Around town BC . . .

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Around the Lower Mainland . . .

Pain management during labour

Acubalance is offering a free acupressure course to couples for pain management during labour Thursday, July 2, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Sage Midwifery, 105-5450 122nd St., Surrey. This workshop is designed to empower expectant couples and equip them with more tools to navigated through their labours.

Discovery school

North Vancouver’s Seymour Watershed off Lillooet Road is hosting a series of day camps starting this Thursday, July 2. Kids from kindergarten to Grade 6 are invited to come learn about water preservation and the ecosystem through a series of interactive games and activities. Pre-registration is required. For details, call 604-451-6506.

Canada Cup

Surrey is hosting the2009 Canada Cup International Women’s Fastpitch Tournament which kicks off this weekend. On Friday, July 3, kids aged 9 to 14 can play softball with some of the best players in the nation at a Kids’ Clinic from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The opening ceremony at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 5 is also worth checking out—there’ll be a parade of athletes and lots of family entertainment. All events take place at Softball City at 2201-148th St. The tournament runs until July 12, and tickets for games can be purchased by calling 604-536-9287.

Golden Spike Days

Port Moody’s annual Golden Spike Days Festival is back this weekend starting Friday, July 3 at noon. Until Sunday, July 5, Rocky Point Park at the 2800 Block of Murray Street will bustle with live musical performances, a petting zoo, games, pony rides, and much more. Admission is $2; children aged three and under are free.

Treetop Tales

North Vancouver’s Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre (3663 Park Rd.) presents Treetop Tales this Friday, July 3. Ideal for children two and three years old, the drop-in session features stories, songs and poems from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Admission is by donation.

Berry fun

Downtown Abbotsford will be full of mirth and merriment this weekend when the annual Berrybeat Festival takes over its streets. From Saturday, July 4 to Sunday, July 5, the city centre will feature an aboriginal pavilion complete with a tepee, a Lego exhibit, and a treasure hunt for all ages. Be sure to also check out the Berried Red Hat parade on Saturday at noon. The festival runs along Essendene Avenue and Montrose Avenue from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. both days.

Celebrating summer

The Vancouver community of Hastings Sunrise is throwing its annual Sunrise Summer Kick-Off Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to mark the arrival of summer. The Sunrise Square parking lot at the corner of Hastings and Penticton Street will come alive with food, children’s entertainment, and players from the Vancouver Giants hockey team.

Fun at Buttercups

Buttercups Children's Boutique, 4877 Delta St., Ladner, is inviting all existing and new customers to a meet and greet party, Saturday, July 4, 2 to 5 p.m. Bring the kids in for cake, balloons, and raffle draws for products from the store, and a grand prize of a Bella Babies photo shoot. Call Catherine or Alisha at 604-946-3997 for more details.

Alice in Wonderland challenge

The Alice's Everywhere World Record Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 1:30 p.m., at the English Bay Bathhouse in Vancouver. Come on out dressed as your own version of Alice. This will be documented for Guinness! Visit online to sign up prior to the event.

Summer Sundays

Starting Sunday, July 5, the City of Burnaby will present free outdoor performances suitable for all ages from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays until Aug. 24. The concerts will take place, rain or shine, in Burnaby’s Civic Square at the corner of Willingdon Avenue and Central Boulevard.

Burns Bog day camp

Kids aged six to 12 years are invited to enjoy week-long summer day camp sessions at Delta’s Burns Bog starting Monday, July 6. Activities throughout the week include arts and crafts, games, and wildlife education. The camps run Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until August 28. Drop offs and pick ups are at Planet Ice on 10388 Nordel Court. To register, or for more information, visit www.burnsbog.org.

Trusting your intuition

Mamaspeak presents Trusting Your Intuition at Harmony Family Wellness Centre, 736 W 16th Ave., Vancouver. Trusting Your Intuition is a six-week series to help new Moms make a smooth transition to motherhood. Topics discussed include identity shift, relationships, sleep, feeding, self-care and birth stories. For moms with babies newborn to four months. Begins Monday, July 6. Please contact Meralon Shandler at 604-266-8124, or visit www.mamaspeak.com for more details.

Peace camps for kids

Northshore Elements YYOGA will be offering Yoga and Creative Arts Half Day Camps throughout the summer for children seven to 11 in North Vancouver. The unique program integrates yoga, storytelling, song, and art to nurture peace within the child, foster creativity and develop positive interactions with others. The Peace Camps run Monday through Friday 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. throughout July and August. Priced at just $80 per week, the program is an accessible option. For more information visit online. First camp starts July 6.

Helping animals

The Wildlife Association of B.C. is hosting a series of summer day camps starting this Tuesday, July 7 for kids aged six to 12. Held at Burnaby Lake on 5216 Glencarin Rd., the camps will show kids what it’s like to be a wildlife rehabilitator and will teach them about animals and their habitats. The camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information or to register, call Krystal at 604-526-2747.

Wiggly worms

The Langley Demonstration Garden between 48 and 49th Avenue is presenting a kid-friendly educational series on worms starting this Tuesday, July 7 and Thursday, July 9. Kids aged six to 12 will learn various fun facts about the world of worms and are invited to bring a bagged lunch for an outdoor picnic. The sessions run from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per child and pre-registration is required. Call 604-532-3521 for more details.

Yoga for kids

Kids aged five to 10 can now partake in the many benefits of yoga through outdoor classes starting this Wednesday, July 8 in Capilano Regional Park at 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver. The weekly classes run from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. until July 29. The cost is $25 per child for the four week session. For more information, call 604-432-6200.

Around Vancouver Island . . .

Organic Islands fest

The Organic Islands Festival and Sustainability Expo is scheduled for Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Glendale Gardens and Woodland, 505 Quayle Rd., in Victoria. New this year is the Children’s Village is a half-acre of interactive exhibits, eco-friendly children’s vendors, play zone and earthy fun. Children 12 and under free. Tickets from $7.50 and up. Buy Advance Tickets online and save 25 per cent. More Info available at www.organicislands.ca or 250-658-8148.

Community cheer

Victoria’s Oaklands Community Centre at 2827 Belmont Ave. is hosting its 10th annual Celebration at the Centre, this Sunday, June 5. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., check out this free neighbourhood party for hot dogs, prizes, a bouncy castle, and lots of fun games.

Strawberries galore

The annual Saanich Strawberry Festival will bring lots of lip-smacking goodies to Beaver Lake Park (off Patricia Bay Highway) this Sunday, July 5. Besides strawberries, this free event features a petting farm, face painting, pony rides, and bouncy castles. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Learning about nature

The B.C. Wildlife Federation is hosting a free week-long summer day camp in Nanaimo starting this Monday, July 6 for kids aged 9 to 12. Kids will learn about conservation and eco-systems through a series of fun games and activities. The camp runs until July 10 and takes place at various outdoor locations. Pre-registration is required. Call Stephanie Genge at 604-813-9016 for more information.

Around Okanagan . . .

Jazz it up

Kelowna’s Jazz and Blues Festival is rolling back into town this weekend. Along with great music, there’ll be prizes and great food for the whole family to enjoy. The event starts off Saturday, July 4 (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and runs until Sunday, July 5 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) at the Waterfront Park Island Stage at 1200 Water St. Tickets run from $10 to $25 for adults; admission for children is free.

Young naturalists

Half-day camps for kids aged 5 to 11 years old are being offered in Kelowna’s Mission Creek Regional Park (Springfield and Durnin Roads) starting this Monday, July 6. Running until Friday, July 10, the various three-hour sessions will focus on environmental education through fun and interactive activities. To more details and to register, call 250-469-6232.

Upcoming events . . . (1 *New*)

Just for mom *NEW*

Babycheeks in South Surrey presents martinis and manicures, July 9, enjoy free cocktails and mini manis, appetizers, jewelry shopping and more. RSVP by July 4 to babycheeks@shaw.ca or 778-292-0495.

Just for parents-to-be

Parents-to-be! Imagine a summer weekend away relaxing and reenergizing together before baby arrives! Why not enjoy two nights at the four-star Summit Lodge and Spa in Whistler with other expecting parents as we incorporate daily prenatal yoga, partner yoga, nature walks, meditation and nutrition sessions while finding plenty of time to relax by the pool or refresh in the spa? This Prenatal Yoga and Wellness Weekend, July 10 to 12, is available at the Early Bird package rates (booked before June 1) beginning at $150 per person (based on double occupancy). Contact Suzanne at New Mother Yoga and Wellness or e-mail suzanne@newmotheryogaandwellness.com or call 1-917-370-7288 for more information or to reserve your space.

Free info on pain management during labour

Acubalance is offering a free acupressure workshop to couples for pain management during labour, July 28, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Pomegranate Community Midwives, 2647 East Hastings, in Vancouver. Workshop is designed to empower expectant couples and equip them with more tools to navigate through their labours. Space is limited, and registration is required. Call 604-678-8600.

Agoo Kids Active Day

Come stay out and play at Agoo Kid's Active Day on July 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Kitsilano Arena in Vancouver. Have fun with bouncy castles by PartyWorks, a performance by Bobs and Lolo, gym circuit from Phoenix Gymnastics and more. Tickets are $7 per child or $15 for family, and all proceeds go toward Canuck Place. Tickets available at the door or online.

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.

Attention artists, designers and crafters

The Mommies on Main Show will be held at the Heritage Hall in Vancouver this September and the organizers are looking for vendors to fill spaces. They are interested in items that are either handmade locally or manufactured in Canada. Art, clothing, jewelry, accessories, furniture, toys, music, food, etc, will all be considered. Visit www.mommiesonmain.com for show information and show application. For further information, please contact Brenda at info@mommiesonmain.com or phone 604-739-3739.

Ongoing events online . . .

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

Swap meets . . .

None this week

Sales scoop . . .

Roots online sale

Roots Canada is now offering an addtional 20% off of their clearance items, as well as FREE standard shipping on all orders. The free shipping offer is good until July 6, 2009.

Raindrops online sample sale

Raindrops is a BC-based designer of fun, functional and sustainable rain hats for kids. All rain hats on their site are currently being sold for $11, regularly $29. Visit www.raindropsbabygear.com, call 604-996-7246 or e-mail your order in to receive the $11 sample sale price.

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

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