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Around the Lower Mainland . . .

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.

Celebrating the new Canada Line

On Saturday, June 27, Oakridge Centre, 650 West 41st Ave., Vancouver, will host Design for Diversity, a free community event celebrating the completion of local construction on the new Canada Line. From noon to 5 p.m., there will be live music and dancing, and the public can also work with artist Liz Calvin to design street mosaics for the corner of West 41st and Cambie. Additionally, outdoor activities from participating merchants can be found along Cambie Street between West 39th and 43rd. For more information, call Nick Seliwoniuk at 604-484-3259.

Cree music and dance

Saturday, June 27, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., join in for a workshop with Art Napoleon, a popular children’s musician and funnyman, who will tell stories and teach kids Cree chants, drumming, culminating in a traditional friendship dance, at ArtStarts gallery for young people’s art, 808 Richards St. (at Robson) in Vancouver. Cost is free. No pre-registration required. Ideal for five to 12 year olds but all ages welcome.

Webster’s Corners Day

Webster's Corners Community invites everyone to come celebrate the area’s heritage this Saturday, June 27 at Webster’s Corner Elementary School at 25554 Dewdney Trunk Rd., Maple Ridge. Try your luck at a pie-eating contest, or learn more about the region through historic displays. There will also be games and interactive activities for kids of all ages. Tea and goodies will be served between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call Mary Robinson at 604-463-3333, extension 2.

Grand opening

TransLink is throwing a celebration Saturday, June 27, to mark the official opening of the Central Valley Greenway, a 24-kilometre path pedestrian and bike bath running through Burnaby and New Westminster. From noon to 3 p.m., a family-friendly celebration will be held at the Winston Overpass near the Sperling-Burnaby Lake SkyTrain station in Burnaby to mark the event. Enjoy a free barbecue, a children’s booth, and dance performances.

Kilts and bagpipes

The BC Highland Games and Scottish Festival is back this Saturday, June 27 at the Percy Perry Stadium in Town Centre Park off David Avenue (formerly Coquitlam Town Centre Stadium) in Coquitlam. Scottish dance competitions will kick things off at 8:30 a.m. followed by the official opening of the games at noon. Check out such Scottish traditions as bagpipe playing, hammer tossing, and stone putting. There’s also a main stage with various live musical acts and lots of activities for the kids. All lassies and gents welcome!

Storytelling mission

Pedagogy Toy Store at 424 Columbia St. East, New Westminster, is hosting a storytelling morning this Saturday, June 27. From 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., Agent Story, a.k.a. Laura Thomas, will perform rhymes and tales from her debut CD Agent Story: Tales from the Briefcase. For details, call 604-359-3459.

Midsummer Fete

Celebrate the local fauna and flora at the Midsummer Fete in Coquitlam’s Colony Farm Regional Park off Highway 7 this Saturday, June 27. From 1 to 5 p.m., enjoy dancing, live music, storytelling and visual arts in the park.

Festival of India

Surrey’s Holland Park (Old Yale Road and King George Highway) will host the Festival of India, Saturday, June 27. From noon to 9 p.m., the free family event will feature instrumental recitals, dance performances, singing, and many other activities. Raffles and prizes will also be available.

Riley Park festival

Little Mountain Neighbourhood House and Riley Park Community Centre host an annual festival celebrating our unique and diverse community, Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Riley Park Community Centre in Vancouver. Spend the day at this family event and enjoy a wide variety of free activities and entertainment for all ages. Highlights include bouncy castle, face painting, story tent, games, ethnic food, and much more. Event runs rain or shine.

Toons for Toddlers

Enjoy a day at the movie theatre with the munchkins as the next Toons for Toddlers (TFT) is scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 10:30 a.m. at the Ridge Theatre in Vancouver. From the organizer of Movies For Mommies, TFT allows children to see their favourite programs and characters on the big screen. Screening time is 60 minutes. Each child will receive a surprise Super Why! & Sid the Science Kid souvenir. Sound levels are lowered, and lights are left on a low setting. Admission is $5 per toddler. Adults and babies are free when accompanied by toddlers. Full info www.toonsfortoddlers.com.

Craft fair

Port Moody secondary is hosting a Summer Craft Fair, Sunday, June 28, at Place Maillardville at 1200 Cartier Ave. in Coquitlam. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., artwork from artists and students around the community will be on display. There will also be music, food, and an interactive crafts table for kids. Admission is by donation.

Multicultural Festival

Bonsor Complex, 6550 Bonsor Ave., Burnaby, is throwing a Multicultural Festival, Sunday, June 28. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the community centre will bustle with children’s arts and crafts, entertainment from across the globe, and tasty ethnic eats.

Family Sunday

The Richmond Art Gallery, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond, is hosting a family art day, Sunday, June 28, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Families can drop in to create their own pieces of artwork. The event is free and welcome to all ages. For more information, call 604-247-8312.

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.

1920s Canada Day

Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby, is throwing a Canada Day party, Wednesday, July 1. Wander around the 1920s-themed village streets and experience how our nation’s birthday was celebrated nearly 100 years ago. There will be displays and demonstrations throughout the day. Admission is free.

Granville Island spectacular

There won’t be any shortage of activities on Granville Island for Canada Day, Wednesday, July 1. The 10th Annual Canada Day Parade runs from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., ending in Ron Basford Park. Following that is the official Canada Day ceremony, where everyone can join in on a rousing version of O Canada. A complimentary Canada Day cake will finish the ceremony at 2:30 p.m. There will also be free jazz, lots of yummy food, face painting, and street performers throughout the day.

Surrey Canada Day

Check out B.C.’s largest Canada Day party! Running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, in the Cloverdale Amphitheatre in Surrey, there’ll be various activities for kids as well as performances from Bif Naked and 54-40. There will also be rides and carnival games. The day finishes off with a fireworks ceremony.

Canada Day in North Van

North Vancouver will celebrate Canada Day this Wednesday, July 1 in Waterfront Park on the 200 block of West Esplanade. From noon to 4:30 p.m., there will be live music, jugglers, dancing, and balloon artists. Prior to that, check out the North Shore Canada Day Parade. It begins with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. on Grand Boulevard Park at 14th Street. At 10 a.m., the parade gets started at 13th Street and Grand Boulevard and runs along Lonsdale.

Canada Place extravaganza

As always, Canada Place will be the hub of Canada Day activity. On Wednesday, July 1, a new street festival will begin in front of the Downtown Vancouver complex from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. From there, wander up to West Georgia and Broughton where the first annual Canada Day parade kicks off at 7 p.m. And of course, to cap things off, the Burrard Inlet fireworks show will wow all at 10:30 p.m.

Maritime Museum festivities

The Maritime Museum at 1905 Ogden Ave., Vancouver, is offering Canada Day activities and crafts on Wednesday, July 1 between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The admission for children will be free with a paying adult that day. For more information, call 604-257-8300.

Pain management during labour

Acubalance is offering a free acupressure course to couples for pain management during labour July 2, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Sage Midwifery, 105-5450 122nd St., Surrey. This workshop is designed to empower expectant couples and equip them with more tools to navigated through their labours. Another workshop is scheduled for July 28, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Pomegranate Community Midwives, 2647 East Hastings, Vancouver.

Around Vancouver Island . . .

Celebrating diversity

Nanaimo is hosting a Multiculturalism Festival, Saturday, June 27 from noon to 4 p.m., in the Old City Quarter. Throughout downtown Nanaimo, there’ll be interactive cultural displays, henna, tasty ethnic foods, and live performances. Kids can enter the children’s tent on Wesley Street for face painting and African hair braiding.

Mmm . . . . strawberries

On Saturday, June 27, there will be a Strawberry Fair in Victoria's Bastion Square. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., come enjoy a delicious assortment of baked strawberry goods, as well as the berries au naturel. There's also a strawberry pie baking contest, free entertainment for all ages, and a 'berried' treasure for the kids.

Canada Day at the Gorge

Celebrate Canada Day along the Gorge Waterway in Saanich with a pancake breakfast, family parade, stage entertainment, classic cars, kids’ activities, canoe rides, buskers' corner, street hockey, Strawberry Tea, Canada Day market, and more, Wednesday, July 1, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fort Rodd Canada Day

Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site, 603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd., hosts Canada Day celebrations for Victoria's West Shore, Wednesday, July 1, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy children's activities, music, cake and more.

Victoria Canada Day celebrations

From 2 to 10:30 p.m., check out Victoria’s annual Canada Day celebrations at the Parliament buildings. Highlights include the Coast Capital Savings Kids Activity Area and fireworks at 10:30 p.m. For the schedule of events, visit www.victoria.ca.

Organic Islands fest

The Organic Islands Festival and Sustainability Expo is scheduled for Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Glendale Gardens and Woodland, 505 Quayle Rd., in Victoria. New this year is the Children’s Village is a half-acre of interactive exhibits, eco-friendly children’s vendors, play zone and earthy fun. Children 12 and under free. Tickets from $7.50 and up. Buy Advance Tickets online and save 25 per cent. More Info available at www.organicislands.ca or 250-658-8148.

Around Okanagan . . .

Westside Daze

Head out to Johnson Bentley Memorial Park and Gallatly Bay, West Kelowna, for four days of free family fun, including pancake breakfasts, barbecue, fireworks, kids’ fair, parade, hot air balloon rides and more, Saturday, June 27 to Tuesday, June 30.

Art for the whole family

It's Family Sunday once again this Sunday, June 28 at the Kelowna Art Gallery at 1315 Water St., Kelowna. This Sunday's theme is all about Canada in anticipation for Canada Day. Come create your own art between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pony rides

Kelowna's Willow Grove riding school at 4720 Postill Dr. is offering kids the chance to interact with and ride a pony this Tuesday, June 30. Arts and crafts will also be available. Rides are available starting at 9:30 a.m. and admission is $5. For more information, call 250-808-0215.

Library fun

Kelowna's Westbank Library at 2494 Main St. is hosting a ventriloquist and magician, Tuesday, June 30 from 10 to 11 a.m. Come check out this free event and prepare to be entertained!

Celebrate Canada Day

Drop by Waterfront Park and Prospera Place in Kelowna from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, to enjoy hours of live music and other family entertainment, a multicultural food fair, a children's activity area, multicultural displays, arts and crafts, a citizenship ceremony, and fireworks at 10:30 p.m. in front of Tug Boat Bay. For more details, visit online.

Upcoming events . . . (2 *New*)

Fun at Buttercups *NEW*

Buttercups Children's Boutique, 4877 Delta St., Ladner, is inviting all existing and new customers to a meet and greet party, Saturday, July 4, 2 to 5 p.m. Bring the kids in for cake, balloons, and raffle draws for products from the store, and a grand prize of a Bella Babies photo shoot. Call Catherine or Alisha at 604-946-3997 for more details.

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 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.

Agoo Kids Active Day *NEW*

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.

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. 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 . . .

Artisan Fair

Township 7 Vineyards and Winery, 21152 16th Ave. (at 212th Street), in Langley is hosting an Artisan Fair, Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rain or shine, the fair will feature local artists, artisans, including Homeworks Etc., children’s hands-on fun area, food vendors and barbecue, music and more.

Westcoast Baby sale

BC-based online retailer Westcoast Baby is having a 20% off site wide sale. Not sure when the sale ends so grab the deals while you can, no coupon code necessary.

Summer sale at dandelion KIDS

Dandelion KIDS annual summer sale is on now. Save up to 50 per cent off select styles of boys, girls, and infants shoes and clothes. Plus, enjoy 25 per cent off selected toys, Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28. Dandelion KIDS is located at 1206 Commercial Dr., Vancouver and in Suter Brook Village in Port Moody.

Sale at Buttercups

Starting Wednesday, July 1, Buttercups Children's Boutique, 4877 Delta St., Ladner, is offering 20 per cent all children’s consignment clothing.

Sale at Babycheeks

Babycheeks Boutique in South Surrey is offering up to 30 per cent off select summer stock including lines like noppies, Glug, Mini Mioche, Ben Sherman and lots more.

Tonic Warehouse Sale

Vancouver designed and manufactured yoga and active line for women, Tonic is sold internationally and they are having a huge warehouse sale in Burnaby this weekend with 50 to 70% off, Friday, June 26, 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, June 28, noon to 5 p.m., 3470 William St., Burnaby. Think capris, yoga bras and shorts, athletic tanks and more! Cash and Visa.

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

B.C. archives

Happy 3rd Birthday to our beautiful Gabrielle! "For smiles and giggles, kisses and wiggles, princesses and bugs, 3 years of hugs." What would we do without you! We love you so much, Mommy and Daddy xo

Happy 4th Birthday to our little prince, Nicolas. Thank you for all the smiles, giggles and love that you have brought us throughout the past 4 years. You bring sunshine to our lives every day and you make "our" world a better place. We love you sooooooo much and can't believe what a big boy you have become. Lots and lots of love, Mommy, Daddy, Mikaela and Mama & Papa xoxoxoxo

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