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Around the Lower Mainland . . .

Just for mom

Babycheeks in South Surrey presents martinis and manicures, Thursday, 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.

Outdoor Movie Spectacular

Enjoy a film screening under the stars with the Outdoor Movie Spectacular, where you get a chance to do that in various cities around the Lower Mainland from Thursday, July 9 to July 21. For all the listings, visit Free Outdoor Movie Events in BC’s Facebook page.

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, Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 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.

Puppets in the library

Two Vancouver public library branches will feature The Farm Team Puppet Show, a fun spectacle put on by the library’s Renaissance Puppetry Troupe. Come cheer on the farm animals at Stolski’s Farm as they play hockey against the nasty Bush League Bandits. The show starts at 11 a.m. at the Fraserview Branch, 1950 Argyle Dr., on Thursday, July 9 and at 3:30 p.m. at the West Point Grey Branch, 4480 W. 10 Ave., on Friday, July 10. Admission is free and the show is ideal for children aged four to nine years old.

Mama Mingle

Join Vancouver nutritionist Kristen Yarker from Vitamin K Nutrition Consulting as she guides you through different situations and solutions when it comes to family dining. Babies and bumps welcome, Friday, July 10, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Vancouver Chapters on Broadway and Granville in the children's book area where there are activity tables to play at. Invite your friends, bring your questions and receive a swag bag full of Playtex and Baby Einstein mealtime products for your little eater. Event is being put on by Wee Welcome. Cost is $20 and registration is required. Visit online.

Live in Lynn Valley

Enjoy Friday evening concerts – Live in Lynn Valley, every Friday starting this Friday, July 10, 7 to 9 p.m. at Lynn Valley Village in North Vancouver. Concerts run until Aug. 14. Catch the music while eating a meal at Munch where families can also reserve a table on the patio for the event and if desired, use the nanny service.The line up:

• July 10, Gary Comeau & The Voodoo Allstars (Cajun Spice);
• July 17, The Dynamics (Classic Motown);
• July 24, Gospel Giants (Sweet Soul Sounds);
• July 31, The Sweetpea Swing Band (Swing Time Tunes);
• Aug. 7 Headwater (Tractor Jazz);
• Aug. 14 California Calling (Surfer Music).

Groovin’ at the Grove

Enjoy free music for the family in the park very Friday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., starting this Friday, July 10, with Steve Johnson at Maple Grove Park, 6875 Yew St., Kerrisdale. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs.

Tour de Delta

It’s baaack! The popular bike race returns this weekend starting with a prologue party Friday, July 10 to kick things off. From 5 p.m. onwards, enjoy a barbecue, storytelling, face painting, and lots of games and activities. The fun takes place in North Delta at 84th Avenue and 114th Street.

Cinema under the stars

Port Coquitlam’s annual series of outdoor movie screenings gets started this Friday, July 10 with a viewing of Shrek. The film starts at 9 p.m. on a 26-foot-tall screen in Sun Valley Park, 3700 Hamilton St. Other films coming up in the following weeks are The Princess Bride and Kung Fu Panda. For a detailed list of films and locations, click here.

PJ party

Grab your pyjamas and head over to Science World, 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver, Friday, July 10 for a monster of a good time! The popular science centre invites kids to come check out the newest Scream! exhibition about fear and afterwards curl up in the theatre to watch a viewing of the film Monsters, Inc. Parental supervision is required and the event runs from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Call 604-443-7500 for more details and to purchase tickets.

Just Bee-cause

If you don’t get a chance to check out the PJ party at Science World in Vancouver on Friday night, there are some other fun events to enjoy at the centre this weekend. On Saturday, July 11, test your skills at the Iron Scientist challenge in Contraption Corner at 2 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative inventions. Also, watch courageous volunteers wear 3,000 swarming honeybees on their faces in Beard of Bees this Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12. Demonstrations take place at noon, 1 and 3 p.m. both days in the centre stage.

Richmond revelry

Richmond is hosting a city centre celebration this Saturday, July 11 at the Minoru Park Oval, 7171 Granville Ave. This free family event will feature lots of yummy food, a fun kids’ zone, and a craft fair. The festivities run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Surrey’s Pioneer Fair

The Historic Stewart Farm, 13273 Crescent Rd., Surrey invites you to experience the late 1800s Saturday, July 11 for the Pioneer Fair. Come dressed as a pioneer and take a guided tour of the historic farmhouse and grounds. There’ll also be blacksmith demonstrations, games, and music. The fair runs from noon to 4 p.m. and admission is by donation.

Mindfully feeding our babies

How we feed our babies is just as important as what we feed them. Join registered dietician and family counsellor Victoria Pawlowski for a progressive, inspiring and practical seminar and store tour that will outline a natural whole foods attachment based approach to introducing foods that will ground your feeding relationship and help grow a good eater. Vancouver seminars are scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2 p.m., at Cambie Whole Foods Market. Preregister by e-mailing vanessa.pratt@wholefoods.com, 10 a.m. to noon, at West End Community Centre and Robson Capers Whole Foods Market. Preregister zachery.longboy@wholefoods.com.

Teddy bears invited

North Vancouver’s St. Andrews United Church is hosting a Teddy Bear Picnic Saturday, July 11. Grab your favourite stuffed friend and enjoy an afternoon of games, stories, and food. Be sure to get a ‘paw reading’ for Teddy as well. The free outdoor event takes place in St. Andrew’s Park at 11th and St. George’s Street from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All ages welcome.

Summerfest

The Vancouver community of Marpole is throwing its annual Summerfest extravaganza Saturday, July 11. Take a walk along Granville Street between 63rd and 71st Avenue to check out balloon artists, magicians, face painting, a bouncy castle, and live music. The event is free and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Rockin’ in the park

The Coal Harbour Community Centre at 480 Broughton St., Vancouver is hosting Rockin’ in the Park, a free family event outside the centre’s doors, Saturday, July 11. There’ll be a bouncy castle, arts and crafts, face painting, and live entertainment for everyone to enjoy from noon to 3 p.m.

A taste of the Caribbean

Escape to the Maple Ridge Caribbean Festival this weekend to get a feel for the islands. This two-day event features live music, dancing, a costume parade, and authentic Caribbean cuisine. Best of all, it’s free! The festival runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 11 and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 12 in Memorial Peace Park at 224th Street.

Multicultural summer reading clubs

The Vancouver Public Library presents multicultural summer reading clubs at various branches. For more information and addresses, visit www.vpl.ca

• Listen to traditional folktales and practice Korean words and dances. In Korean and English, on Saturday, July 11, 3 to 4 p.m., Oakridge Branch.
• Children of all ages and their families are invited for Filipino stories, music and dances. In Tagalog and English in collaboration with Migrante BC, Sunday, July 12, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Central Library, Alice MacKay Room.
• Enjoy an intro to Chinese Calligraphy with a hands-on workshop in Mandarin and English in collaboration with Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver, Saturday, July 18, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Central Library, Peter Kaye Room. Registration is now underway.
• Check out the children Shaolin Kung Fu demonstration with Master Yuan from Shaolin Martial Arts Academy. In Mandarin. Saturday, July 25, 1 to 2 p.m., Hastings Branch.
• Drop by for an intro to Bhangra dance and music with a workshop on traditional dance and music from India. Presented by Vancouver South Asian Arts. In English and Punjabi. Saturday, Aug. 8, 3 to 4 p.m., Fraserview Branch.
• Enjoy games and stories in Spanish and English with Silvana Goldemberg, experienced teacher and children’s author, Saturday, Aug. 29, 11 a.m. to noon, Kitsilano Branch.

Fair in the Square

Come celebrate the history of Coquitlam’s Maillardville community on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12 at the annual Fair in the Square. The grounds of Carre Heritage Square at 1120 Brunette Ave. will bustle with carnival games, live entertainment, picnic areas, and heritage activities. Admission is free and the event runs from noon to 4 p.m. both days.

Wonderland in Vancouver

The 15th annual Alice in Wonderland Festival is back in East Vancouver’s Trout Lake Park, Sunday, July 12 from 1 to 5 p.m. Come dress up as your favourite Wonderland character and have tea with the Mad Hatter. Bring a picnic blanket and indulge in tea and scones as over 50 actors transport you to Lewis Carroll’s zany world. Admission is free!

Look up!

Pacific Northwest Raptors is offering a free falconry show on Sunday, July 12 in Richmond’s Terra Nova Rural Park, 2431 Westminster Hwy. Come watch these amazing birds soar in the sky from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, contact the Richmond Nature Park at 604-718-6188.

Beach heroes

Come check out Beach Hero at the White Rock Farmers Market this Sunday, July 12. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., there’ll be interactive marine displays, microscope viewing, and lots of other activities for the kids. You can also grab a free activity book, stickers, and temporary tattoos... all for free! The exhibition can be found in Miramar Village Plaza at the corner of Johnston and Russell.

Around Vancouver Island . . .

Dragonboat festival

Nanaimo’s Dragonboat Festival returns this weekend to liven up Maffeo Sutton Park’s waterfront harbour. Watch the frantic paddling, or bring your kids to some of the many children’s activities being offered. Also be sure to stop by for a pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12. The dragonboat fun starts Friday, July 10 at 1:30 p.m. and runs until Sunday’s closing ceremony at 4:30 p.m. For a detailed schedule of events, visit www.nanaimodragonboat.com.

MusicFest 2009

The Vancouver Island MusicFest returns to Courtenay this weekend from Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12 at the Comox Exhibition Grounds (Headquarters Road). Take in one of the many live music acts throughout the three-day event, and be sure to sample all the yummy food on display. There’ll also be an interactive kid zone for little ones. For a list of scheduled performances and to purchase tickets, visit www.islandmusicfest.com.

British for a day

Become a Brit for the day and check out Nanaimo’s British Heritage Festival on Saturday, July 11. The fair features live music, food, games, and dancing . . . all inspired by merry old England. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Beban Park, 2300 Bowen Rd. Admission is $5 per adult, and $3 per child. Family passes for families of four are available for $15.

Timber!!!

Enjoy the wonderful world of lumberjacks in Duncan this Saturday, July 11 at the Stihl Timbersports Western Division Championships. Watch competitors duke it out in events such as logging and wood chopping. For kids, there’s a train ride and tree climbing demonstrations. After the show, stop by for a dance with live music and indulge in a BBQ. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the BC Forest Discovery Centre, 2892 Drinkwater Rd.

Around Okanagan . . .

Pioneer day

Head over to Salmon Arm this Sunday, July 12 for Forestry/Pioneer Day at the R.J, Haney Heritage Village and Museum, 751 Hwy 97B NE. Learn about the forestry industry of days gone by while enjoying a pancake breakfast or a BBQ lunch. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Upcoming events . . . (4 *New*)

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.

Maple Grove Day *NEW*

Kerrisdale’s Maple Grove pool hosts Maple Grove Day on July 19 from 2 to 6 p.m. This is a family day at the pool with games, activities, cotton candy and pool fun!

Nurture Your Relationship *NEW*

Explore ways to nurture your relationship as parents and partners in Mama Renew's Changing Relationships: Staying Connected workshop on Monday, July 27, at 7 p.m. in Vancouver. Visit www.mamarenew.ca to learn more.

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.

Reconnect with Mama Renew *NEW*

Give yourself a new beginning with a Mama Renew group this fall. Join other seasoned mothers seeking to reconnect, reclaim, and find balance between giving to our families and caring for ourselves. New groups start soon throughout the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island. Visit www.mamarenew.ca to learn more, or call Sarah at 604-254-1100.

Reclaim Your Life *NEW*

Explore the quest for balance in your life as a woman and mother in Mama Renew's Reclaim Your Life: Strategies for Balance workshop on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. in Vancouver. Visit www.mamarenew.ca to learn more.

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 . . .

Rocky Mountain Kid big sale

Today’s your last day to save 25 per cent off your entire order at Canadian e-tailer Rocky Mountain Kids. Sale ends Thursday, July 9. Use coupon code: summer25 to save 25 per cent off your order.

Chick Pea sale

Stock up on summer attire for your little fashionista with the official Chick Pea Children’s Boutique summer sale on now for the entire month of July. Save up to 50 per cent off great brands including Ben Sherman, Picaflor, Katvig and more. As well, receive a FREE Kangol hat when you spend $150 on clothing (value up to $44.95)! Chick Pea is located in New Westminster.

Body in Balance site-wide sale

Calgary-based Body in Balance Acupuncture is offering 20 per cent off everything on their online store. They carry both SIGG and Otterbottles as well as fertility aids. If you live in Calgary, save on shipping costs by picking up locally. Use coupon code: JULY at the checkout for the savings.

Toy sale at Chapters

Chapters / Indigo has a great selection of toys on sale right now for up to 50 per cent off. Some items include; Lego, Sprig, lots of educational games and even craft kits. They also have free shipping on orders over $39.

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

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Illustration by Emilie Vanvolsem

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