Around town BC . . .

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

Greater Vancouver . . .

MAKE IT

Find one-of-a-kind treasures from over 60 of Canada’s brightest urban artisans and designers at MAKE IT, Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3, at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown. There will be something for everyone from fashion, accessories, baby items, art and jewelry. Tickets are $5 at the door. Visit the Roundhouse online for hours and more details.

Funzone and home show

There’s something for everyone at the Ridge Meadows Home Show, Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3, at Planet ice in Maple Ridge. Included in that is the Funzone Children’s Fair, a magical free event for children filled with fun activities, including entertainers, crafts, carnival and more. For all the details, visit www.ridgemeadowshomeshow.com.

South Burnaby Preschool Open House

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.

Ukrainian cultural fest

Head out to Mission for the annual Ukrainian Cultural Festival, Saturday, May 2, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Clarke Theatre, 33700 Prentis St., Mission. For more information call 604-576-1746.

Cinco de Mayo

Experience a true Mexican celebration, Cinco de Mayo, at Lonsdale Quay Market in North Vancouver, Saturday, May 2, 1 to 3 p.m.

Spring extravaganza

Enjoy a free community celebration at Parkgate Community Centre in North Vancouver, Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The spring extravaganza will feature a community craft project, pottery and plant sales, musicians and children's entertainers with a kids’ zone where sports climbing and bouncy castles are available for play.

Langley Baby and Toddler Fair

Check out great local services and resources for everything baby and toddler, including babyvibe, at the Langley Baby and Toddler Fair, Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the new Langley Events Centre, 7888 200th St., Langley. Admission is $5 or a family pass for two for $8. Children’s admission is free. Check out more than 100 exhibitors, enter to win more than $2,000 worth of door prizes, pick up lots of free samples, and much more.

Learn to fish

Get in touch with nature while learning to fish at Rice Lake out at the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve in North Vancouver. Join Metro Vancouver and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. for a fun, and educational program that offers information on fish identification and biology, habitat and conservation, ethics and proper fish handling. All equipment is provided and each session includes time spent fishing on Rice Lake. For ages five to 15. Admission by donation. Information and registration: 604-504-4716. Fishing session starts Saturday, May 2, at noon and will run through until Sept. 25.

Spring book hatching

Drop by Vancouver library, 350 West Georgia St., Downtown Vancouver, in the Alice MacKay room for a celebration of the release of the latest books by local children's authors and artists, Saturday, May 2, 1 to 3 p.m. The free event will feature presentations, displays, a book sale and the chance to meet your favourite BC author or illustrator.

Cultural celebration

Explore Richmond's arts, culture and heritage diversity during a two-day citywide free celebration, Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Receive free access to 40 venues, including heritage landmarks, modern structures, hidden gems, places of worship, artist's studios, museums and national historic sites. Many participating partners have organized guided tours, displays and activities to enrich your experience. For a full listing of all participating venues, pick up a brochure at Richmond community facilities.

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.

Prenatal nutrition

Interested in finding how better nutrition can support a healthy pregnancy and the well being of your family? Then you’ll want to check out the Prenatal Nutrition workshop, Sunday, May 3, 7 to 9 p.m., at Pomegranate Community Midwives 2647 East Hastings (at Slocan) in Vancouver. Workshop will cover nutrition fundamentals, meal structures and plans, super foods, therapeutic foods, caution foods and food politics. Cost is $45 per person. Please contact Stephanie, of Vitalis Nutrition to register. E-mail stephanie@vitalisnutrition.com or call 778-227-1856.

Rhododendron fest

Enjoy the spring flowers, entertainment and more family fun at the annual Rhododendron Festival, Sunday, May 3, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Deer Lake Park and Shadbolt Centre, Burnaby. Admission is free.

Nature: Mothers

Do plants and animals have mothers? To celebrate Mother’s Day (May 10) come and explore VanDusen, in Vancouver, in search of the ‘Mothers in Nature’, Sunday, May 3. Take home a special treat for a mother in your life. For more info on the weekend family programs, including registration and cost, visit VanDusen Botanical Garden online.

Got Craft?

Check out Vancouver's largest indie craft fair featuring over 50 local and handmade vendors from clothing to jewelry to children’s accessories to bath and body products, Sunday, May 3, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 2205 Commercial Dr., Vancouver. Admission is $2. Children under 10 get in for free. For more details, visit www.gotcraft.com.

Plant sale

Pick up quality plants at the New Westminster Horticultural Society’s annual plant sale, Sunday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ecole Glenbrook Middle School, 701 Park Cres., New Westminster. On sale are perennials, bedding plants, hanging baskets, shrubs and trees and a lot more.

Bellies to Babies Celebration

Bellies to Babies Celebration, formerly known as Vancouver's Largest Baby Shower is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Croatian Cultural Centre. Visit www.belliestobabiescelebration.com for more details.

Salmon send-off

Come for some fishy fun at Tynehead Hatchery wit the salmon release, Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Release salmon fry, enjoy a tour of the hatchery, children’s activities, and a fish habitat walk. Meet at Tynehead Fish Hatchery located at the 96th Avenue entrance between 160th and 168th Streets in Surrey. Call 604-432-6359 for more details.

Celebrate cats

Join RAPS for "Visit Days" at the Richmond Animal Shelter, 12071 No. 5 Rd., Richmond, on Sunday, May 3, 1 to 3 p.m., to celebrate cats, a fun event featuring cat-related craft projects and more. Event is free.

Langley Walk

Head out to Douglas Park, 20550 Douglas Cres., Langley for the Langley Walk, a free event featuring lots of family fun, Sunday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration for the walk race opens at 10 a.m. and race starts at 11 a.m. Festivities follow the walk.

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.

Looking for a babysitter?

Those in search of great babysitters, should check out the Lullaby League mixers. The Vancouver mixer is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 7 p.m., at Solarice Wellness Spa in Kitsilano. For more information and to register, visit www.lullabyleague.ca.

Moms & Little Ones at Hycroft

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

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).

Vancouver Island . . .

Book fest

The Vancouver Island Children’s Book Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth St., Nanaimo. Lots of free activities for kids, fun informative sessions and a chance to meet different authors, illustrators and storytellers.

Okanagan . . .

Toddler Time

Mission Library, 4105 Gordon Dr., Kelowna, presents a new toddler time program, now until Tuesday, May 5, 10:15 a.m.

Upcoming events . . . (2 *New*)

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

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.

Rockin’ Kids’ concert *NEW*

Join Vancouver children’s musician and educator Will Stroet and The Backyard Band for the release of Dans mon jardin, the French version of "My Backyard," on Mother’s Day, May 10, 11 a.m. to noon, Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown. From blues to rock to pop-inspired tunes about animals, active living and sportsmanship, Will’s music appeals to kids and adults of all ages! The concert will be bilingual in English and French. Tickets: $10 each or $35 for a family of four. Pre-registration suggested. Tickets also available at the door. For tickets, call the Roundhouse at 604-713-1800. For more information, e-mail will@willmusic.ca or visit www.willmusic.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

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.

Celebration of motherhood *NEW*

Enjoy a women’s evening of feasting, dancing, ritual and meditation with the Maiden-Mother-Wise Woman Gatherings for Women, Sunday, May 17, 7 to 11 p.m., Chai Gallery in Vancouver. Tickets are $30 and are available at East-Is-East or call 604-734-5881. Event is being organized by Dr. Samantha Gray of Sage Clinic.

Savour with Neighbours

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?

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 . . . (2 *NEW*)

New Westinster swap meet *NEW*

Here’s a Kids Swap Meet with a green touch: learn about recycling, kids crafts and a book exchange table at the kids’ swap meet, Sunday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Centennial Community Centre (next to Canada Games Pool), 65 East Sixth Ave., New Westminster. Toys and clothes will be for sale.

Multiple miracles swap meet *NEW*

It’s the Fraser Valley Multiple Miracles Kids’ Swap Meet, Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., James Kennedy Elementary School gym, 9060 212 St., Langley. Admission is $1 and children under 12 get in for free.

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 . . . (3 *NEW*)

Jeans on sale *NEW*

Fab, the premium denim store, is closing its 2177 West 4th Avenue store in Kitsilano and as a result, everything is on sale. From now until May 12, save up to 80% on jeans, tops, accessories and more.

Big big organic clothing sale *NEW*

Shop until you drop at the biggest TWICE SHY/FIG sale to date, Thursday, April 30, noon to 7 p.m., Friday, May 1, noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Manitoba St., Vancouver. FIG clothing is awesome organic clothing for kids. Many items to choose from for only $5.

Bugalug sale

Now until May 1, everything on www.bugalugbaby.com is 25 per cent off, including already discounted items. Sale does not apply to the Clip of the Month Club.

Mabel Labels special discount *NEW*

Just in time to place your order of labels for summer camp, Mabel Labels is offering a 15% discount until Thursday, April 30. Enter AHP2XR code at the checkout.

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

B.C. archives

Here at babyvibe we want to send a big birthday wish to our own product tester. Happy fourth birthday Marley! You are our angel. Love mom, dad, Kaylee and Kasee.

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