Thursday, March 5, 2009 - B.C. edition

Around town . . .

Vancouver Island | Okanagan | Upcoming | Ongoing | Sales |

GREATER VANCOUVER . . .

Kids story hour

Whole Foods Market at Park Royal in West Vancouver is hosting a Kids Story Hour, Thursday, March 5 and 12, 10 a.m. Open to all ages, and especially geared towards young ones and parents. Yummy treats as well. Free to kids club members.

Tot Tour

Children three to six years are invited to participate in Surrey Museum’s Tot Tour: First Kids, a chance to learn about the First Nations of Surrey and Canada through tours of the Iroquois Beadwork exhibit, crafts and games Friday, March 6, 11 a.m. to noon or 1 to 2 p.m. Cost is $6. Please pre-register by calling 604-592-6956.

Family concert series

Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver presents Red Sky Raven Stole the Sun, Sunday, March 8, 2 p.m.

Birds of prey in flight

Starting Saturday, March 7, the Vancouver Aquarium presents the birds of prey in flight show until June 28.

Highlands preschool annual sale

Check out the Highlands Preschool Annual Children's Sale, Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Highlands Preschool, 3255 Edgemont Blvd., North Vancouver, where you’ll find more than 65 tables of new and used children’s products.

Kids Only Swap Meet

Thompson Community Centre, 5151 Granville Ave., Richmond, hosts a Kids Only Swap Meet, Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Attention gardeners

It’s the annual manure sale at VanDusen Gardens, in the parking lot at 37th Avenue and Oak Street, Vancouver, Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Festival du Bois

Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., head out to the Festival du Bois, a celebration of Canadian folk, Celtic and world music, dance, craft and food. Scheduled to be held at Mackin Park in Coquitlam’s Maillardville neighbourhood.

Discover trees

Find out all about the trees in your neighbourhood during an outdoor experience with your children, ages three to five, at Burnaby Lake Regional Park, Saturday, March 7, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Call Metro Vancouver Regional Parks at 604-432-6359 to register.

How to nurture your marriage

Join Baby Steps Coaching’s Sarah Dakin and her interactive session on exploring ways to nurture your relationship with your partner. This workshop will look at the benefits of clear communication, the importance of appreciation, and the strategies to build mutual respect. Session is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. to noon, Library Square Children’s Centre, 401-345 Robson St., Vancouver. Participation is free with a Vancouver Society of Children’s Centre’s membership. To register, call 604-718-6555.

Munsch Alley

Carousel Theatre in Vancouver presents Munsch Alley, the stories of Robert Munsch, Saturday, March 7 to 28. For show times and ticket information, visit www.carouseltheatre.ca or call 604-685-6217.

Gotta Be Kiddin

Once again it’s the Gotta Be Kiddin consumer show, Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, at the Ag-Rec in Abbotsford. Targeted to families with children of all ages.

Spring living fair

Celebrate ethical living and support local businesses at the Spring Living Fair and Fashion Show, Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St., Vancouver. Saturday is the ecoproduct and service fair and Sunday is the ecofashion show and market.

Baby and me snowshoe time

Mount Seymour in North Vancouver is currently holding a baby and me snowshoe drop-in Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., until March 24. Cost per drop-in is $35 and give you a chance to enjoy a 90-minute guided snowshoe tour followed by a tea and social.

Need a babysitter?

Lullaby League’s next mixer, where you can find a pool of potential babysitters, is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 7:30 p.m., at Caramel Salon in Vancouver. To register, visit the Lullaby League online.

Emergency preparedness for the family

Learn to be prepared in the event of a major emergency or disaster, including potential hazards Delta may face, how to develop a family emergency plan, emergency procedures for fire, flood, earthquake and more, at the personal and family emergency preparedness course, Tuesday, March 10, 7 to 9 p.m., Ladner Community Centre.

Free music classes

Music Together Phoenix Song is offering the following free music classes: Wednesday, March 11, 10 a.m. at Alpen Loft Yoga Studio, Garibaldi Highlands in Squamish; Tuesday, March 24, 6:30 p.m. at Broadmoor Baptist Church, Richmond; Thursday, March 26, 10:30 or 11:30 a.m. at Panther Cheer Athletics, Richmond; Friday, March 27, 10:30 or 11:30 a.m. at St. Anselm's Anglican Church, Vancouver. RSVP to Anna King by phone 604-327-5165 or e-mail as space is limited. For more information please visit www.mtphoenixsong.com.

VANCOUVER ISLAND . . .

Be a tourist in your own town

Thanks to stellar deals, you know have a chance to be a tourist in your own hometown of Victoria, now until Sunday, March 8. Once again, 59 venues will be participating and you’ll have a chance to check out the hot tourist spots for really good prices. For more information and to order tickets, call Tourism Victoria's information line at 953-2033 or visit our website at www.attractions.com.

Home and garden show

The Canadian Home Builders present Spring Home and Garden Show, Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8, Save-On-Food Memorial Centre in Victoria. Home renovation guru Mike Holmes, host of Holmes on Homes, will be there along with some other popular individuals. Tickets available through Select Your Tickets: in person at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre box office, by phone at 250-220-7777, or online at www.selectyourtickets.com.

Free skate

Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Rd., Victoria, is hosting a Coast Capital free Skate including rental, Saturday, March 7, 12:40 to 1:50 p.m.

Comox Valley Seedy Saturday

Check out Comox Valley Seedy Saturday: Community Seed Exchange and Horticulture Trade Fair, Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton, Courtenay.

West Coast Women’s Show

In Nanaimo, check out the West Coast Women’s Show, Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, Beban Park Auditorium, 2300 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo.

Orchid Show

Drop by the Victoria Orchid Show, Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the University of Victoria student union building.

Hobby and toy fair

Attention hobby and toy lovers! Ever wonder what happened to the GI Joe you buried in the back yard? Feel guilty about cutting off Barbie’s hair? Come delight your inner child and discover a fun day with a blast from-the-past atmosphere at the Hobby and Toy Fair, Sunday, March 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pearkes Arena, 3100 Tillicum Rd., Victoria. Check out action figures, vintage toys, LEGO, Star Wars, Hot Wheels, win prizes and more. E-mail cbtoys@telus.net for more info or phone 250-385-8697.

Great library programs in Victoria

Don’t forget to keep up to date on all the great programs for babies, kids, and families, including author readings, and special events the Victoria Public Library (various branches) has to offer! Visit online for the entire scoop.

OKANAGAN . . .

Movie for kids

Check out a screening for kids with the movie of Marley & Me, Saturday, March 7, 1:30 p.m., Creekside Theatre, 10241 Bottom Wood Lake Rd., Kelowna. Reservation phone line is 250-766-9309.

Maple Fest

Enjoy Maple Fest: Maple Taffy, Folk Music and Traditional Food, Sunday, March 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kelowna Fish & Game, 4087 Casorso Rd, Kelowna. Tickets available at the door: adults $5 and children $3.

Children’s festival

On Sunday, March 8, 1 to 3 p.m., it’s the If The World Were A Village Children's Festival, a festival for children 12 and under and their family, at the Parkinson Recreation Centre, 1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna. Lots of multicultural fun to be had.

Network meeting for mom entrepreneurs

Enterprising Moms Network is coming to Kelowna. The first Kelowna chapter meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The first meeting will be a fun, interactive one to fill you in about EMN and how they can help support your business. The first meeting is always free for guests. To register for this meeting, please visit www.enterprisingmomsnetwork.com or contact chapter leader Nicole McNichol at nicpeder@hotmail.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS . . . (4 NEW EVENTS)

Whole Foods Market fun *NEW*

Drop by Park Royal Whole Foods Market in West Vancouver, Thursday, March 12, 1 to 3 p.m., for the Kids Club Lunch Ahoy. Make pirate hats and snacks. Free to Kids Club members. On Friday, March 13, 1 to 3 p.m. Whole Foods is also hosting Kids Club Guess What Gooey Muck. Stop by the store to play a game of guess the Whole Foods Market food. Enjoy gross party food snacks too. On Tuesday, March 17, 1 to 3 p.m., celebrate St. Paddy’s day with the Kids Club St. Patrick’s Day cookies decorating. Decorate a four-leaf clover cookie and have the luck of the Irish!

First Nations dance festival

UBC Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver presents We ya hani nah Coastal First Nations Dance Festival, March 14 and 15. For all the details, visit online.

Spring Break at Fort Langley

Let your kids enjoy spring break exploring Fort Langley’s fur trading post, March 14 to 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Play games, take a tour, pan for gold and more.

Forensic science for kids *NEW*

Learn more about how the police use fingerprints, bullets, bugs, impressions or blood to solve crimes, during a spring break event, Forensic Science for Kids, March 14 to 21, at the Vancouver Police Museum, 240 E. Cordova, Vancouver.

All aboard spring break fun *NEW*

Children's Farmyard and Miniature Railway at Stanley Park in Vancouver will be open for spring break everyday from March 14 to 22, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cherry Blossom Festival *NEW*

March 16 to April 24, it’s the annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. Visit www.vcbf.ca for the events calendar and locations.

Dora and Diego

Meet Dora the Explorer and Diego, Friday, March 20, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 p.m., at Capilano Mall in North Vancouver. Meet and greet tickets will be available at the lotto centre starting March 12 by donation.

Mindfully Feeding Our Toddlers

Join registered dietician and clinical counsellor Victoria Pawlowski, consultant to Capers Whole Foods Markets, in the Mindfully Feeding our Toddlers seminar Saturday, Mar. 21 at 10 a.m. at Cambie Capers Whole Foods Markets at 16th and Cambie in Vancouver. Issues covered will include power struggles and picky eaters. This seminar is free, but will fill up quickly, so pre-register by e-mail to victoria@springwellnutrition.com.

Orchid festival

The Vancouver Orchid Festival and Sale will bloom at the VanDusen Botanical Garden Floral Hall, 5251 Oak St., Vancouver, on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22. This is your chance to buy an orchid for a loved one or for yourself and add beauty to your home while giving a little TLC to A Loving Spoonful, which is a volunteer-driven, non-partisan society that provides free, nutritious meals to people living with HIV/AIDS in Greater Vancouver. Visit online for more details.

Family fun night (date correction)

Help your child get ready for kindergarten with a fun family night, Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., March 24, April 21 and May 12, in the ParkLane Room at Port Moody Library, 100 Newport Dr., Port Moody. Build important pre-reading skills with stories, alphabet crafts, and take home activities. For children three to six with parent/caregiver. Drop-in, no registration required.

Kids’ stuff swapmeet

Help raise money for Gleneagle secondary’s aftergrad event by dropping by the kids’ stuff swapmeet, March 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gleneagle secondary, 1195 Lansdowne Dr., Coquitlam.

L’IL Rascals Kids Swap Meet

Once again it’s the L’IL Rascals Kids Swap Meet, April 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Chilliwack Heritage Park, 44140 Luckakuck Way, Chilliwack. Early bird admission is $5, and admission after 10 a.m. is $3. Children’s admission is free. To book a table (200 are available at $25 each), call Tammy at 604-858-4034 or e-mail lilrascalsswap@telus.net.

Preschool yard sale *NEW*

Village Parent Participation Preschool is holding a fundraising yard sale on Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m. to noon. Lots of kids' clothes, toys, and household goods. Sale is scheduled take place at 3840 Edgemont Blvd., North Vancouver, corner of Edgemont Blvd and Capilano Rd. All proceeds will fund programs at Village Parent Participation Preschool.

Spring Kids' Stuff Swap Sale

The North Shore Mothers of Multiples is having its Spring Kids' Stuff Swap Sale, Saturday, April 4, 9:30 a.m. to noon, St. David's United Church, West Vancouver (Taylor Way at Highway 1). Admission is $2 (children free). Partial proceeds to a local charity.

Family Musik

Music in the Morning presents Rob Kapilow's Family Musik, "Casey at the Bat - Play Ball to Music!", Sunday, May 3, 3 to 4 p.m., Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC in Vancouver. Tickets available at Music in the Morning's Box Office 604-873-4612, Chan Centre Ticket Office (in person sales only), or online through Ticketmaster / 604-280-3311. For more information, visit www.musicinthemorning.org.

ONGOING EVENTS ONLINE . . .

Click here to find out the scoop on ongoing events in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

SALES . . . (7 NEW LISTINGS)

Natural Pod birthday sale *NEW*

To say thank you and to celebrate their second birthday, natural toy online store Natural Pod is offering 15 per cent off ALL merchandise until Friday, March 6 at midnight. Simply enter “springbirthday” at the checkout process. Visit www.naturalpod.com to start your shopping.

Sample sale *NEW*

Nicebaby, Cici Art Factory and Redfish Kids are holding a clothing sample sale, Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 2556 W. 3rd in Kitsilano (between Larch and Trafalgar). 604-561-3200 for more details.

HomeWorks Etc. spring sale *NEW*

Save up to 50 per cent off selected scratch and dent samples at the HomeWorks Etc. spring sale, Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 6642 193A St., Surrey. Homeworks will be introducing new spring furniture and wall accessories and clearing out their 'just like new' samples and discontinued inventory including kids table and chair sets, shelves, toy boxes, wall decor and more.

Sleep consultant deal *NEW*

Helen Sands, Vancouver's premier baby sleep consultant, is offering a March special discount to all new clients. Special offer is applicable for Package #1 on Helen Sands’ Services page. Please put "March discount" in the subject line and e-mail Helen at: helensands@shaw.ca or visit www.hushababy.com (not applicable with any other offers). Only 20 spaces available on a "first come, first served" basis.

Purl Mama birthday sale *NEW*

Check out Purl Mama & Baby’s first birthday sale. Sale ends Sunday, March 8, 2009. Babyvibe and Kindervibe readers save an extra 10 per cent. Simply use coupon code babyvibe when checking out.

Wear Else warehouse sale *NEW*

Wear Else is holding a warehouse sale every Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., throughout March. Thursday, March 5, and Friday, March 6, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 28 West 7th Ave., Vancouver. Big discounts on great brands like Juicy Couture, Ugg, Teenflo, Michael Kors and more.

Urban Barn sale *NEW*

Urban Barn’s must have sale starts Friday, March 6.

Gollygeez baby clearance sale

Online baby store gollygeez baby is holding a mega sale. Save 40 per cent off all items now until March 31, 2009. Enter coupon code GGB-0940 at checkout.

Organically Hatched bday sale

Organically Hatched is having a birthday and to celebrate, they are offering a large selection of items at 25 per cent off. They also offer free shipping on orders $100 or more and free local pick up. Check out the sale online. Sale ends March 15.

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

B.C. archives

Illustration by Emilie Vanvolsem

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