The enthusiasm, talents and energy of Tri-City youth will be showcased next week during Youth Week.
In Port Coquitlam, for example, seven low-cost or no-cost events are planned for young people over seven days beginning May 1.
Youth can attend an Intergenerational Dinner night, recognize outstanding youth advocates at the the annual Youth REACH awards, attend an art event and a skateboard jam, and root for their favourite team in a hockey tournament between youth, Mounties, firefighters and Ministry of Children and Family Development workers.
In Coquitlam, several events are also planned. Evergreen Cultural Centre is hosting an Emerging Artists Market, for which it is seeking participants, and a concert, and the city's parks and recreation department has organized games, tournaments, movie nights, a "don't forget the lyrics" contest and even a hot dog-eating contest.
Here's what's on offer next week:
COQUITLAM
The Tri-City REACH awards take place Thursday, May 3 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Coquitlam city hall.
The Amazing Race will pit student teams against one another on May 4 from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. at Mundy Park. The event is for kids in Grades 6 to 12 and cost is $4 per team of four. Following the race, participants can head to Spani Pool for a swim and barbecue. To register, call 604-927-4386, visit any Coquitlam recreation facility or go to signmeup.coquitlam.ca/signmeup.
Evergreen Cultural Centre is hosting the Emerging Artist Market inside the Evergreen Lobby on Saturday, March 5 from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Contact astrid@evergreenculturalcentre.ca for submission guidelines.
Stage 43 is offering reduced rates ($10 tix) to students to see Play On by Rick Abbot between May 2 and 5 at 8 p.m. Call the box office at 604-927-6555 for this promotion.
Evergreen is also presenting the local pop band Greentree in the rehearsal studio Friday, May 4. Admission is free but space is limited.
Information about sports tournaments, contests and other Coquitlam events hosted by parks and recreation is available on the city website, www.coquitlam.ca.
PORT COQUITLAM
In PoCo, youth week has been held since 2007 and this year is expected to be the largest celebration to date.
Things get started May 1 when the Green Tree Initiative comes to Wellington and Birchwood parks. Between 4 and 7:30 p.m., youth will clean up the parks and plant trees. To participate, register by contacting Rob Loxterkamp at 604-927-7938 or loxterkampr@portcoquitlam.ca.
On May 2, a three-course dinner will be prepared by youth for seniors at PoCo's Wilson Centre between 4 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $2 for youth and $4.50 for adults, and can be purchased by calling Sarina Mawji at 604-927-7938 or emailing mawjis@portcoquitlam.ca.
A youth carnival will be held at Riverside secondary school on May 4 between 3 and 6 p.m. organized by the school's leadership students.
A dance party will be held for Grade 7 and 8 students at the PoCo rec complex on May 5 between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $5, or $4 with a youth access card.
Skateboarders will get an opportunity to see professional demonstrations, win prizes and get a few tips from the pros at the Railside skateboard park on May 6 between noon and 4 p.m. It is free to participate and skateboarders can register between 11 a.m. and noon prior to the event.
The week will wrap up with a floor hockey tournament at Kwayhquitlum middle school on May 7 between 6 and 9 p.m. that will feature youth, Mounties and firefighters. Admission is free and people can register by May 1 by calling Keith Holloway at 604-927-7952 or emailing hollowayk@portcoquitlam.ca.
For more information about Youth Week 2012 events, go to www.pocoyouth.com or call 604-927-7938 or 604-927-7962.
dstrandberg@tricitynews.com
