Thursday, March 26, 2009 - B.C. edition

Around town . . .

Vancouver Island | Okanagan | Upcoming | Ongoing | Sales |

GREATER VANCOUVER . . .

Munsch Alley

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

Spring fling

Mission’s Early Childhood Development Committee presents a spring fling, a fun free family event, Thursday, March 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mission Leisure Centre, 7650 Grand St., Mission. Crafts, bouncy castle, face painting and more.

Moms and money

Raising a family requires financial know-how and commitment, and in the current economic environment, families are being faced with new challenges to balance their lives and chequebooks. Three financial experts will provide money tips and advice on how to survive a recession and manage the evolving financial needs of raising a family at the next momcafé event on Friday, March 27, 9:15 to 11:15 a.m., at the Watermark Restaurant on Kits Beach in Vancouver. Cost is $36.75 non-members and $30.45 members (including GST). Babyvibe readers receive the member rate by simply entering code “babyvibemoney”. Onsite childcare is available for an additional fee. To register and for more details, visit www.momcafe.net.

Family fusion

Enjoy an night of family fun at Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave., New Westminster, Friday, March 27, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Belly dancing, Vietnamese dinner, and more. Registration required. Contact the centre at 604-525-7388.

Agriculture in the City

Discover Agriculture in the City, a free, three-day family event featuring interactive displays and live presentations from the people who know agriculture best, Friday, March 27 to Sunday, March 29, p.m., Metropolis at Metrotown (grand court), 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby. Check out a free family concert on Saturday at 2:30 p.m., enjoy cooking demos, find out where food grows, learn about farming, how to reduce the need for pesticides and more.

ArtStarts Bhangra dance

Drop by for ArtStarts on Saturdays at the ArtStarts gallery, 808 Richards St. (at Robson) in Vancouver, for a free workshop for families and children, Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Learn the dance form that has energized audiences across the world with its hard-hitting beats with South Asian Arts. This dynamic duo will get young people and their parents dancing in a fun and interactive atmosphere. No registration required. Ideal for five to 12-year-olds but all ages welcome. For more information, call 604-878-7144.

Cherry Blossom Festival

It’s the wonderful Vancouver Cherry Bossom Festival, Saturday, March 28 to April 24. Marking the start of the festival, VanDusen Botanical Garden presents Sakura Days and Under the Cherry Tree in Floral Hall and the covered walkway, Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29. Check out a Japan fair, cherry artisan crafts, and more. For all the details, visit www.vcbf.ca.

Introduction to infant care

Nannies on Call is offering Introduction to Infant Care, an eight-hour crash course for all interested in learning more information about infants and their needs, Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nannies on Call office, 302-788 Beatty St., Vancouver. Cost is $20 for clients or $30 for non-clients. To register please e-mail Leanne Hume at Nannies on Call leanne@nanniesoncall.com or phone Leanne at 604-765-4863.

West Van community centre opens

Celebrate the grand opening for the West Vancouver Community Centre, Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 2121 Marine Dr., West Van. Bobs & Lolo will be singing and dancing at 11 a.m.

Crafters Supplies Swap Meet

For the adults who like to craft, check out the Crafters Supplies Swap Meet, Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Douglas Park Community Centre, 801 West 22nd Ave., Vancouver. Admission is free.

Pulse to the Podium

Bring the family down to Hastings Community Centre in Vancouver to play winter sports, meet the Olympic mascots and have lots of fun all in the name of the 2010 Winter Games spirit, Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.

Vancouver winter farmers market

The next winter farmers market http://www.eatlocal.org/ is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac St., Vancouver.

Fraser River Discovery centre re-opening

Saturday, March 28, 1 to 4 p.m., the Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr., New Westminster, will be celebrating its grand re-opening after a renovation that tripled its size to 17,000 square feet. The day will include prizes, puppet shows, fish painting, and a discovery zone where children and adults can learn about animals living in the Fraser River Basin by exploring pelts and skulls. Kla-how-eya Aboriginal Centre will also be holding a salmon barbecue (weather permitting).

Kids’ stuff swapmeet

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

Beach party skate

Lace up the skates and head out to the beach party skate where you’ll enjoy ice skating, face painting, “beachy” crafts and fun in the sun games on and off the ice, Saturday, March 28, 12:45 to 3:15 p.m., Bill Copeland Sports Centre, 3676 Kensington Ave.,
Burnaby.

Flea market

Also in Burnaby, Confederation Centre, 4585 Albert St., is hosting a flea market, Saturday, March 28, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission.

Total Health Show

The Tradex in Abbotsford is hosting the Total Health Show, Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29. Find out ways to lead a healthier life from health experts, taste some food, and more.

Portobello West

It’s the start of a new season of cool shopping for one-of-a kind fashion and art at the Portobello West market in Vancouver, Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, noon to 6 p.m.

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.

Moms and little ones at Hycroft

Join other moms for a free child-friendly coffee break at Hycroft, the official clubhouse of the University Women’s Club of Vancouver, Thursday, April 2, 9:30 to 11 a.m. You don’t have to be a member. Enjoy connecting with other moms while your little ones play in the spacious downstairs ballroom. Coffee and refreshments will be provided for moms; please bring snacks, drinks and toys for your children. This event is limited to 15 moms so please RSVP to melanie@fit4two.ca and let her know how many children you are bringing. This event is open to members and non-members. Dress is casual. Check out photos of the mansion online.

VANCOUVER ISLAND . . .

Boat Show

Check out what's new in boating this year at the boat show now until Sunday, March 29, Woodgrove Centre, 6631 Island Highway North, Nanaimo.

Symphonic adventures

The orchestra comes alive for young children with Judy and David’s Symphonic Adventures, a zany, high-energy show, Sunday, March 29, Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St., Victoria. Show starts at 2:30 p.m. and a preconcert instrument petting zoo is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tickets available online.

A play date with Max and Ruby

The children’s show Max and Ruby hits the stage with a fun presentation suitable for children pre-kindergarten to Grade 3, Sunday, April 26, 2:30 p.m., Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo. Seats are $22. Buy tickets online, by phone, 250-754-8550, or in person at the theatre’s box office.

OKANAGAN . . .

Family Sundays

Kelowna Art Gallery presents family Sundays, hands-on activities for the family, Sunday, March 29, 1 p.m.

Toddler Time

Mission Library, 4105 Gordon Dr., Kelowna, presents a new toddler time program, March 31 to May 5, 10:15 a.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS . . . (1 NEW EVENT)

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

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.

Yaletown Baby and Toddler Fair

Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., head down to the Roundhouse Community Centre in Vancouver for the Yaletown Baby and Toddler Fair.

Nanny Salon

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.

Diapering Alternatives 101

MamaMaven presents a workshop covering all you need to know about diapering options, looking at environmental, health, cost and convenience perspectives. Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m., at Dunbar Community Centre in Vancouver. Visit www.mamamaven.ca for more details and registration info.

Cool kids’ art classes *NEW*

Check out the following cool kids’ art classes coming soon to Coal Harbour Community Centre in Vancouver: parent & tot: sculpture, masks & mobiles (for one to three year olds), Tuesdays, April 7 to 28, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (cost is $39 and there’s a free workshop, Tuesday, March 31 at 9:30 a.m.); young artkitects (for three to five year olds), Tuesdays, April 7 to 28, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., $39 (free workshop scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 10:45 a.m.); parent & tot: recycle art (for one to three year olds), Tuesdays, May 5 to 26, 2:15 p.m., $39; young Picasso – let’s paint (for three to five year olds), Tuesdays, May 5 to 26, 3:30 p.m. $39. Call Coal Harbour Community Centre at 604-718-8222 for more details or to register.

Family fun night

Help your child get ready for kindergarten with a fun family night, Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., 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.

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.

Move for Health Day

Friday May 8, 10 to 11 a.m., Downtown, East Van and Westside
Fit 4 Two® Vancouver is promoting Move for Health Day 2009 by running a special Stroller Fitness Class at three different locations: David Lam Park in Yaletown, Trout Lake in East Van and Kits Beach on the Westside. Stroll over to your nearest location and join in for a full body workout on the go. Please dress for the weather and bring a yoga mat. More details at www.fit4two.ca. This event is also a fundraiser for the Pacific Postpartum Support Society so please make a minimum donation of $10. RSVP David Lam Park: melanie@fit4two.ca; Trout Lake callie@fit4two.ca and Kits Beach dee@fit4two.ca.

Friendly Forest swap meet

Come out to Anmore for the first annual Friendly Forest Preschool Kids’ Swap Meet, Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for a day of bargains and fun. Spring Cleaning? Rent a table! This is a great way to find a new home for your gently used clothes, toys and baby/child gear. Table rentals are $20. Prefer to shop? Come shop the bargains and find some unique, quality items for your child or baby. Admission is $2/person (kids get in free). Call or e-mail Ann-Marie at 604.949.1488 or amthiele@hotmail.com for table rentals or more info. Swap meet is scheduled to be held at the Anmore Elementary School Gymnasium, 30 Elementary Rd.

Children’s fest

Vanier Park in Vancouver comes alive May 11 to 18 with captivating performances, hands-on arts activities, roving entertainers and much more at the Vancouver International Children’s Festival. Treat the whole family to the best in music, theatre, dance, circus arts, puppetry and storytelling from Canada and around the world at BC’s number one cultural event for children and families. Visit www.childrensfestival.ca for details.

Crazy Carnivale

Science World in Vancouver presents Crazy Carnivale, a family fundraiser to raise money for Science World’s Tower of Bauble, Saturday, June 6, 6 to 10 p.m. It’s a 20th birthday party for Science World. Join Science World in celebrating 20 years of igniting minds at Crazy Carnivale! and help raise money for the Tower of Bauble outside TELUS World of Science. Live music by XLR8, street entertainment, delicious food, family photos, take-home art projects, face painting, birthday games, the famous Crazy Carnivale! goody bag and more. Tickets $250/family before April 30. $300/family after April 30. Call 604-443-7500.

ONGOING EVENTS ONLINE . . .

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

SALES . . . (3 NEW LISTINGS)

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.

Free shipping offer *NEW*

Designs by Mimi and Lola (personalized blankets and soak proof bibs) is currently offering free shipping to Canada and the U.S., now until April 17, 2009. Simply enter ‘spring fling’ in notes to seller box when shopping on Etsy.

Sale at Baby Bellies *NEW*

Pick up some natural products and gifts for you and baby at Baby Bellies, where you can currently save 20 per cent off. Enter code BVMAR20 at check out. Visit www.babybellies.ca.

Purl Mama sale *NEW*

Visit Purl Mama & Baby and check out their great sale of The Hip Infant Basics range. Babyvibe readers can take another 10 per cent off. Use code "purl.”

Spice up your room with great art at a great price

We love the super sweet leather Mally Bibs that never stain. Even more, we’re big fans of their art cards. Here’s your chance to spruce up your child’s nursery at a reasonable cost. Now until the end of March, if you spend $98 at mallybibs.com, you get three FREE leather appliqué art cards! The Mally Bibs art cards are so adorable and when framed, they make for a wonderful accent to any nursery.

Popos Ponchos sale

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.

Spree Fashions warehouse sale

Every Friday, 1 to 5 p.m. Spree Fashions holds an inventory blowout warehouse sale where you can pick up great finds at super low prices on children’s brands like Trish Scully, Crib Rock Couture, Bical Grippers and more. Spree Fashions is located at 21-7228 Winston St., Burnaby.

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

B.C. archives

Happy second birthday Yosef! Love, Mommy and Aba.

We’re just thrilled to introduce the newest member of our family. Maddie was born on Feb. 24. According to Big Sister Hayley, Maddie’s a ‘chunky baby’ and a ‘real sweetie pie’. Love you lots, Mommy, Daddy, Hayley and Jubei.

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