Around town BC . . .

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

Around the Lower Mainland . . .

Show off your talent!

The annual Mommies on Main Show is scheduled to be held at Heritage Hall on Sept. 19, and organizers are looking for vendors to fill spaces at this event and are interested in items that are either handmade here or manufactured in Canada. Visit www.mommiesonmain.com for show information and show application. Please apply by July 31. Contact Brenda at info@mommiesonmain.com or call 604-739-3739 for more information.

Aldergrove fun

Aldergrove Fair Days are back this weekend at the Aldergrove Athletic Park (corner of 272 Street and 29 Avenue). Complete with a kids’ zone, a tractor pull, historical displays, a parade, and musical fireworks, this family fair aims to please. The merriment starts Friday, July 24 and runs through until Sunday, July 26. For a detailed schedule of events, visit

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 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 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.

Going country

Grab a cowboy hat and head over to Maple Ridge this weekend for a free Country Fest. Test your bravery on a monster truck ride, witness sheep shearing displays, or cheer on some of the best horse riders in the country. There’ll also be plenty of children’s entertainment performers on hand to keep little ones happy. The country fun runs from Saturday, July 25 to Sunday, July 26 at 105 Avenue off Lougheed Highway. Gates open at 10 a.m.

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

• 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.

Fireworks fun

The HSBC Celebration of Light Fireworks Festival ights up the sky in Vancouver’s English Bay with South Africa, Saturday, July 25, the United Kingdom, Wednesday, July 29, and China, Saturday, Aug. 1.

Mindful eating for babies and toddlers

Joined registered dietitian and clinical counselor Victoria Pawlowski for a seminar on mindful eating for babies and toddlers, Saturday, July 25, at 10 a.m. or Saturday, Aug. 15 at 2 p.m., Whole Foods Market at Cambie and Broadway. Preregister by e-mailing vanessa.pratt@wholefoods.com.

Radical reptiles

Learn all about snakes, lizards, and other slithery creatures at a free reptile show this Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26. Offered by the Richmond Nature Park (11851 Westminster Hwy.), the display gives reptile lovers of all ages a chance to better acquaint themselves with all things scaly. Drop-ins are between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Sleepover at the zoo

Saturday, July 25, camp over night at the Greater Vancouver Zoo in Aldergrove and meet the animals at night! Night time walking safari, hot chocolate and marshmallows in front of the fire then be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the animals. After breakfast have a special visit with one of the zookeepers and their animal friend, and then on to the Safari Train and North American
Call 604-856-6825 ext 26 for rates and to book your spot.

Clowning around

ArtStarts (808 Richards St.) in Vancouver is hosting a free family workshop this Saturday, July 25 on crosswalk safety. Major Conrad Flapps , a popular Canadian clown, will teach kids the basics of street safety through funny songs. The workshop is ideal for children aged 5 to 12, but all are welcome to attend. Sessions start at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. No registration is necessary.

Learning about feelings

Science World (1455 Quebec St.) in Vancouver presents the Emotions Puppet Show this Saturday, July 25. The interactive show features sing-a-longs and encourages kids to think about their feelings. Performances take place at noon and at 2 p.m. in the Eureka! lab.

Picnic in the Park

Bring a blanket and slap on some sunscreen for the Vancouver Pride Society’s Picnic in the Park this Saturday, July 25 at the Brockton Oval in Stanley Park. This free community event features live music, food, games, and a kids-only tent that will keep picnickers of all ages entertained. The outdoor extravaganza runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Busy bees

Check out the Honeybee Festival in Cloverdale this weekend for a sweet time. Running from Saturday, July 25 to Sunday, July 26 at the Honeybee Centre (corner of Fraser Highway and 176 Street), the event will feature a kids zone with face painting and crafts, beekeeping demonstrations, and lots of yummy honey to sample. The free festivities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Caribbean celebration

North Vancouver’s Caribbean Days Festival returns this Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 at Waterfront Park (200 Block-West Esplande). Sample the cuisine at the international food fair, dance to the music performed at the main stage, or check out the various island wares at the arts and clothing market. Above all, be sure to check out Saturday’s street parade beginning at 10.m. at West 6th Street and Lonsdale Avenue. For a detailed list of scheduled events, visit www.caribbeandays.ca.

Bog day

Come celebrate Delta’s Burns Bog as well as bogs around the world this Saturday, July 25 at the 18th Annual International Bog Day. The Great Pacific Forum at Planet Ice (10388 Nordel Court) is the site of the event and will be full of food, live music, and exhibition booths. For kids, there’ll be a puppet show, child entertainers, and games. Free tours of Bogs Bay will also be available throughout the day. The festivities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pool party

Take a break from the summer heat and dive into the Mount Pleasant Pool Party at the Mount Pleasant Community Centre (3161 Ontario St.) in Vancouver this Saturday, July 25. The community event will offer free access to the pool as well as live music, a barbeque, and cake! The pool fun runs from noon to 3 p.m.

Savouring Surrey

There’ll be a smorgasbord of delicious dishes to sample this Sunday, July 26 at the second annual Flavours of Surrey. Besides tasty treats from local chefs, enjoy live music, and peruse the farmer’s market for unique buys. Kids will be kept busy with face painting, potato sack races, and furry farm animals. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. at the Historic Stewart Farm (13723 Crescent Rd.) in Surrey. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children aged 9 to 14, and free for kids 8 and younger.

Summer spaces

Starting this Sunday, July 26, the area around the Joyce SkyTrain Station (Vanness Avenue between McGeer and McHardy Street) in Burnaby will become a car-free zone for the next four weeks and will bustle with entertainment, a food market, and local artisans. Bring your family along and enjoy the newly-created public space for the day. The event runs until Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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, Tuesday, 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.

Eco-explorers

Let your little one go on a bug hunt and learn about the world of garden critters at Minibeast Madness day excursions. Held at the Langley Demonstration Garden (221 Street between 48th and 49th Avenue) from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the bug hunts start Tuesday, July 28 and run until Thursday, July 30. Admission is $5 per child and pre-registration is required. To register, call 604-532-3521.

Around Vancouver Island . . .

Tub triathlons

Explore the unique world of bath tub racing this week at the Nanaimo Marine Festival and Bathtub Races. Running from Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, July 26 in Sutton Maffeo Park (50 Arena St.), the races are joined by live music, entertainment, and lots of children’s events. Be sure to check out the Bathtub Parade Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. For a full schedule of events, visit www.bathtubbing.com.

Islands Folk Fest

The 25th Annual Islands Folk Festival kicks off in Duncan this Friday, July 24. Running until Sunday, July 26, the three-day outdoor music bash features live music, dancing, on-site camping, and lots of children’s activities to keep the kids occupied. The festival is being held on Providence Farm at 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. For concert and ticket information, visit www.folkfest.bc.ca or call 250-748-3975.

Ukee days

Ucluelet is celebrating Ukee Days 2009 this Friday, July 24 through to Sunday, July 26. The fair starts off with a Friday night salmon BBQ at the Village Green (200 Main St.) and continues the next day with a pancake breakfast, a parade, and a kids’s zone at 160 Seaplane Base Rd. There’ll be no rest on Sunday with a family music fest, a seed spitting contest, and logger sports. For a detailed schedule of events, email ukeespecialevents@gmail.com.

Victoria illuminated

Check out Luminara Victoria this Saturday, July 25 and watch the city light up with lanterns at night. The annual lantern festival features food, a lantern-making workshop for children, and face painting. Come bring a picnic dinner and bathe in the lantern glow. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the St. Ann’s Academy in Beacon’s Hill Park.

Comic lovers welcome!

Bring your little comic aficionado to the Victoria Comic Book Show this Sunday, July 26. The free event will feature comic books from across the ages to either purchase or trade for. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre (3277 Douglas St.).

Garden Party

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

Around Okanagan . . .

Outdoor movie

Come enjoy a film under the stars at the Interior Savings Moonlight Movie in Kelowna City Park (1600 Abbott St.) this Thursday, July 23. The free family event kicks off with a barbeque and kids’ activities at 7 p.m. before the movie starts at 9 p.m.

Music and arts

The Kelowna Music and Arts Festival will take over the city this weekend from Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26. Enjoy a bevy of live musical performances, sample an assortment of food, and be sure to take your little ones to the Safeway Family Area for arts and crafts. The festival will be held in Kelowna’s cultural district between Smith and Cawston Avenues. Visit www.festivalskelowna.com for a detailed schedule of events and for ticket info.

Upcoming events . . .

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 . . .

Big sale at Jack & Lola

Jack & lola in North Vancouver is currently having a summer fashion clearance sale, where you can save 50 per cent off all summer clothing. Drop by the store at 135 West 1st St., North Vancouver to check out the sale.

Holeys’ factory sale

Richmond-based Holeys Shoes is having a factory sale with awesome deals on all the Holeys products, hats, shoes, flip flops, backpacks for men, women and kids, Friday, July 24, noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, July 25, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, July 26, noon to 4 p.m. Up to 80% off. Cash, debit, Visa and MC. The factory sale is located at 2440 Viking Way, Richmond (one block North of Bridgeport Road, between Knight & No 6 Road).

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

B.C. archives

Brandy and Kevin Hughes are excited to announce the arrival of Cambria Kane, born at Lion's Gate Hospital on June 26 at 1:30 a.m. A little sister is exactly what big sister Scotia was hoping for!

Happy 1st Birthday sweet Ava. The past year with you has been filled with love, laughter, giggles, and fun, fun, fun! Love Mommy, Daddy, and big Sister Olivia.

Happy 4th Birthday Olivia! You bring us so much joy, laughter, silliness, and love. Much Love from Mommy, Daddy, Ava.... and your buddy, Leo the cat.

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 ~