for you. Come to one place to see and try all the options at the Baby Carriers Galore workshop, Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to noon, Dunbar Community Centre in Vancouver. Come on out to learn from someone who's done the research, has the experience, and who isn’t trying to sell you anything. Find out how the carriers compare, how to wear them properly and more. Leave with the knowledge to choose what will work for you, and where to find it. Register directly with the Community Centre at 604-222-6060. For more info, visit www.mamamaven.ca.

Everett Crowley celebration

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.

Stringing them along

Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., it’s ArtStarts on Saturday, a free workshop for families in Vancouver. Have you ever seen a string dog and turtle climb a string Eiffel Tower and fly away on a string bird? Storyteller Anne Glover gives you a fistful of string tricks and a new respect for your shoelaces. No dexterity required! "All-thumbs" welcome! The workshop series at the ArtStarts gallery for young people’s art features 45-minute, multi-disciplinary, culturally diverse workshops led by some of BC's best children’s performers.

Earth Day celebration

Join LEPS and the Murrayville Community Garden Association to celebrate Earth Day, Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Help plant the Edible BC Native Plant Garden. Treeplanting, compost demonstrations, guided garden tours, make your own environmentally friendly herbicide, displays and refreshments. Bring your work gloves. Rain or shine. Murrayville Community Garden is located at Old Yale road just east of the intersection of Old Yale and 224 Street, Abbotsford. For more information, call 604-532-3515.

Earth Day for families

Celebrate Earth Day with the whole family by participating in stewardship activities at the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at the Rice Lake Gate. For Information call 604-451-6506 The LSCR is located about three kilometres north of Capilano University on Lillooet Road in North Vancouver.

Terra Nova Earth Day Celebration

Richmond’s Terra Nova Rural Park, 2631 Westminster Hwy., is hosting an Earth Day celebration, Saturday, April 25, 2 to 4 p.m. The celebration will feature live music, organic food, a community clean-up, and planting in and around the park.

Vancouver famers’ market

Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., drop by Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac St., Vancouver, for your chance to pick up fresh local produce, baked goods, meat, dairy, gifts and more, at the Vancouver Farmers’ Market.

Maple Ridge Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Day at a free, family fun festival in Maple Ridge, Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Memorial Peace Park. For more details and the scheduled, visit www.mapleridgeearthday.org.

Surrey’s Early Years Festival

Join in for a family day of fun for parents/caregivers and children up to age six (and adults expecting their first baby) at Surrey’s Early Years Festival, Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., North Surrey Recreation Centre, 10275 135 St., Surrey. Games, arts, crafts, bouncy castles, prizes, entertainment and more.

Kids and pet fair

It’s the Here For Kids Expo & Pet Fair, Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, at the Agriplex in Cloverdale. Meet Dora the Explorer, have fun, check out the cute pet stuff and more.

Blue box toys

Come join Surrey’s own Dr. Recycle as he shows you how to make amazing things from common items that we toss into our blue box, Saturday, April 25, 1 to 3 p.m., Historic Stewart Farm in Surrey. Event is free but registration is required. For children seven to 11. Call 604-592-6956.

East Beach Kite Festival

Go fly a kite in White Rock on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, for the annual White Rock Kite Festival on East Beach. Lots of family fun. Admission is free. For more details, visit online.

Grandview Corners grand opening

Enter to win a Honda Fit, shop, have fun with the whole family and more at the Grandview Corners grand opening celebration http://www.grandviewcorners.ca/, Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grandview Corners is located at 160th Street and 24th Avenue, South Surrey.

Surrey Nature Centre opening bash

Celebrate the opening of the Surrey Nature Centre at Green Timbers with a free family fun event, including face painting, entertainment, and more, Saturday, April 25, 1 to 5 p.m.

Car show

Car lovers head out to the BC Classic & Custom Car Show, Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tradex in Abbotsford.

Plant sale

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.

Earth fest

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.

Toons for Toddlers

In Celebration of Earth Day, National Geographic Kids has teamed with Toons For Toddlers to screen Toot & Puddle and Mama Miraebel at the Ridge Theatre in Vancouver, Sunday, April 26, 10:30 a.m. Toons For Toddlers is an opportunity for children ages 2-6 to enjoy their first movie in a toddler friendly cinema. Screening time is only 60 minutes. Sound levels are lowered, and lights are left on a low setting. Admission is $5 per toddler, Adults and babies are free when accompanied by toddlers.

Arbour Day

Plant a tree for a special occasion or just because and have fun with the entire family at Arbour Day and Community in Action Celebration, Sunday, April 26, 2 to 4 p.m., Derek Doubleday Arboretum, trailhead at 21200 block 56 Avenue, Langley. For information on purchasing a tree, call 604-534-3211.

Blim Market

Etsy comes to life at the Blim Community Market, Sunday, April 26, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Cambrian Hall, at 17th and Main Street, Vancouver. Market features 30 vendors, live music, food, entertainment and more.

Canstruction Vancouver 2009

Witness giant, gravity-defying sculptures made entirely from cans of food at the annual Canstruction event, Sunday, April 26 to Sunday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the new Vancouver Convention Centre West, Exhibit Hall C. Cans used in the sculptures will be donated directly to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. This year's Canstruction theme is "Throughout History from Caveman to Spaceman". Admission is free, however, cash donations are greatly appreciated! For every $1 donated, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society can purchase $3 worth of food. Please visit www.canstructionvancouver.com for more information.

Looking for a babysitter?

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.

Vancouver Island . . .

Cowichan Valley Home Expo

Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26, drop by the Cowichan Valley Home Expo, Cowichan Valley Community Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan.

Green Solutions

It’s the Mid Island Co-op’s annual Green Solutions Trade Show, Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Beban Park Social Centre, Nanaimo.

Earth Day family fest

Head out to Courtenay for the Earth Day Family Festival, a free community event featuring entertainment, activities for the kids, displays and more, Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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*)

South Burnaby Preschool Open House *NEW*

South Burnaby Parent Participation Preschool, 7551 Gray Ave. (Gray and Rumble) in Burnaby, is having an open house on Saturday, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Established in 1954, the preschool offers a "play-based" environment and a fun, nurturing and educational experience for children aged 2 ½ to 4 and parents.Visit www.southburnabypreschool.com for more information.

Collingwood school fair

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

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.

Moms & Little Ones at Hycroft *NEW*

Join in for a child-friendly coffee break at the Hycroft Mansion, 1489 McRae Ave., Vancouver, Thursday, May 7, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Enjoy connecting with other moms while your little ones play in the spacious downstairs ballroom. Coffee and refreshments will be provided for moms; please bring snacks, drinks and toys for your children. This event is limited to 15 moms so please RSVP to melanie@fit4two.ca and let her know how many children you are bringing. This event is open to members and non-members. Dress is casual. Free parking on the crescent.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with momcafe *NEW*

Start your Mother's Day weekend early and join momcafé at A Night Out Just For Mom, an evening of pampering, mini-makeovers, gifts, wine and desserts, and lots of girl talk, Thursday, May 7, 7 to 9 p.m., Blo South Granville, 1529 West 14th Ave., Vancouver. Leave the children at home, relax with a glass of wine, nibble on some MINK chocolate and enjoy one or all of the following mini-spa treats: come with clean dry hair to have the Blo hair stylists transform your hair into one of their signature eight hairstyles; add sparkle to your eyes by a le petit spa make-up artist; sit back and enjoy a chair massage by le petit spa; have an Intuitive Reading done by Shelina Manji of www.satorireiki.com. Space is limited. For more information and to register for this event, go to www.momcafe.net. Cost: $35 non-member / $30 member (plus GST).

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.

Green your home for little ones *NEW*

Curious about the hype and research on chemicals in our homes? But want to avoid the stress, guilt and consumer pressure that usually comes along with it? Let MamaMaven presents an informative two-part workshop Healthy Home: Greening Your Home for Little Ones, Saturday, May 9 and Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m. to noon, Dunbar Community Centre in Vancouver. Find easy cost effective alternatives to create a healthy space for your family keep our growing little ones out of the chemistry lab. Register directly with the community centre at 604-222-6060. More info at www.mamamaven.ca.

Family fun night

Help your child get ready for kindergarten with a fun family night, Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., 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.

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.

Unleash your creativity *NEW*

Join Mama Renew for the first evening of their summer workshop series: Unleashing Your Creativity, May 13 at 7 p.m. in Vancouver. Upcoming sessions include Outrageous Living (June 15), Changing Relationships (July 27), and Creating Balance (Aug. 12). Attend one workshop for $30, or enjoy them all for $100. Learn more by visiting www.mamarenew.ca or call Sarah at 604-254-1100.

Savour with Neighbours *NEW*

NOW BC (Neighbours Organic Weekly Food Co-op) presents Savour with Neighbours: a community potluck to raise funds for Food For Families Food Bank (part of CityReach Care Society in East Van), Wednesday, May 20, 6 to 10 p.m., Heritage Hall, 15th and Main Street in Vancouver. Suggested donation is $10. Enjoy live music, fun for kids, raffle, and prizes for best potluck dishes.

You’re not the boss of me

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.

Hoping for mama time this summer? *NEW*

The first annual Mama Renew retreat will nurture your spirit, make room for play, allow for quiet and time in nature, and include a bounty of laughter and reflection, Aug. 22 and 23 on the Sunshine Coast. $175 includes lodging and organic cuisine. For more information, visit www.mamarenew.ca or call Sarah at 604-254-1100.

Ongoing events online . . .

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

Swap meets . . . (5 *NEW*)

Port Moody Kids Only Swap Meet *NEW*

Bargain hunters wanted! Port Moody's annual Kids Stuff Swap Meet is scheduled for Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Port Moody Recreation Centre, 300 Ioco Rd. Over 65 different tables each day full of gently used toys, clothing, books and baby gear. This is the place to get quality, name brand, kids stuff at a fraction of the original prices.

Riley Park swap meet *NEW*

Riley Park Community Centre, 50 East 30th Ave., in Vancouver hosts a Kids Stuff Only Market, Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Free admission.

Burnaby kidstuff swap meet *NEW*

Burnaby’s Bonsor Complex is hosting a Kidstuff Swap Meet, Sunday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission.

Abby kids swap meet *NEW*

Pick up great deals on gently used baby clothes and toys at the Kids’ Swap Meet, Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Abby Rec Centre, 34690 Old Yale Rd., Abbotsford. Admission is $5 before 10 a.m. and $2 after 10 a.m.

Hastings kids’ swap meet *NEW*

Hastings Community Centre, 3096 East Hastings St., Vancouver, hosts a children’s swap meet, Sunday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. Table rentals still available. Call 604-718-6233.

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.

Huge Kids Swap Meet

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 . . . (0 *NEW*)

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

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 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.

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

 Advertisement:

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 ~