Around town BC . . .

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Around the Lower Mainland . . .

Fun at the Surrey Museum

The Surrey Museum has a lot going on this summer, including the current exhibition Pirates! Blocks 'n Buccaneers, a swashbuckling adventure of villainy, plunder, and buried treasure with LEGO® creations built by the Vancouver LEGO® Club, and a Pirates & Buccaneers program for children of all ages, running Fridays, July 9 to Aug. 27, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Children get to make pirate coins, draw treasure maps and more. Drop-in by donation. Also check out the Heritage Summer Daycamps that run Tuesday through Friday in July and August, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Come for one day or more – each session is packed full of good times, learning and exploring. Learn to walk softly on the earth or explore medieval times. Must pre-register. For more info and to register, call 604-592-6956. For children eight to 10. Cost is $22.50 per day.

Take off Fridays

Starting Friday, July 9, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and running every Friday until Aug. 27, Vancouver International Airport in Richmond presents Take Off Fridays at YVR, where you can enjoy free family fun at the airport. Get your face painted, listen to music, sample treats from the shops and restaurants, explore the YVR’s public observation area that features unobstructed views of YVR’s busy airfield, telescopes to zoom in on all the action, an interactive model of Sea lsland and behind-the-scenes videos of the airport community. Call 604-880-9815.

Alvin & the Chipmunks under the stars

Friday, July 9, catch a screening of Alvin & the chipmunks 2: The Squeakquel on an enormous silver screen outside under the stars at Sun Valley Park in Port Coquitlam. Movie starts at 9:15 p.m. www.city.port-coquitlam.bc.c

Imagine with Elmo and Friends

Sesame Street is live on stage at the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre, Friday, July 9 to Sunday, July 11. Tickets still available. www.abbotsfordcentre.ca

Brock House Summer Fair

The annual summer fair at the Brock House, 3875 Point Grey Rd., Vancouver, takes place Saturday, July 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mission City Farmers’ Market

Pick up some great local produce and treats at the Mission City Farmers’ Market, Lance Creek Park (beside the library on 2nd Avenue), Saturday, July 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Christmas in July

Drop by Landmark Realty, 32386 Fletcher Ave., Mission, Saturday, July 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to celebrate Christmas in July. Entertainment, pictures with Santa, barbecue, raffle and more. Please bring a non-perishable food items or cash donations for the Mission Food Bank.

Pioneer Fair

Spend a pleasant and memorable summer afternoon with family and friends at the Pioneer Fair, Saturday, July 10, noon to 4 p.m., Historic Stewart Farm, 13723 Crescent Rd., Surrey. Come dressed as a pioneer and taste hand-churned ice cream and lemonade. Watch blacksmith and square dance demonstrations, enjoy live music and play traditional sports and games. Costumed guides will give tours of the 1894 Stewart Farmhouse and grounds. Drop-in, by donation. 604-592-6956. www.heritage.surrey.ca  

Fishing fun

Drop by the London/Steveston Neighbourhood Park, 10440 No. 2 Rd., Richmond, Saturday, July 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for a free fishing experience for children under 16. Fishing rods and licences are available. Fly-casting and tying workshops open for all age groups. Other activities include birds of prey exhibition, salmon viewing stations, mini fishing lessons, arts and crafts and a Q&A with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. www.fishingwithrod.com

Book signing

On Saturday, July 10, local children's book author and illustrator, David Martin, will be signing copies of his phonics based books for small children at Blackberry Books on Granville Island in Vancouver.

Marpole Summerfest

Celebrate your community with a fun festival for everyone at the Marpole Summerfest, Saturday, July 10, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Granville Street (63rd to 71st avenues) in Vancouver. Check out sidewalk sales, yummy foods, kids’ zone, and more.

Fair in the square

Embrace the summer heat wave and head out to the Fair in the Square, Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11, noon to 4 p.m., in Coquitlam’s Maillardville area. The free family event features entertainment, old-fashioned and carnival games, watermelon eating contest, heritage hat workshop, artisan demonstrations, vintage car show, and more. Drop by Mackin House Museum for sweet treats baked fresh daily.  www.fairinthesquare.ca

Caribbean Street Festival

With this heat, and the beat of this festival, you may just feel like you’re in the Caribbean. It’s the Caribbean Street Festival, Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11, along 224th Street in Maple Ridge. www.caribbeanfest.ca

Harrison Festival of Arts

Enjoy 10 days of music, theatre, dance and visual arts at the Harrison Festival of Arts at Harrison Hot Springs. Children-friendly activities during children’s day on Wednesday. Check out the site at www.harrisonfestival.com for all the details.

Tibet Festival

Enjoy the Tibetan culture at the Tibet Festival, Sunday, July 11, VanDusen Botanical Garden, floral hall, 5251 Oak St., Vancouver. Enjoy food, arts, music, dance and movies. www.tsengdokrinpoche.com

North Van craft fair

Enjoy a great outdoor craft fair, Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., North Vancouver Civic Plaza at 14th and Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver. In addition to checking out unique, handmade items for sale, enjoy music, face painting, and free art activities for children. www.nvartscouncil.ca

Yoga Day

Celebrate Yoga Day on Granville Island in Vancouver at Halfmoon Yoga. The studio will be offering two hours of demos and short classes catered to young families and yogis. The island plaza in front of the Halfmoon store will be transformed into an outside yoga space. www.yogavancouver.ca

Symphony in the Park

Sunday, July 11, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., it’s the annual Symphony in the Park at Deer Lake Park in Burnaby. Bring a blanket, picnic basket and enjoy the music. www.shadboltcentre.com

Music at Rocky Point Park

Over in Port Moody, enjoy free Sunday concerts at Rocky Point Park, Sunday, July 11 to Aug. 29. www.summersundays.ca

Native edible plants

Redefine local with an exploration of edible plants native to B.C. at the World In a Garden’s Seed to Table workshop: Local: Native Edible Plants, Sunday, July 11, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., W. 57th Avenue & E. Blvd. in Vancouver. Cost is $20. Snacks and coffee provided. All proceeds go to The World in a Garden. Learn from Linnaea Nurseries’ Patrick Wilson about the historic and cultural significance of native plants. Take home a starter plant and a copy of Organic Gardening. www.theworldinagarden.com

Movies for Mommies

The next Movies for Mommies event is scheduled for Wednesday, July 14, at the Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver. This week’s screening is of BABIES, a visually stunning movie that simultaneously follows four babies around the world - from first breath to first steps. From Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo, BABIES joyfully captures on film the earliest stages of the journey of humanity that are at once unique and universal to us all. Children of all ages are welcome. Adults are $8 and children under five get free admission. Doors open at noon at movie starts at 12:30 p.m. For more information visit: www.facebook.com/movies4mommies

Let's get growing!

Arts & Seed Starts is a workshop for children to help them learn outdoors about working together in the garden. Children will learn about the seed to table cycle by planting seeds, learn about food cultivation and make garden art. Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, July 14, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., at The World in a Garden, W. 57th Avenue and East Boulevard, Vancouver. Cost is $20 and healthy garden snacks are provided. Visit www.theworldinagarden.com for more information and to register.

Around Vancouver Island . . .

MusicFest

Enjoy three days of lots of great music at the Vancouver Island MusicFest, Friday, July 9 to Sunday, July 11, Comox Valley fairgrounds, Courtenay. www.islandmusicfest.com

Dragon Boat Festival

Head down to the Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival, Maffeo Sutton Park, Friday, July 9 to Sunday, July 11. Races, fun for kids, pancake breakfast, entertainment and more. www.nanaimodragonboat.com

Duncan Cowichan festival

Enjoy days of fun during the Duncan Cowichan Summer Festival, Saturday, July 10 to July 25. Check out the farmers’ market in the City Square in Duncan, lots of entertainment and more. www.cowichanfestival.com

Oaklands celebration

Sunday, July 11, 1 to 4 p.m., it’s the Oaklands Celebration at the Centre. The fun street party features a KidZone, bouncy castles, dunk tank, street hockey, a barbecue and more. Party is free.

Around the Interior . . .

Vintage Motorcycle Show & Race

Vintage motorcycles will be on display throughout the ranch and exciting races taking place, Saturday, July 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Historic O'Keefe Ranch, Highway 97, Vernon. See the motorcycles fly through the wall of flames!! A breath-taking event with gorgeous bikes. $20 per family or $6 per person.

Lavender Discovery Days

Come and celebrate the lavender harvest at the Lavender Discovery Days, Okanagan Lavender Farm, 4380 Takla Rd., Kelowna. Sample an herbal iced tea fresh from the gardens. Register for a square wreath making class - they are beautiful. Children can participate in the scavenger hunt.

Fancy Fish

It's the Kelowna Art Gallery Family Sundays, Sunday, July 11 , 1 to 4 p.m., The subject is fancy fish. Through hands-on activities, helpful instructions, and age-appropriate information and questions, Family Sundays opens up the world of art and artists for children and adults by providing opportunities to engage, discover, and create. Come check it out at the Kelowna Art Gallery, 1315 Water St., Kelowna.

Kettle Valley Train Robbery & BBQ

Experience the “Old West” with the notorious Garnett Valley Gang! You’ll enjoy their antics on & off the train as they rob passengers for local charities. Reserve early to make sure you don’t miss out. The outing includes a delicious barbecue dinner & musical entertainment. Every Wednesday until mid-September at 18404 Bathville Rd. in Summerland.

Downtown Penticton Community Market

In the 200 and 300 blocks of Main Street in Downtown Penticton. Enjoy food, farm fresh produce, artisans, shops and entertainment. Every Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., until Oct. 9.

Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market

At the corner of Dilworth Dr. and Springfield Rd. in Kelowna. In its 15th year, enjoy BC's largest Farmers' and Crafters' market! Loads of family fun every Wednesday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., until Oct 30.

Peachland Farmers' and Crafters' Market

In Heritage Park, between Okanagan Lake and Beach Avenue, check out one of the valley's newest outdoor markets. Offering a wide variety of vendors that offer "made, baked or grown products." Enjoy demos, displays and special events on various Sundays. Runs every Sunday, 1 0a.m. to 2 p.m., until Sept. 27.

Vernon Friday Night Farmer's Market

In the North End Parking Lot of Village Green Mall. Enjoy a smaller market with loads of charm, a family friendly atmosphere and a great setting to pick up your locally produced vegetables, fruit, baking and homemade goods. Every Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., until Friday Thanksgiving weekend.

Upcoming events . . .

Book drive

Drop by babycheeks boutique in South Surrey for a weekend-long book drive where you can donate books and swap them for new ones, Saturday, July 17 and Sunday, July 18. Babycheeks is currently collecting gently used kids books at their store in Elgin Corners until the day of the event where you will be able to pick up some new reading material for your children by donation, with all proceeds going towards Free the Children — the world’s largest network of children helping children through education. For more information about Free the Children, visit their website at www.freethechildren.com.

Annie on stage

Theatrix Youtheatre Society presents Annie. New York comes to Coquitlam with Annie running at 1 p.m. daily from July 20 to 25 at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. Tickets are $15 – general admission; $12 for students 12 and under/seniors, and group discounts available. For tickets, visit online. Leapin' Lizards! The popular comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world's best-loved musicals. "Annie" is a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and finds a new family and home in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

Children's Workshop: ABC's of Composting

Composting how to's and basics for children five to 13. Learn how to make garbage disappear and become BLACK GOLD in the free workshop for children: ABC's of Composting, Wednesday, July 21, 10 to 11 a.m., at the Inspiration Garden in Coquitlam. Parent participation strongly encouraged for ages under 8. With class registration, participants can purchase an Earth Machine Composter for $25 and receive a free kitchen collector. Proof of Coquitlam residency required. Sign up online. For more information, please go to www.coquitlam.ca/inspirationgarden.

Lady Bugs

Children five to 10 will learn about these beneficial insects and create a lady bug themed craft. Children will then participate in a lady bug release into the garden. Parent participation required. Presented by Adelle from Living Art Landscape Design at the Inspiration Garden in Coquitlam, Saturday, July 24, 10 to 11 a.m. Register online. For more information, please go to www.coquitlam.ca/inspirationgarden.

Special event at the Inspiration Garden

For adults 19 and older, come learn how you can make your garden glow at night at the Moonlight Garden Event, Saturday, July 24, 9 to 10 p.m., Inspiration Garden in Coquitlam. Enjoy light refreshments and music all by candlelight and the glow of the moon. Event is free but register online. For more information, please go to www.coquitlam.ca/inspirationgarden.

Swap meets . . .

Huge swap meet

Cloverdale Fairgrounds is once again the location for a big children’s gear swap meet, Saturday, Aug. 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. New and used kids items for sale. Everything for baby and beyond. Call 604-588-9919.

While we do our best to inform you of great family happenings around town, event details are subject to change. Please check ahead before heading out!

B.C. archives

Happy 4th birthday to our Gabrielle! What a little piece of Heaven on Earth you are! We love you so much! Love Mommy and Daddy
and your family

Happy fourth birthday Victoria! Love Mom, Dad, and lil sis Amelia

Happy second birthday Amelia! Love Mom, Dad and big sis Victoria

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