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Around the Lower Mainland . . .

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 now until Tuesday, July 21. For all the listings, visit Free Outdoor Movie Events in BC’s Facebook page.

Shopathon

TheStyleSpy.com hosts the Yaletown Summer Shopathon on Friday, July 17, 3 to 9 p.m. Head down to Yaletown for a day of fabulous shopping. Shoppers get to enjoy six hours of hot summer fashions, discounts and specials from over 40 stores, prizes, cool cocktails and drinks and of course, free swag bags - just like the celebrities. To receive the free swag bag, shoppers must RSVP and print out a coupon online. Admission to the event is free.

Live in Lynn Valley

Enjoy Friday evening concerts – Live in Lynn Valley, every Friday, 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 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 every Friday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Maple Grove Park, 6875 Yew St., Kerrisdale. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs.

• July 17, Jeremy Alingham (music for kids and adults);
• July 24, Clear as Blue (jazz trio);
• July 31, Saxalamode (sax quartet);
• Aug. 7, Will Stroet (children’s performer);
• Aug. 14, Paul Talbot and Friends;
• Aug. 21 and 28, TBA.

Party in the park

No plans yet Friday night? Head over to Richmond July 17 for City Centre Celebrates in the Park at Garden City Park, 120-8040 Garden City Rd. Check out the food, live entertainment, and assortment of kids’ activities from 7 to 9:30 p.m., and then settle down for a free outdoor movie screening after the sun sets.

Tour de White Rock

The three-day cycling event is back for its 30th year in White Rock Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19. Grab your bike and go for a ride, or simply watch on the sidelines as cyclists from around the world compete for glory. At the very least, stop by for the Five Corners Block Party on Saturday at 15202 Pacific Ave. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the streets will come alive that day with live music and entertainment for the whole family. Kids can also decorate their bikes and participate in a children’s bike parade starting at 1 p.m. And on Sunday between 2 and 3:30 p.m., White Rock Beach is the place to go to meet some of the athletes and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic mascots.

Folk festival

The ever-popular Vancouver Folk Music Festival returns this weekend at Jericho Beach, Vancouver starting Friday, July 17 and running until Sunday, July 19. Grab the family and check out some live music, a crafts market, and food vendors with an array of tasty treats. Little ones will have their own stage and activities area to keep them occupied and entertained as well. For ticket info, call 604-602-9798. Admission for children 12 and under is free.

Renaissance revelry

Travel back in time at the BC Renaissance Festival this weekend. From Friday, July 17, to Sunday, July 19, the Aldor Acres Farm in Fort Langley, 24990 84th Ave., will transform into a world full of kings, queens, knights, and maidens. Take in a jousting competition or a swordfight. For kids, there are puppet shows, magicians, and storytellers. Tickets can be purchased at the door with cash; Interac and credit card facilities will not be available. For a list of ticket prices, visit www.bcrenfest.com.

New West fest

New Westminster is hosting the Hyack Fraser Fest from Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19. This free, three-day community event will feature live music, tasty food, and a fireworks display on Saturday night at 10:15 p.m. Sunday is a dedicated Family Fun day, with children’s entertainment, arts and crafts, harbour boat rides, and a 3 p.m. parade. All the fun takes place on the boardwalk at New Westminster Quay. For more information, call 604-522-6894.

Parks Day

Canada Parks Council is hosting its 20th Annual Parks Day at various locations in the Lower Mainland this Saturday, July 18. Celebrations include barbecues, wildlife education, and games. Visit www.parksday.ca to locate the event closest to you.

Summerfest at the winery

Wellbrook Winery celebrates its fifth anniversary with a fun Summerfest, Saturday, July 18, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Farmers market, classic car and motorcycle show, blueberry festival, pie eating contest and more. Admission is free. Wellbrook Winery is located at 4626 88th St., Delta.

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

• 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.

Medieval Faire

If you’re not able to make it to the Renaissance Festival in Langley this weekend, be sure to check out the Medieval Faire at the Surrey Museum, 17710-56A Ave., Surrey, Saturday, July 18. Check out a recreated Viking village, and play medieval-themed games. There’ll also be crafts, films, demonstration, and music. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is by donation.

Mountain music

The Blue Mountain Music Festival will liven up Coquitlam’s Blue Mountain Park (off Blue Mountain Street) this Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19. In addition to a bevy of talented live music acts, there’s also a children’s entertainment area with balloon artists, face painting, and a clown.

Fusion Festival

Over 60,000 people will be celebrating multiculturalism in Holland Park (corner of King George Highway and Old Yale Road) in Surrey this weekend at the Surrey Fusion Festival. This free event boasts over 40 international pavilions with food, dance, theatre and music from across the globe. The festival runs Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Racing in Richmond

The Richmond Dragon Boat Festival will have contestants paddling like crazy this Saturday, July 18 at the John MS Lecky UBC Boathouse, 7277 River Rd. Drop by for a barbecue lunch and cheer on your favourite team. Races begin at 8:30 a.m.

Slice of summer

The Killarney Community Centre, 6260 Killarney St., Vancouver, is hosting Slice of Summer, a community extravaganza, this Saturday, July 18 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The event features arts and crafts, mascots, and a variety of games. There will also be an arcade where kids can try their hand at winning the grand prize - a Nintendo Wii. After the festivities, head back to the community centre at 9 p.m. for a free outdoor movie. Call 604-718-8201 for more details.

Get active

Get your kids moving around this Saturday, July 18 at the Agoo Kids Active Day. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kitsilano Ice Arena, 2690 Larch St., Vancouver. little ones will get plenty of exercise jumping around in bouncy castles and dancing to the music of children’s performers Bobs and Lolo. The best part? All proceeds go to the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Admission is only $15 per family. Win tickets today! We've got 10 family pases to give away. First 10 readers to e-mail info@babyvibe.caand tell us how many will be attending in your family. Good luck! Contest ends tonight at midnight.

Discovery in Burnaby

Stop by Deer Lake Park, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby, this Sunday, July 19 for the Burnaby Discovery Day Festival. Take a walk around the park and enjoy music, theatre, and sporting events for the whole family. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Picnic and a movie

Yaletown’s Roundhouse Community Centre is hosting a family picnic and movie night in David Lam Park at the corner of Pacific Boulevard and Drake Street this Sunday, July 19. From noon to 4 p.m., bring a picnic lunch down to the park and practice your football moves with the BC Lions, learn about wildlife with educators from the Vancouver Aquarium, or participate in a number of interactive workshops. Then, at dusk, bring some blankets and a folding chair to watch an outdoor presentation of the 80s classic, Ghostbusters.

Maple Grove Day

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

Up, up, and away!

Love airplanes? Be sure to check out the Pitt Meadows Annual Air Show this Sunday, July 19 at the Pitt Meadows Regional Airport, 100-18799 Airport Way. Watch in awe as a variety of aircraft dip and swirl through the sky. There’ll also be a community marketplace with food vendors as well as squadron rides for the kids. Gates open at 10 a.m. and the air show starts at 1 p.m.

Fireworks fun

The HSBC Celebration of Light Fireworks Festival is back in Vancouver’s English Bay starting this Wednesday, July 22. Grab a blanket and head to the beach as four nationalities duke it out for fireworks fame. Canada’s display will kick off the event on Wednesday, followed by South Africa on Saturday and the UK and China the following week. Be sure to get down to the beach early for a good spot - it gets crowded fast!

Around Vancouver Island . . .

Garden Party

Summer entertainment at the Butchard Gardens at 800 Benvenuto Ave., Brentwood Bay begins this Friday, July 17. Check out the vast garden as it is illuminated with light, and enjoy live entertainment. Fireworks displays take place every Saturday. The event runs until Sept. 5. Call 250-652-4422 for more information.

Go fly a kite

The Lions International Kite Festival kicks off this Saturday, July 18 at Parksville Beach in Parksville. Check out the wide variety of colourful kites in the sky from fliers across the lower mainland, and bring your own kite to compete for fun prizes. The event runs until Sunday, July 19.

Silly boats

Nanaimo’s Silly Boat Regatta is celebrating its 25th anniversary this weekend in Maffeo Sutton Park, 50 Arena St. Check out historical boat displays or sit down to enjoy some live music. On Sunday, sample one of the many family activities including a sports zone and a children’s mini regatta. Most importantly, come out to support The Nanaimo Child Development Centre and help raise funds. The event runs from Saturday, July 18 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, July 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Around Okanagan . . .

Junior naturalists

Starting this Monday, July 20, Kelowna’s Bertram Creek Regional Park on Lakeshore Road will be offering Junior Naturalist day camps. Kids aged 5 to 11 are invited to learn about nature and the environment through fun activities and game. Call 250-469-6232 for more details or to register.

Cool critters

Head to the Kelowna library, 1380 Ellis St., Kelowna, Tuesday, July 21 to check out some cool critters from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Children 7 to 12 will be awed by the selection of creatures from the Purple Seahorse pet store. Registration is required. For more information, call 250-762-2800.

Upcoming events . . .

Nurture Your Relationship

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

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

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 . . .

SC factory clearance centre

SC Factory is celebrating the grand opening of their Clearance Centre with a huge three-day sale, Thursday, July 16 and Friday, July 17, noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They have thousands of items in their warehouse to liquidate with amazing deals on ORGANIC, YOGA and ATHLETIC Apparel at 75-95% off regular retail prices. Brands include: Fig Organic, Twice-Shy, Breathe Yoga Wear, Tommy Hilfiger, Turf Girl and more. As of July 20 their store will be open Monday to Thursday, noon to 5:30 p.m. at 2008 Manitoba St., Vancouver.

Quiksilver sale

July 16 to July 20, shop online or in store at Quiksilver and get 30% off your entire order, including sale items. To shop in store, bring in this flyer and to shop online use promo code: FFJUN9. Click here for a list of participating stores (includes outlets).

Room 6 sale

Deep Cove-based room6 is having a great summer sale, both online and in store with up to 40 per cent off select items. They're also offering 25 per cent off regular priced items (one time only) for the month of July, online use coupon code: SUMMERTREAT and in store give them a "secret wink" to save (very cute!). They have beautiful kids stuff, household items and clothes.

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

B.C. archives

Geoff and Christie Thomas are proud to announce the birth of their first son, Henry Rees born on May 7th at 10:59 p.m. in Richmond General Hospital. He has brought much joy and love to their lives already.

Happy 1st Birthday Amelia! Love Mommy, Daddy, and big sis’ Victoria.

Happy 4th Birthday Naeema!! We can't believe how fast time has gone by. We have enjoyed every moment of it and look forward to many more. We love you so much!! Hugs and kisses, Mommy and Daddy.

Our baby Kaelyn is turning 1 on July 16. We love you to the moon and back! Love Mommy and Daddy, and big brother Parker.

Big brother Parker is turning 3 on July 12. We love you to the moon and back! Love Mommy and Daddy, and little sister Kaelyn.

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