Around town BC . . .

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Greater Vancouver . . .

Celebrating the past

One of B.C.'s largest fairs starts off this weekend at Memorial Park in Ladner. Beginning Friday, May 22 and running until Sunday, May 24, Ladner's Pioneer May Days are full of free activities for the whole family. Kids can take in balloon artists, carnival rides, and a petting zoo.

Playing around with the classics

Brahms will be revitalized when the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra continues its Tiny Tots series with Let's Have a Playdate!. With various shows on Friday, May 22 at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre, children's entertainers Linda and Lisa will introduce a new generation to the wonders of classical music.

Yummy eats and treats

The seventh annual EAT! festival kicks off in Vancouver Friday, May 22 with a variety of delicious bites that even the pickiest eater will enjoy. B.C.'s most celebrated chefs will be offering samples of their mouth-watering creations at BC Place Stadium starting at only $1. Running until Sunday, May 24, admission for the event is $15 for adults, $6 for children aged seven to 14, and free for children seven years and younger. For more information visit online.

2010 excitement

The Killarney Community Centre in Vancouver is scheduled to present Pulse to the Podium Saturday, May 23, 1 to 4 p.m., to celebrate the countdown to the Olympic Games. The event will feature a climbing wall, a visit with the Olympic mascots, and Wii games.

South Hill fest

Celebrate Energy in Action at the South Hill Festival, Saturday, May 23, noon to 4 p.m., Fraser Street from 43rd to 47th avenues in Vancouver. Enjoy street sports, bouncy castle, pony rides, family fun zone and more. Free admission.

Learn to Garden

The Surrey Nature Centre presents Garden With Me, on Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m. to noon, (and June 20) where families will be able to learn how to grow plants and vegetables. Admission is free and all gardening equipment is provided.

Springtime in Maple Ridge

The Silver Valley Spring Festival at Maple Ridge Park on Saturday, May 23 is a family event featuring various vendors and children's events. Enjoy the natural beauty of the area while learning tips on how to conserve and protect it.

Pooches and pancakes

The BCSPCA branch, 1205 East 7th Ave., in Vancouver is opening its doors to the public on Saturday, May 23, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a pancake breakfast. The event will feature face-painting as well as children's activities intended to teach about animal welfare. Kids will also get the chance to meet some new furry friends throughout the day.

Garden opening in Langley

The Langley demonstration garden will celebrate its opening with the public Saturday, May 23. The free event will feature refreshments, children's activities, and contests.

Parenting tips

Dr. Gordon Neufeld will host a parenting conference at Kwantlen University in Richmond, Saturday, May 23, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on how to raise children in positive communities. Attendees will also learn such things as how to cultivate caring children and how to cope with their child's anxiety. For more information visit online.

Creepy crawlies

The Surrey Museum presents Bug Lab Jr. Scientists, Saturday, May 23, giving little ones a chance to observe creatures like hissing cockroaches and tarantulas. Participants must register online.

Gimquat at the VSO

Part of the VSO's Kids' Koncerts series, How the Gimquat Found Her Song is about an imaginary creature searching for her identity. The lively show plays Sunday, May 24 at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver. For more information visit online.

Plant detectives

Join the VanDusen’s family program’s plant detective agency to solve the mystery of the stolen pollen, Sunday, May 24, with two sessions, 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., at VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver. Cost for member family is $10 and non-member family $20, which includes admission to the garden. Pre-registration required by calling 604-718-5898. For more details, visit online.

Queensborough fun

The community of Queensborough will be holding its annual celebration on Sunday, May 24, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave., New Westminster. Enjoy live entertainment, food, exhibits and displays, children's activities, carnival games and even a bouncy castle. If it’s hot, stop by the spray park at Ryall Park next door. Admission is free for children (with accompanying adult admission of $2).

Rites of spring - correction

Drop by Maplewood Farm in North Vancouver to celebrate the Rites of Spring, Sunday, May 31, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Watch sheep professionally shorn and worked by a border collie. A food concession and pony rides also available.

Street party in the Village

Head over to Newport Village in Port Moody to celebrate the grand opening of Kin’s Market, which has taken over the Il Giardino, Sunday, May 24. To help celebrate, the Village Toy Shop will be hosting a Thomas Play Day event, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Play with Thomas trains, enjoy some colouring and activities and save 20 per cent off all regular priced Thomas the Tank toys.

Preschool open house

Drop by Upper Lonsdale Parent Participation Preschool for an open house, Monday, May 25, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Meet the teacher, Pat Muller, see the school and chat to current preschool parents. The preschool is located at 3380 Lonsdale Ave. (at Osborne) in lower part of the church in North Vancouver.

Baby drop-in

Connect, socialize and make new friends at a free baby drop-in time that runs every Monday, 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Karen Magnussen Recreation Centre, 2300 Kirkstone Rd., North Vancouver. Organizers have a table where they display what is happening in the community, and other resources. Also enjoy guest speakers. Drop-in runs until June 15. Next guest is WHEELS on June 1 at 1 p.m. in the parking lot. Look for a big white van full of resources and surprises.

Free info on pain management during labour

Acubalance is offering a free acupressure workshop to couples for pain management during labour, Tuesday, May 26, and July 28, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Pomegranate Community Midwives, 2647 East Hastings, in Vancouver, and July 2, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Sage Midwifery, 105-5450 122nd St., Surrey. 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.

Movies for Mommies

Movies for Movies for Mommies invites parents and families to the Ridge Theatre for a special matinee on Wednesday, May 27, 1 p.m., to see Monsters vs Aliens, the animated hit that will appeal to parents and kids alike. For this special screening, admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for kids five and up. All kids under five are free. Group rates are available on request. The Ridge Theatre is located at 3131 Arbutus at 16th, Vancouver, with lots of free parking and easily accessible by bus. For more information, visit www.moviesformommies.com.

Trusting your intuition

Mamaspeak presents Trusting Your Intuition at Harmony 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, May 25. Please contact Meralon Shandler at 604-266-8124, or go to www.mamaspeak.com for more details.

Breastfeeding and nutrition

Cherish Childbirth Care is offering a free Breastfeeding and Nutrition Workshop on Wednesday, May 27, 7 to 9 p.m., Harmony Family Wellness Center 736 West 16th Ave. (at Heather), Vancouver, to celebrate International Doula Month. Learn tips and tricks for successful breastfeeding and how to nourish yourself while breastfeeding. Also learn what a doula is and how she can help you during labour and after you baby arrives. Registration required. Partners welcome. Call 604-626-1079 or visit www.CherishChildbirth.com.

Mother Goose in North Van

There’s a great Mother Goose Program currently being offered at Hillside Baptist Church, 870 Lynn Valley Rd., North Vancouver, that runs every Wednesday until July 8. Program is free with a snack provided. Spaces are still available. Times are as follows: program for babies up to 12 months, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and toddlers 13 to 24 months, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more info, leave a message at 604-632-2667.

Fun times in Surrey

The fifth annual Surrey Children's Festival begins Thursday, May 28 and runs until Saturday, May 30 in Bear Creek Park. Circus acts and recycling tips are only a few of the festival's offerings that kids can take in. babyvibe favourite Bobs & Lolo will be there all three days.

Vancouver Island . . .

Children and apple pie fun

Enjoy a day filled with games and activities for all ages, including mini wolf, woodworking, face painting and more, at the annual Children and Apple Pie Family Fun Fair, Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cobble Hill. Pick up yummy treats, including apple pie, and more. For more details, call 250-743-5965.

Spring debut for weekly market

Nanaimo's popular farmer's market kicks off its summer season Saturday, May 23. Come for the fresh fruit and veggies, handcrafted gifts, or the yummy baking. Various performers will also be nearby to entertain the kids.

A genie and a magic lamp

Red Room Studios will present Disney's Aladdin as well as a number of other fairy tales Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24 at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo. Watch renowned characters like the Wicked Witch and Sleeping Beauty come to life.

Fundraising for kids with disabilities

The Shriners will host a variety fundraising show, Saturday, May 23, 4 to 7 p.m., Mcpherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square, in Victoria. Enjoy ventriloquists, jugglers, and more, all while supporting a good cause. For tickets, call (250) 386-6121.

Moss Street Community Market

Once again the Moss Street Community Market is set up for business. The market runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., every Saturday – rain or shine – until Oct. 31, at the Sir James Douglas school yard, the corner of Moss Street and Fairfield Road, Victoria.

Okanagan . . .

Playtime in Penticton

The Rotary Okanagan International Children's Festival begins in Penticton, Thursday, May 21. Running in Okanagan Lake Park until Sunday, May 24, the festival will feature a variety of children's entertainment, including celebrated singer Fred Penner.

Kids Swap Meet

Join in for the Kelowna Baby and Kids Swap Meet, Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m., Boys and Girls Club Kelowna, 1434 Graham St., Kelowna. Table rentals are $10. E-mail nikebug90@yahoo.com if you are interested in a table.

Upcoming events . . . (7 *New*)

Teen Rock Band Competition *NEW*

Do you rock? Show off your stuff at Science World's Rock Band competition just for 12- to 19-year-olds and be eligible to win great prizes, Friday, May 29, 6:30 p.m. to midnight at TELUS World of Science in Vancouver. Preregistration required: www.scienceworld.ca/special_events.html.

Outdoor kids art show *NEW*

Drop by for a small and cute outdoor kids art show, May 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in front of babycheeks, Elgin Corners, 14012 32nd Ave., South Surrey. In addition to checking out some great modern kids artworks by artists like CiCi Art Factory, Lizzie Gray and more, kids will enjoy face painting, cotton candy and more.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day *NEW*

Drop by the Tong Louie Family YMCA, 14988 57 Ave., Surrey, for Healthy Kids Day, Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free fun for the family includes face painting, bouncy castle, games and more. Call 604-575-9622 for more information.

Alexandra fest *NEW*

Head out to Crescent Beach, White Rock, on Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., for the annual Alexandra Festival. Enjoy entertainment, fun zone for kids, and more at this free event.

Lynn Valley Day *NEW*

Once again it’s Lynn Valley Day, May 30, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Lynn Valley, North Vancouver. Enjoy a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m., parade at 10 a.m., and then an all-day festival of rides, games, food and entertainment for the whole family at Lynn Valley Park and the Lynn Valley Village.

ArtStarts for the family *NEW*

Shake a leg, get down and funky at The Move It Show!, the Joe Ink workshop, a free 45-minute workshop for families, Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Under the guidance of professional dancers, boys, girls and parents step into a live performance as featured guest artists. From toddlers to grandmothers and everyone in between, community members of all ages and abilities come together to be inspired, empowered and motivated to move their bodies through dance making. This energetic and humourous workshop, promotes healthy self-image, cooperation and creativity. ArtStarts gallery for young people’s art is located at 808 Richards St. (at Robson) in Vancouver. Workshops are ideal for five to 12 year olds, but all ages are welcome.

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.

Green your home for little ones

Curious about the hype and research on chemicals in our homes? But want to avoid the stress, guilt and consumer pressure that usually comes along with it? Let MamaMaven presents an informative two-part workshop Healthy Home: Greening Your Home for Little Ones, Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m. to noon, Dunbar Community Centre in Vancouver. Find easy cost effective alternatives to create a healthy space for your family keep our growing little ones out of the chemistry lab. Register directly with the community centre at 604-222-6060. More info at www.mamamaven.ca.

Toons for toddlers

Sunday, May 31, 10:30 a.m., at the Ridge Theatre, 3131 Arbutus St., Vancouver, is the next Toons for Toddlers, featuring TOOPY & BINOO. From the organizer of Movies For Mommies, TFT allows children to see their favourite programs and characters on the big screen. Screening time is only 60 minutes. 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. Doors open at 10 a.m. and tickets may be purchased on site before the show. Full info at www.toonsfortoddlers.com.

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, May 8, 10 a.m., the new Whole Foods Market at Cambie and Broadway in Vancouver. Additional times are Friday, June 5, 2 p.m., and Friday, June 19, 10 a.m. Cost is $5. Preregistration required. E-mail vanessa.pratt@wholefoods.com.

Free music classes

Four free Music Together Phoenix Song demo classes will be offered on Wednesday, June 3 and Wednesday, June 10 at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. at Midnight Cheer Athletics (near Marine Drive and Granville Street) in Vancouver. Please RSVP to reserve space in one of these free classes as space is limited. Call 604-327-5165 or e-mail anna@mtphoenixsong.com.

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.

Dash and pedal

Join in for the first annual Il Girolino di Burnaby Dash & Pedal event for children five to 12, Saturday, June 6. The event is part of the Burnaby Height's Hats Off Day. Kids will dash for their bikes and then head out on a safely monitored bike course on Hastings Street, returning to the start/finish line all in the presence of a cheering, festive crowd and a race commentator. Finisher medal for all participants. Visit www.ilgirolino.com for more information and to register.

Get the Word Out

The annual Enterprising Moms Business Conference, presented by SHE Financial, is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the River Rock Casino in Richmond. This year's theme is Get the Word Out! and explores all the various ways to promote your business. Speakers include mom entrepreneur Claire Newell (Jubliee Travel Best Bets/Global TV), PR genius George Affleck (Curve Communications,) social media guru Rebecca Bollwitt (Miss 604), and marketing extraordinaire Fiona Walsh (FM Walsh and Associates) plus all the resources and shopping for moms. Admission is free with a donation made at the door to the Ronald McDonald House. There is also a networking evening being held at the River Rock afterwards from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with drinks, appetizers and Kelley Scarsbrook, president of Enterprising Moms Network will be speaking on The Power of Believing in You. Also, special guests will be attending from the media. To purchase your ticket for the evening, visit www.enterprisingmomsnetwork.com. Also enter to win tickets to the networking event through babyvibe’s Nest Egg prize blog.

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.

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.

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.

Growing your business *NEW*

momcafé and Women's Enterprise Centre present Moving Up! Growing Your Business, a workshop designed to help you identify and utilize strategic alliances and to grow your business beyond you, Wednesday, June 3, 9 a.m. to noon in Vancouver. Cost is $49 non-members and $39 for members plus GST. Includes coffee and muffins. To register or for more information- please visit www.momcafe.net.

Ongoing events online . . .

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

Swap meets . . . (0 *NEW*)

Huge Kids Swap Meet

Looking to sell your kids’ gear? Vendors are needed for gently used/new kids items for the huge kids’ swap meet at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 6050 176 St., Cloverdale, May 30, 9 to 1 p.m. Two buildings will be filled with baby equipment up to 10 years old. To book a table or for more information, call 604-588-9919 or e-mail mattie1995@hotmail.com.

Sales scoop . . .

Tommy Hilfiger warehouse sale

Be prepared to shop at the Tommy Hilfiger warehouse sale, now until Sunday, May 24, 7731 Alderbridge Way, Richmond. Sale runs Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission and parking are free. You can pay by cash, credit or debit.

Mabel’s Labels sale extended

Mabel’s Labels is extending their sale until June 1. Save 15% off labels. Enter code AHP2XR at checkout. Only available at www.barber.mabel.ca.

Legendary Sweet Peanut sale

Don’t miss this opportunity to stock up on designer Sweet Peanut baby clothes at 75 per cent off. All pieces are $10 and under and sizes range from preemie to size 6. For one day only, The Sweet Peanut Clothing Company is holding its bi-annual warehouse sale Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Barefit and Pregnant Fitness Studio, 3668 Broadway (at Alma) in Vancouver. Arrive early for best selection. Cash and cheque are accepted.

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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