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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.

You’re not the boss of me

Kitsilano Area Child Care Society presents Dr. Deborah MacNamara, parent educator and counselor, and her talk You’re Not the Boss of Me – MacNamara will teach parents simple strategies on how to handle resistance in their children, and ways to trade tears for smiles, Thursday, May 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m., St. James Community Square, 3214 West 10th Ave., Vancouver. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. To reserve tickets e-mail your request to kaccs@yahoo.ca or call Margareda at 604-730-2590.

Celebrating culture

The annual First Nations Festival kicks off Friday, May 29 on Seabird Island, five kilometers north of Agassiz. Running until Sunday, the event features salmon barbecues, traditional arts and crafts, and ceremonial drumming. Kids are also welcome to participate in a soccer tournament.

Block party

A community block party is scheduled to be held at the Vancity Building, No. 3 Road and Westminster Highway, in Richmond, Friday, May 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event is for all ages, and will feature live entertainment and prizes. For more information contact, Richmond Centre for Disability at 604-232-2404.

Teen Rock Band Competition

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.

Port Moody carnival

Moody Elementary School, 2717 St. Johns St., Port Moody, hosts a community fun fair Friday, May 29. Tickets start at only 50 cents and the event features activities like arts and crafts and a dunk tank. The fair starts at 4 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m.

Creepy crawlies in the park

Minnekhada Regional Park in Coquitlam will present Bugs, Snails, and Spider Trails Saturday, May 30. Kids aged three to five are invited to join this interactive tour and partake in a bug hunt. The expedition runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Goldstone Park opens

Surrey will celebrate the opening of Goldstone Park this Saturday, May 30, noon to 2 p.m. This free family event will include refreshments and face painting for the kids.

Arts in the park

New Westminster hosts Arts in the Park, a family and children’s art festival, this Saturday, May 30 at Moody Park, Eight Avenue and Eight Street. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., acts like Charlotte Diamond and the Hug a Bug Band and the Vancouver Circus School will take to the stage to perform.

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.

Lynn Valley Day

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.

Outdoor kids art show

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.

New exhibit at Science World

SCREAM! Featuring Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear opens Saturday, May 30 at Science World at TELUS World of Science in Vancouver. What scares you and why? Animals? Falling? Electric shock? Explore these fears, test your scream power and brave the guillotine. Exhibit will be there all summer long.

Ahoy matey!

Kids can study the fine art of treasure hunting at the Vancouver Maritime Museum pirate academy this Saturday, May 30. Little ones will also learn how to live and work with others through the “Pirate Code of Conduct.” The program runs from 10 a.m. to noon. Drop-ins are not permitted, so be sure to book ahead. For more information, visit www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com.

Dancing downtown

The ArtStarts school in downtown Vancouver is presenting The Move It Show!, a free family dance workshop, Saturday, May 30. Kids and adults of all ages are invited to drop in and learn how to let loose and boogie. Sessions start at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Surrey merriment

South Surrey’s Crescent Beach will abound with local art and live music this Saturday, May 30 when the 35th Annual Alexandra Festival gets underway. This free family event starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 10 p.m.

Vroom, vroom

The Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre will host a monster truck bonanza this weekend. Starting Saturday, May 30, and running until Sunday, May 31, the giant vehicles will duke it out to see who comes out a champion. The event features a family section and tickets for kids 12 and under are $15. For more information, visit online.

Keeping fit and strong

The Langara YMCA in Vancouver is hosting a Healthy Kids Day to promote a fit and active lifestyle this Saturday, May 30. Parents and kids are invited to enjoy a barbeque lunch as well as partake in various activities such as a bike rodeo and a climbing wall. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day

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.

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.

Racing for water

Abbotsford will host its second annual Run for Water fundraiser this Sunday, May 31. The non-profit event welcomes walkers and joggers of all ages and abilities; proceeds will go towards clean water development in third-world countries. In addition to the race, there will be face painting and a bouncy castle for the kids. The run kicks off at 7 a.m. and wraps up at noon.

Cycling for treasure

Pedalheads, a local group that provides bike camps for kids, will be kicking off bike month with a treasure hunt at Jericho Beach, Vancouver, Sunday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free family event is open to all ages and will include prizes for everyone. Visit the Pedalheads website to sign up.

Wooly weekend

North Vancouver’s Maplewood Farms presents its annual Sheep Fair, Sunday, May 31. Kids can learn about wool production and observe sheep shearing—not to worry, no animals are harmed! There will also be face painting, pony rides, and a food concession. Demonstrations run from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Science World family day

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Science World in Vancouver is offering a free family day Sunday, May 31. Public entry begins at 11 a.m. Visitors to the Free Family Day will also have the chance to enter a draw to win two tickets for a flight to one of 20 Asian destinations.

Portobello West

Sunday, May 31, noon to 6 p.m., shop for unique finds at the Portobello West Fashion and Art Market, Rocky Mountaineer Station in Vancouver.

Growing your business

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.

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.

Vancouver Island . . .

Huff, and puff, and blow your house down

Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre presents a theatrical version of the Three Little Pigs Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31. Both shows start at 2 p.m. and information on tickets is available online.

On the waterfront

The Selkirk Waterfront Festival will get underway in Victoria, Saturday, May 30. This free family event features live cultural performances, markets, food, and more. The festival starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m.

Maritime festival

A festival featuring free harbor tours and kids’ entertainment will take place outside the Ladysmith Maritime Society Community Marina this Saturday, May 30. Be sure to don your best pirate outfit—there will be prizes for the best costume. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Time to hit the beach

The annual Qualicum Beach Family Day gets off to a good start with a pancake breakfast this Sunday, May 31. Following the flapjacks, there will be a parade and prizes. The celebration kicks off at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m.

Toys, toys, toys

There will be something for everyone at the Victoria Toy Show, Sunday, May 31. Kids can drool over items like collectible train sets and dolls between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney.

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 and Interior . . .

Bizarre Bazaar is back

This weekly artisan market kicks off its summer season this Thursday, May 28 outside the Kamloops Old Courthouse. The event features live music as well as various handmade goodies. The market runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Celebration of education

Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School in Kelowna will commemorate the opening of its new campus with a kid-friendly event Saturday, May 30. There will be a bouncy castle, a gladiator joust, face painting and more. The celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Art for the whole family

The Kelowna Art Gallery invites families to examine “divine” dysfunction Sunday, May 31 as part of its family Sundays. Parents and kids are encouraged to create their own dysfunctional chairs. The program runs from one pm. to four p.m.

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 . . . (1 *New*)

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.

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 $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.

HSBC Childrun *NEW*

Help raise money and join the fight against childhood cancer by participating in this year’s HSBC Childrun, Sunday, June 7, 9 a.m. at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. For all the details and to register, visit www.childrun.com. The HSBC Childrun is a family “fun run” where participants can choose from one of two traffic-controlled distances: a challenging 5km route through scenic Queen Elizabeth Park, or a more child-oriented 1km route around BC Children’s Hospital grounds. Funds raised through HSBC Childrun go directly to the childhood cancer research at the Hospital.

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.

Learn to Garden

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

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.

Free info on pain management during labour

Acubalance is offering a free acupressure workshop to couples for pain management during labour, July 2, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Sage Midwifery, 105-5450 122nd St., Surrey, and 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.

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. 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.

Ongoing events online . . .

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

Swap meets . . . (1 *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.

Swap meet *NEW*

Get rid of what you don’t need and pick up more of what you do at the kids-only swap meet in Richmond this Sunday, May 31. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the West Richmond Community Centre.

Sales scoop . . .

Pam Ireland agency sample sale

Head out to the Pam Ireland Agency sample sale, Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Fashion Exchange Building, showroom 251, 1951 Glen Dr., Vancouver. Sale includes Soul Flower Jewellery, Echo & Ralph Lauren scarves, hats, gloves and more. Cash only.

Roxy, Quiksilver and DC Shoes sample sale

Save up to 70 per cent off men’s, women’s and kids’ streetwear, footwear, and more, at the sample sale scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 31, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., North Shore Winter Club, 1325 East Keith Road, North Vancouver. Cash only.

Beansprouts birthday bash

The ladies at Beansprouts is celebrating their sixth birthday of business with lots of fun, Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at their store located at 4305 Main St., Vancouver. Celebration includes a sidewalk sale, a huge wooden toy sale, face painting and more.

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.

Mega mommies garage sale

Pick up some great gently used items at the mega mommies garage sale in South Surrey, Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 15355 26th Ave., Southwind Clubhouse. Six moms are cleaning house and you can pick up tons of brand name clothes, games, toys, strollers, maternity wear and more for boys and girls infant to seven year. Parking in complex is at a premium, so please park on the street.

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

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Happy second birthday Scotia! From Mommy and Daddy who love you very much!

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