Around town BC . . .

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Around the Lower Mainland . . .

Here comes Thomas!

West Coast Railway Heritage Park, 39645 Government Rd., Squamish, hosts the Day Out With Thomas event where preschoolers and their families get to take a ride with a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine, Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more details and tickets, visit www.thomasandfriends.com.

Dinosaurs in Metrotown

Burnaby’s Metrotown shopping centre will host Dinosaurs Unearthed starting this Friday, June 12, at the mall’s Grand and Atrium courts. Until September 20, kids will have the chance to learn about fossils, check out skeletons, and imagine what it was like on earth thousands of years ago by watching animatronic dinos.

Medieval Market

The Surrey Museum is presenting a tot tour, Friday, June 12 to teach little ones aged 3 to 6 about medieval times. The educational event features crafts and games. Sessions run from 11 a.m. to noon and again from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Pre-registration is required.

Party in Hamilton

Richmond’s Hamilton community is hosting a free, family-friendly festival this Friday, June 12. From 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the area’s McLean Neighbourhood Park on 22500 McLean Ave. will come alive with rides, games, and crafts for children.

Suter Brook Village fair

Head out to Port Moody’s new Suter Brook Village, located off the corner of Murray Street and Ioco Road, for a country fair, Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m. to 3p.m. Enjoy a free day of activities and entertainment for the entire family, including bouncy castle, slide and more.

Go fly a kite

The Pacific Rim Kite Festival will celebrate its 34th year this Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14 at Vanier Park in Vancouver. The free outdoor event will feature a kids’ kite-making workshop, face painting, live music, and lots of colourful kites, of course. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Celebrating community

The Newton community in Surrey is celebrating its 14th annual festival this Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A pancake breakfast will kick things off at 9 a.m. at the Newton Seniors Centre, 13775-70 Ave. The remainder of the festival, which takes place on the Centre’s property, will feature a bouncy castle, face painting, and balloon twisting.

Oak Meadows Park opening

Everyone is invited to celebrate the opening of South Cambie’s Oak Meadows Park, Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m. to noon. Fun includes entertainment, ultimate sport demos, cake and more. The park is located on the site of the former Shaughnessy Golf Course, 37th Avenue at Oak Street) in Vancouver.

Get the Word Out

The annual Enterprising Moms Business Conference, presented by SHE Financial, is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the River Rock Casino in Richmond. This year's theme is Get the Word Out! And explores all the various ways to promote your business. Speakers include mom entrepreneur Claire Newell (Jubliee Travel Best Bets/Global TV), PR genius George Affleck (Curve Communications,) social media guru Rebecca Bollwitt
(Miss 604), and marketing extraordinaire Fiona Walsh (FM Walsh and Associates) plus all the resources and shopping for moms. Admission is free with a donation made at the door to the Ronald McDonald House. There is also a networking evening being held at the River Rock afterwards from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with drinks, appetizers and Kelley Scarsbrook, president of Enterprising Moms Network will be speaking on The Power of Believing in You. Also, special guests will be attending from the media. To purchase your ticket for the evening, visit www.enterprisingmomsnetwork.com.

Hockey lovers welcome

CBC‘s Hockey Night in Canada presents Play On! in Vancouver this weekend, a national hockey street tournament and outdoor hockey festival. Starting Saturday, June 13 and ending Sunday, June 14, the event will feature seven city blocks of street hockey rinks for competitors of all ages. There will also be appearances by former NHL players as well as games and prizes. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days. Come watch the fun in front of GM Place, 800 Block Abbott St., Downtown Vancouver, or sign up to organize a street hockey team at www.playon.ca.

Kids’ cancer awareness

Sears department store brings its cross-country National Kids Cancer Ride to Coquitlam this Saturday, June 13. Stopping at the Sears Coquitlam at 2929 Barnet Highway, the event will feature a pancake breakfast, face painting, and balloon twisting. The tour’s stop runs from 10 a.m. to noon.

Family skinny dip

The Newton Wave Pool in Surrey is hosting another family-friendly nude swim night this Saturday, June 13. From 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month, bathing suits are optional. For more information on the event, call 604-484-7957.

Teddy bear picnic

Grab your favourite teddy bear — the 2009 Teddy Beach Picnic is back this Sunday, June 14 at the Coquitlam Town Centre Stadium at 1290 Pipeline Rd., Coquitlam. A parade starting at Coquitlam Centre Mall, 2929 Barnet Highway, will kick off the revelry at 10 a.m. and the picnic itself will begin at 11 a.m. Kids will have their pick from a variety of activities, including mini golf, puppet shows, and story telling. The picnic closes at 4:30 p.m. For more information, e-mail admanager@tricitynews.com.

Sapperton Day

New Westminster’s Sapperton neighbourhood is throwing its annual Sapperton Days Street Festival, Sunday, June 14. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the community will transform into a true carnival with clowns, a petting zoo, street performers, and a pirate bouncy castle. The festival runs along the 400 block of East Columbia Street, between Braid and Sherbrooke.

Car Free Vancouver

Various Vancouver neighbourhoods will celebrate a car free day, Sunday, June 14. Commercial Drive is throwing a party from noon to 6 p.m. between Venables and 1st Avenue with street hockey and a roller disco. Main Street will host its own festivities between 12th Avenue and 25th Avenue from noon to 8 p.m. The West End’s merriment will take place on Denman Street between Davie and Robson. Finally, Kitsilano will throw a number of block parties around the community with live music and performances. For details, contact kitsilano@carfreevancouver.org.

Golden Gate Bridge opening

This Metro Vancouver bridge is finally ready, and the occasion will be marked with a completion celebration, Sunday, June 14. The celebration starts at 11 a.m. and will take place outdoors on the bridge deck, featuring live music, dancing, and games. Free parking will be available at the Langley Events Centre, Colossus Langley, Pitt Meadows Regional Airport, Westcoast Express Pitt Meadows Station, and at the Westcoast Express Maple Meadows Station. Free shuttles will be provided from these parking lots to drop off guests at various points of the bridge.

Football for the fans

The BC Lions will hold a free fan fest event, Sunday, June 14 at the Abbotsford Exhibition Park at 32444 Haida Dr., Abbotsford. From 1 to 5 p.m., kids will get to meet their favorite Lions players as well as enjoy food and games.

Children’s festival

The Mission Arts Council is hosting its annual Fraser Valley children’s festival, Sunday, June 14 in Mission. Starting at 10:30 a.m., the Fraser River Heritage Park off Mary Street will bustle with events like a bike-decorating contest, singalongs, and storytelling.

Around Vancouver Island . . .

Kid-friendly CD

The Kerplunks are celebrating their latest CD with a release party on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14 in Nanaimo. Saturday’s event will be held at the German Cultural Hall at 71 Caledonia Ave., while Sunday’s festivities will take place the Gabriola Island Community Hall on 2202 South Rd. Both parties run from noon to 2 p.m. For more information, call 250-247-9488.

Sommerfest

The Victoria German School is hosting its annual Sommerfest celebration this Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will take place at the Lansdowne campus in Camosun College at 3100 Foul Bay Rd., Victoria. Activities include a bouncy castle, German food, and a book and toy sale.

Ahoy matey!

From Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14, the annual Buccaneer Days brings pirates and fun to Esquimalt. The three-day extravaganza will be held at the Archie Browning Sport Centre on 1151 Esquimalt Rd. Activities include a barbeque, live music, and a parade. For a detailed schedule of events, visit online.

Around Okanagan . . .

Fat cat festival

The annual Fat Cat Children’s Festival is taking place again in Kelowna this weekend from Saturday, June 12 to Sunday, June 13 in Waterfront Park. A parade will kick things off at 10 a.m. on Bertrand Avenue. Admission is $5 per person and proceeds go to the Children’s Festival Society of Kelowna. Children aged 2 and under are free. Family passes can be purchased at any Interior Savings branch. To download a schedule of events, visit www.fatcatfestival.ca.

Family showcase

The Okanagan Family Showcase is coming to Okanagan Mission Hall on 4409 Lakeshore Rd., Kelowna, this Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the free event will feature a variety of products for growing families. There will also be a children’s fashion show and live performances.

Upcoming events . . . (4 *New*)

Mindful Eating for Babies and Toddlers *NEW*

We all need to eat each day - and our children need to eat meals and snacks every few hours. Each feeding is an opportunity to practice mindfulness, to build a positive feeding relationship, to secure attachment and ground the family. Join nutritionist Victoria Pawlowski for an inspiring and practical discussion about how and what to feed your baby in a way that makes sense, Friday June 19, 10 a.m., the new Whole Foods Market at Cambie and Broadway in Vancouver. Preregistration required. E-mail vanessa.pratt@wholefoods.com.

Anmore Saturday Market *NEW*

Celebrate the start of summer at the Anmore Saturday Market, Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Spirit Park (behind Village Hall) in the Village of Anmore. Shop from loads of certified organic produce and other products for sale as well as free Mini Golf and a fun and interactive Kids Art in the Park event. More information, please contact Tracy Green 604-461-0480 or tracy@greenhands.ca

Learn to Garden

The Surrey Nature Centre presents Garden With Me, on June 20, 10 a.m. to noon where families will be able to learn how to grow plants and vegetables. Admission is free and all gardening equipment is provided.

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.

Langley Canada Day *NEW*

Langley Canada Day Celebration is so big it takes two days to celebrate. The fun starts on Tuesday, June 30, 3 to 11 p.m. and continues on Wednesday, July 1 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at McLeod Athletic Park (across from the Langley Airport, 56 Avenue and 216 Street). Fireworks both nights at 10:30 p.m. All day wristbands available for the kids so they can stay and play all day while parents can check out over 100 crafter, vendor and sponsor displays. Entrance is by donation, parking is free and there are numerous free activities for the whole family to enjoy including dog shows, horse shows, ongoing stage entertainment, gymnastics demonstrations, firefighters, a car show and so much more. For the event schedule and details visit www.langleycanadaday.ca.

Trusting your intuition *NEW*

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.

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 2, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Sage Midwifery, 105-5450 122nd St., Surrey, and 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.

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. Please view the website at 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 . . . (1 *NEW*)

Baby and Toddler Fair *NEW*

White Rock is hosting a kids’ swap Saturday, June 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Star of the Sea Community Centre at 15262 Pacific Ave. The event will feature over 80 tables of items for babies and kids. There will also be a free play area for little ones while Mom shops around as well as face painting and free balloons. To set up your own table or for more information, e-mail info@babyandtoddlerfair.com.

Sales scoop . . .

Paul Frank warehouse sale *NEW*

Head out to 7731 Alderbridge Way in Richmond for the Paul Frank Warehouse Sale, Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except for Thursday and Friday when it’s open until 9 p.m.) where you can save up to 80 per cent off shirts, hoodies, bags, accessories, sleepwear and much more for the entire family.

La Senza sale *NEW*

Stock up on undergarments at the La Senza semi-annual online sale. Get 10 panties for $25, bras start $9.99 and more. Free shipping on orders more than $89.

Old Navy sale *NEW*

Now until June 21, all regular priced men's stuff is half off at Old Navy. They're calling this the Better Half/Off Sale.

Big Please Mum sale *NEW*

Please Mum has a great sale on now, in store and online with up to 50 per cent off everything. New arrivals are marked down by 25 per cent. Click here for store locator. No coupon or code required.

Shop and help raise money

Summer shopping spectacular, fundraiser for Lions Gate Christian Academy, June 19, 7 to 10 p.m., Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver. Tickets are $100 and available by call 604-984-8226. Fashion show featuring the Jaqueline Conoir Collection, vendors, silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and more.

Swimwear sample sale *NEW*

Anna Kosturova is having a warehouse sale, June 24 to 26, noon to 7 p.m. daily, 151 W. Hastings St., Vancouver (Asia Imports Building at Cambie and Hastings). Save up to 70 per cent off on selected styles of crochet swimwear, cover-ups, cotton and silk resortwear. Regular merchandise and samples of ladies and kids collections.

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

B.C. archives

Happy first birthday to our monkey Jake on June 13. We love you very much. Love 'n hugs: Daddy, Mommy and Jayden

Happy first birthday Sonia, We love you! Hugs and kisses from Mommy, Daddy, Luke and Babi!

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