Pull on your tartan, relive Elvis’ glorious ‘68 comeback, explore Austin Heights, check out amazing classic cars, learn about Squamish history and, most of all, celebrate everything that makes your Dad great this weekend.
Friday, June 17
GREAT SCOTS
Whether you like shortbread, haggis, bagpipes or Scotch, it’s time to bring out your inner Scot and celebrate it in true plaid style at the annual BC Highland Games & Scottish Festival. The events kick off at Percy Perry Stadium (Town Centre Park, Coquitlam) at 5 p.m. and continue Saturday, with highland dancing, piping and drumming, heavy events and caber tossing, children’s activities, a British car display, sheepdog demo and much more. Visit www.bchighlandgames.com for full details and tickets.
WRITING, READING, RHYTHM
Hear from local writers at the fourth Writers in Our Midst reading at the Gallery Bistro (2411 Clarke St., PoMo) as they read a selection from their own works. A set menu dinner is at 6:30 p.m. ($12) and the readings (free) begin at 7:30 p.m. Come back Saturday night, when the Lonesome Town Painters perform lively bluegrass music. Dinner is at 7 p.m. ($13) and the show is at 8 p.m. ($12). Call 604-937-0998 to reserve a seat.
THE KING IS BACK
See Elvis like you’ve never seen him before — just as he was in his triumphant return to the stage back in 1968, clad in black leather as he cemented his reign as the king of rock ‘n’ roll following a seven-year stint in the movie biz. Tribute artist Eli Williams, with the all-star band the Memphis Sound, recreates Elvis’ TV special in a multimedia extravaganza in This is Elvis 68: The Show! at 8 p.m. at the Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr., PoMo). Tickets are $25 (plus service charges) at www.inlettheatre.ca or at the door. Visit www.68theshow.com for more information about the performance.
Saturday, June 18
DAISY DAY
Austin Heights comes alive with its annual Daisy Day celebration today. The neighbourhood goes all out for the festivities, which start with a pancake breakfast (9 to 10:30 a.m.) and continue with live entertainment ranging from Eli Wiliams as Elvis to Excel Martial Arts, Fat Jazz and Paws 2 Dance (a canine musical). Many shops offer sidewalk sales and other discounts during this popular neighbourhood event. Visit www.austinheights.ca for more details.
CARS GALORE
Bring Dad to the KMS Tools Charity Show & Shine and enjoy a day of oohing and ahhing over the hundreds of classic and custom cars on display. KMS is celebrating its 21st annual event with live music, free smokies and pop, contests, a power tool competition and much more. Funds raised go to Team Mexico, which builds homes and schools in less privileged areas of the country. And while you’re there, find out how your old tools can give new hope through the Tools for the World program both overseas and in Fort McMurray. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at KMS Tools (110 Woolridge St., Coquitlam, beside Ikea).
MEET THE RESCUERS
Learn more about the tremendous volunteer efforts of Coquitlam Search and Rescue at a meet-and-greet at Canadian Tire (King Edward Street/Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers are hosting a barbecue fundraiser for their new command centre and will be showcasing rescue activities and techniques for both young and seasoned hikers. While you’re there, enter to win a survival backpack.
SUMMER BASH
Save-On Foods hosts a summer bash party in its Pinetree Way parking lot from noon to 5 p.m. today. The event includes free hot dogs (at noon) and by-donation pony rides, Gizmo the clown, balloon animals and popcorn. The store is also offering point giveaways. All proceeds go to BC Children’s Hospital.
ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Hot Salsa Dance Zone celebrates its eighth anniversary of weekly dance parties at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) with another dance party. As always, the festivities begin with a lesson at 8 p.m. and continue with real Latin and salsa dance tunes until 12:30 a.m. Tonight’s party is spiced up with Mexican food, surprises and more. Admission is $10 and no partner or experience are required. Visit www.hotsalsadancezone.com for info.
Sunday, June 19
HAPPY FATHER’S (AND FISHING) DAY
Festival Coquitlam hosts a free family-friendly fishing day at Lafarge Lake (1299 Pinetree Way) celebrating B.C.’s free fishing weekend, when anglers can dip hooks into B.C. waters without a licence, and Father’s Day all in one go. Experts will teach the fundamentals and techniques of this great activity, as well as the tricks of fly tying and casting. Be sure to enter the salmon raffle for your chance at prizes. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Town Centre Park.
ABORIGINAL DAY
The Port Moody Station Museum (2734 Murray St.) hosts an event to celebrate National Aboriginal Day, starting with a drum-making workshop at 10 a.m. with storytelling (cost is $15 to $150 depending on the size of the drum; RSVP at 604-939-1648 or info@portmoodymuseum.org). Stay for the presentation by Alice Guss (Tsawaysia Spukwus) on the history of the Squamish nation at 12:15 p.m. (www.tsawaysia.com). Visit www.portmoodymuseum.org.
