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Around the Lower Mainland . . .

Mindful Eating for Babies and Toddlers

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.

World Rose fest

Take time to smell the roses at the World Rose Festival, Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21, Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre. Drop by the kids’ garden area.

Dance school performance

Fraser Valley Academy of Dance's annual school performance is scheduled for Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20 at the Clarke Theatre, Mission. Highlights include the one-act ballets Etudes and Peter & the Wolf, as well as the contemporary Rhapsody to Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. For more information, please contact the school at info@fvad.ca or 604-826-0097, or visit the website at www.fvad.ca. Please note that due to the road closures for the Mission Soapbox Derby on Saturday, June 20, access to the theatre that day will be from the lower end of Stave Lake Rd only. Tickets are on sale now at the Fraser Valley Academy of Dance, located next to Scotiabank at 33219 1st Ave., Mission. Tickets will also be available from the Clarke Theatre box office 30 minutes before each show.

Dad’s day cookie decorating

Kids are encouraged to drop by the Whole Foods Market at Park Royal on Friday, June 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. and decorate a special Father's Day treat for dad's big day. Cookie decorating is free. For more information, call 604-678-0500.

Have fun and help a good cause

Chip's Not Dead Yet is offering a rare opportunity to you and your family: to become part of a little slice of history. The second annual Chip's Not Dead Yet Memorial Mile is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 20, with all proceeds going to the BC Children's Hospital. The one-mile uphill race is run in themed waves. Last June, runners young and old busted up West 10th dressed as rockstars, bridesmaids, in their underwear, and more. Visit www.chipsnotdeadyet.com for all the details and to register.

Soapbox derby

Head out to Mission for the Soapbox Derby, Saturday, June 20, 9 a.m. For more details, visit online.

Anmore Saturday Market

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 Saturday, 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.

Community Day Parade

It’s the Community Day Parade and Celebration, Saturday, June 20, at Fraser Highway between 200th and 206th streets and Douglas Park in Langley. Parade starts at 10 a.m. and the fun celebrations, including children’s rides and activities, follow at Douglas Park. For information call 604-514-2800 or visit www.city.langley.bc.ca.

Boundary Bay Air Show

The annual Boundary Bay Air Show hits the air, Saturday, June 20, noon to 4:30 p.m., Boundary Bay Airport in Ladner. Check out aerial and static displays, children’s activities, prizes and more. Admission and parking are free.

Pirate academy

Check out the Vancouver Maritime Museum, Saturday, June 20, where children six to nine, get to discover how pirates work and live together navigating the open seas and searching for treasure. Cost is $12. For more information and to purchase tickets call 604 257-8300. Space is limited. Drop-in not permitted.

Dragon Boat fest

Paddles up! It’s the annual Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival, Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21 in False Creek, Vancouver. For all the event details, visit online.

Midsummer fest

Head over to the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, Scandinavian Community Centre in Burnaby. Lots of fun for the entire family.

Point Grey fiesta

Celebrating the first day of summer at the Point Grey Fiesta, Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., West 10th Avenue and Trimble Park, Vancouver. The day starts with an old-fashioned community parade along West 10th Avenue and ends with Chip's Not Dead Yet Memorial Mile and in between there are sidewalk sales, roving entertainment, festival rides, games, car show and more.

National Aboriginal Day

Drop by Vancouver Art Gallery to learn more about Aboriginal people and their contribution to make Canada the great nation that it has become Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21. For more event details, visit online.

Free fishing weekend

Come enjoy the province-wide free fishing weekend at Rice Lake in North Vancouver. Sunday, June 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No license required. Bring the whole family and learn how to fish, enjoy a wild salmon barbecue, take a tour of the Seymour Watershed, and win some great prizes. All fishing equipment is provided for free.

Greek Day fest

West Broadway Street between Macdonald and Blenheim in Kitsilano will be the site to the Greek Day Festival, Sunday, June 21, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Check out the kid’s zone and lots of fun Greek activities.

Father’s Day run

Help raise money for prostate cancer research with the Safeway Father’s Day Walk/Run for Prostate Cancer in Vancouver. Register before Saturday, June 20. Lots of fun for the whole family, including a bouncy castle, face painting and more. All the details and registration are available online.

Strawberry fundraiser

Fight cancers below the waist on Sunday, June 21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Emma Lea Farms, 2727 Westham Island Rd., Delta. There will be strawberry milkshakes, sundaes, barbecue hotdogs and face painting.

Father’s Day chow

In celebration of Father's Day, visit the Whole Foods Market on Cambie in Vancouver for a Father's Day Barbecue and treat dad to a burger or hot dog made with all natural B.C. beef, a slice of watermelon and beverage for $7, Sunday, June 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Whole Foods, 1675 Robson St., is holding a pancake breakfast for dad, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Farm Team Puppet Show

Celebrate National Aboriginal Day at John Hendry Park/Trout Lake in Vancouver with a puppet show He shoots he scores! Packed with plenty of action and laughs, the puppet show is suitable for kids aged four to nine years. Show is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 3:30 p.m.

Mustang show

On Father’s Day take dad to the Sounds of Summer Ford Mustang Show & Shine, Sunday, June 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kingsway Corporate Centre, 2071 Kingsway Ave., Port Coquitlam.

Fun at the Fort

Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada is scheduled to host a Father’s Day Barbecue and Aboriginal Day celebration, Sunday, June 21. Barbecue is scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets are required. Aboriginal Day events run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bullhead Derby

Spend Father's Day morning at Garry Point Park at the Bullhead Derby, on the southwest corner of Steveston, at 7th Avenue and Chatham Street, Sunday, June 21, 10 a.m. to noon. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day of fishing filled with prizes. For more details, visit online.

Sunday in the park

Treat dad to a Father’s Day pancake breakfast, Sunday, June 21, 9 a.m. to noon, Boundary Bay Regional Park in South Delta. Pancake breakfast will be served at the playground site at Centennial Beach. Music, face painting, and more. For information, call 604-224-5739.

A tie for dad

Visit Port Moody Station Museum for a Father’s Day event, Sunday, June 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stamp your name on a copper plaque and attach it to a rail tie for $10.

Saint Jean Baptiste Day

Celebrate the summer solstice and the French Canadian at the Saint Jean Baptiste Day, Sunday, June 21, noon to 3 p.m., Mackin Parc, 1046 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam. Free family event features t will be a barbecue, music, workshop, face painting, children’s games, and more.

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.

Around Vancouver Island . . .

Seaside Cruizers

Qualicum Beach is hosting the annual Seaside Cruizers Father’s Day Show ‘n Shine, Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21. Lots of cool cars to check out. For all the details, visit www.seasidecruizers.com.

Ocean Discovery Centre opens

Celebrate the grand opening of the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, Saturday, June 20, noon to 5 p.m., on the Sidney waterfront at Beacon Park. Opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. and doors open at noon.

Chemainus summer fest

It’s the Chemainus Summer Fest, Saturday, June 20, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Waterwheel parking lot, Chemainus. Enjoy a parade, pancake breakfast, artisans fair, tons of activities for the kids and more.

Cranberry Blossom fest

Enjoy the blossoms at the Cranberry Blossom festival, Sunday, June 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Yellow Point Cranberries, 4532 Yellow Point Rd., Ladysmith. Check out the hourly cranberry blossom tours of the 43-acre farm and hayrides, sample food, meet beekeepers and more.

Ceilidh in the Park

Spend some quality time with dad at the annual Father’s Day Céilidh in the Park. Hosted by Irish tenor Bert Johnston, you’ll be tapping your feet to live performances by the Hernandez Sisters, the BC Fiddle Orchestra, Cookeilidh, and the O’Brien Irish Dancers. "Céilidh" is the Gaelic word for an informal gathering of music, dance and storytelling, Sunday, June 21, 1:30 to 3:45 p.m., Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park, Victoria. Admission is free.

Around Okanagan . . .

Aboriginal fest

Head out to Kelowna City Park, 1600 Abbott St., Kelowna, for a multicultural festival celebrating Canada’s Aboriginal people hosted by the Ki-low-na Friendship Society, Saturday, June 20.

Family art day

Drop by the Kelowna Art Gallery, Sunday, June 21, 1 p.m., for Family Sundays where you can enjoy hands-on activities for children and adults.

Upcoming events . . . (0 *New*)

Langley Canada Day

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

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 . . .

None this week

Sales scoop . . .

Save on cool tees *NEW*

Blue Bear Aware is a Vancouver-based online retailer of fun and fashionable accessories for kids with allergies and anaphylaxis. Now until June 30, get 15 per cent off all regular priced stuff with coupon code: moad69. If you've got a budding artist, they've also got a cool teen t-shirt design contest on now with a $100 prize for the winner, nice!

Modishly fab sale *NEW*

Modish Monkeys has extended their 50 per cent off sale on all Modish kids' Clothing until July 10th. They are an Edmonton-based online retailer of organic baby stuff and are working to bring awareness (and relief) to childhood asthma, allergies and eczema. All Bumbo and Cooshie chairs are also 30 per cent off until July 10.

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

B.C. archives

June 4th, 2009 big brother Hudson and big sister Findlay were thrilled to welcome their new sister, Sienna Hanna Gwen. We are all thrilled with our long awaited new arrival. We all love you!!

Here's wishing sweet baby Addison a wonderful first birthday on June 14, 2009! You've brought us so much joy! All our love, your big sister Makenna, Mommy & Daddy xoxoxo

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