Thursday, March 12, 2009 - B.C. edition

Around town . . .

Vancouver Island | Okanagan | Spring Break | Upcoming | Ongoing | Sales |

GREATER VANCOUVER . . .

Whole Foods Market fun

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!

Munsch Alley

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

CelticFest

Celebrate the luck of the Irish at this year’s CelticFest now until Sunday, March 15. Family fun includes the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 15, 11:30 a.m. in Downtown Vancouver along Georgia. For all the details, visit online at www.celticfestvancouver.com.

First Nations dance festival

UBC Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver presents We ya hani nah Coastal First Nations Dance Festival, Thursday, March 12 to Sunday, March 15. For all the details, visit online.

Magic Melody train ride

Let your music shine with Linda and Lisa, children’s entertainers, and the music of Dvorak at the Magic Melody Train Ride presented by the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre, Friday, March 13, 10, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. For tickets, and more information, visit Vancouver Symphony.

Be prepared

The North Shore Emergency Management Office presents Emergency Preparedness in a Day, Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the office, 147 East 14th St., North Vancouver. Learn about safe food and water supplies, utilities, sanitation, out-of-area contacts and what to put in your emergency kit, and more. Event is free. For more details and to register, visit NSEMO.

Journey into the heart of motherhood

Yoga West in Vancouver invites you to join them for an experiential journey into the heart of motherhood, Saturday, March 14, 2 to 6 p.m. Through yoga, mediation and a sacred circle to share our experience, wisdom and strength as women on the sacred path of motherhood, this is a unique opportunity to connect deeply with other mothers and mothers to be to explore the amazing, chaotic and sacred thing called motherhood. Cost is $40 before March 14 or $50 at the door $50.00. For more information or to register, visit www.yogawest.ca or call 604-732-9642.

Van Gogh: Brush with Genius

From March 14 in the OMNIMAX® Theatre at TELUS World of Science in Vancouver will be showing Van Gogh: Brush with Genius, a film full of rich, vibrant colour where you’ll plunge yourself into the life and art of Vincent Van Gogh. Retrace Van Gogh’s life and travel to haunting places of his inspiration. Hear him speak his genius through his hand-written letters. Surround yourself with the brilliance of his art and immerse yourself in his world of colour.

Persian new year

The Iranian Information Centre Society presents The Greatest NOROOZ festival (Persian new year), Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Plaza of Nations (outdoor stage), 750 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver.

Exotic reptiles show

Head out to Richmond Nature Park, 11851 Westminster Hwy., Richmond, for an exotic reptile show, Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. To register, please call Richmond Call Centre at 604-276-4300 or Richmond Nature House at 604-718-6188.

Country living show

Dream of a log home? Then this is the show for you. It’s the BC Log Home, Timber Frame, and Country Living Show, Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15, at the Tradex in Abbotsford.

Iranian festival

Persian new year festivities continue with the annual Iranian Day Festival, Sunday, March 15, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Mahon Park, North Vancouver. Food music, children’s play area and more.

Cherry Blossom Festival

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

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.

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 . . .

Victoria French Fest

Celebrate everything francais at the Victoria French Fest, a four-day event filled music, movies and entertainment, traditional food, local artists and artisans and many family event., Thursday, March 12 to Sunday, March 15, Market Square, 560 Johnson St., Victoria.

Rock and gem show

The annual Rock and Gem Show - the Magic of Crystals is scheduled for Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14, Leonardo Da Vinci Centre,195 Bay St., Victoria. Gold panning, kiddies’ corner, door prizes, and more.

Spring festival

It’s the annual Celebration of Island Gardening Spring Festival, Friday, March 13 to Sunday, March 15, Beban Park Social Centre, 2300 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo.

Pacific Rim Whale Festival

It’s the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival Various Venues - Tofino, Saturday, March 14 to Sunday, March 22, in Tofino, Ucluelet and Pacific Rim National Park. An estimated 22,000 grey whales will make the journey along the West Coast as the head to their summer feeding grounds in the Bering and Chuckchi Seas near the Arctic.

Taiwanese puppet theatre

The Board of Directors of the Victoria Children's Museum invites you to join in for a week of performances for the first time in Canada, by The Taiwanese Puppet Theatre Company, Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15, and Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad St., Victoria. For more information please call 250-886-6113.

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 . . .

Family fun night

Bring the family out for some free activities at Parkinson Recreation Centre in Kelowna, Saturday, March 14, 6 p.m.

Little Munsch on the Prairie

Bumbershoot Children's Theatre presents Little Munsch on the Prairie, Saturday, March 14, 11:30 a.m. to noon, Kelowna Actor’s Studio, 1379 Ellis St., Kelowna. Call 250-862-2867 for more info.

Spring break fun

Rotary Centre for the Arts in Kelowna is hosting some fun art camps during spring break. For all the details, visit online.

A magical library

Ali K. Zam! Will be working his magic with his spring break magic shows for children five to 12, at the Kelowna Library. For more details, and to register, contact the library before Friday, March 20.

SPRING BREAK . . . *NEW*

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

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

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.

Spring break story time

Come in every morning from March 16 to 20 at 11:30 am as staff at Once upon a huckleberry bush in Vancouver will be reading through the novel Finn Family Moomintroll by Tove Jansson.

Musical fun at the aquarium

It’s Spring Splash, March 14 to 22 at the Vancouver Aquarium. Bobs and Lolo will be performing daily along with some other great shows. For the full schedule, visit the aquarium online.

Rogers Play Dome

March 14 to 21, head out to the Rogers Play Dome, where you’ll find dozens of rides and attractions at BC Place in Vancouver. Tickets available at the door.

Scavenger hunt

Burnaby Village Museum presents Scavenger Hunt: The History Myth-tery Trail, March 16 to 22, noon to 4 p.m. Admission includes carousel rides - for all ages.

Outdoor spring break fun

Metro Vancouver has fun outdoor events planned during spring break. Check out their events calendar online to find out what is happening in your neighbourhood.

Theatre festival

Head over to Granville Island March 14 to 20, for the Spring Break Theatre Festival, where you’ll find a range of entertainment for children four and up. For show times and ticket information, visit www.artsclub.com or call 604-687-1644.

Theatre day camp

There’s a Spring Break Theatre Day Camp, March 16 to 20, at the Surrey Arts Centre for children over the age of eight. Check out all the details online.

Spring break blast off

Surrey Arts Centre presents spring break blast-off Saturday, family fun with show, games and art making, Saturday, March 21. Visit online for more.

Run off to the circus

Check out the Avatar Circus Project's latest production TRYANGLE, March 12 - 15, at 1 and 7 p.m., PNE Gardens Auditorium in Vancouver. To find out more about the event visit the Avatar website.

Science World fun

Enjoy spring break at Science World March 14 to 22 with a range of programs planned. Check it all out online.

Kids Market spring break fun

Kids Market at Granville Island is offering a range of fun events for the kids during spring break, March 14 to 28. Fun includes ceramics, sand art, and a recycled craft workshop. For times and dates, visit Kids Market.

Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre

Celebrate spring break at the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre in North Vancouver. Great outdoor events planned March 15 to 21. Visit online for more.

Spring break at Chapters

Chapters and Indigo bookstores are offering fun free spring break events, including story time and activities. Visit Chapters online to see the schedule.

VanDusen fun

It’s Spring Break Adventures at VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, March 17 to 20. For the scheduled and registration info, visit online.

Take a break at the Maritime Museum

March 14 to 22, the Vancouver Maritime Museum will offer family crafts from 1 to 4 p.m. each day. Activities include pirate hats, flags, treasure chest maps and pirate ships. These activities are free with admission. Also during this week, the Museum has educational, fun and hands on workshops planned for kids ages three to 12.

UPCOMING EVENTS . . . (4 NEW EVENTS)

Kids club fun at Whole Foods *NEW*

Drop by Park Royal Whole Foods in West Vancouver, Thursday, March 19, 1 to 3 p.m., for Kids Club Silly Face Sandwiches. On Friday, March 20, Kids Club kids get a chance to make their own sundae, 1 to 3 p.m. Free for kids club members.

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.

Mindful eating for babies, and toddlers too *NEW*

Learn about what foods to introduce to baby and how to introduce them so that you grow a good eater in a informative seminar presented by nutritionist and family counselor Victoria Pawlowski, Friday, March 20, 10 a.m., Cambie Capers Whole Foods, and Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m., Robson Capers Whole Foods. Seminar/tour offers parents practical, progressive, holistic food, nutrition and parenting information about both how and what to feed babies in order to develop a positive feeding relationship, conscious parenting and healthier families. Seminar is free, but registration is required. E-mail Victoria to register.

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.

Douglas Park swap meet

Douglas Park Community Centre, 801 West 22nd Ave., Vancouver, is having a Children's Toy & Clothes Market (Swap Meet) on Sunday, March 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free. Call 604-257-8130 for more info.

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.

Nanny Salon *NEW*

Nannies on Call is hosting a Nanny Salon, Saturday, April 4, 2:30 p.m., Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews (at Davie and Pacific streets), Vancouver. The Nanny Salon offers families a chance to interview several part time and full time nannies in one sitting. Visit www.nanniesoncall.com for more details.

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 . . . (2 NEW LISTINGS)

Popos Ponchos sale *NEW*

Popos Ponchos are offering the tutti fruity poncho for a stellar deal at $28 (regular price $46). The tutti fruity poncho is currently not available in stores. All three sizes available. Available while quantities last. Coupons not valid on this offer. Visit www.poposponchos.com.

Cool sale at Milkshaxs *NEW*

Currently for the month of March just before the new spring range is released Milkshaxs is offering a $20 sale for their remaining last pieces of current stock. Visit Milkshaxs online.

HomeWorks Etc. spring sale

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

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.

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

Happy first birthday Miss Haven Tsi - aka Boss Lady! Without you there would be no Tsitah Threads ~ You are my lovebug and my inspiration xo.

Happy fourth birthday Lauren! Love you always, Mommy, Oliver, and Mia.

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