Whether it's a bike or a walk there are some great ways to contribute to your community — and then reward yourself with some May Day fun and live music.
FRIDAY, APRIL 29
HAPPY MAY DAY
Port Coquitlam kicks off its annual May Day festivities with opening ceremonies at the recreation complex at 7:30 p.m. complete with the Royal Party and May Pole dancing. Be sure to check out the Art Focus art show for May Day at the Outlet at Leigh Square (2248 McAllister Ave.), open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/mayday for a full listing of events.
SPRING ROOTS FEST
Tonight marks the second instalment in the Gallery Bistro's (2411 Clarke St., PoMo) Spring Roots Fest lineup. On stage at 7:30 p.m. is Sugar Still, a Chicago acoustic duo featuring a violinist/vocalist Sarah Blick and singer/songwriter Charlie Cheny (visit www.sugarstill.com). Come at 6:30 p.m. for a set menu dinner; tickets are $12 each for dinner and concert. Call 604-937-0998 to book. Come back Saturday night for Juco Jive, a trio playing a mix of jazz, blues and pop; visit www.gallerybistroportmoody.com for details.
SATURDAY, APRIL 30
WHEEL 2 HEAL
Show your support for the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation this weekend at Wheel 2 Heal by hitting the road on one of the rides, cheering the hardworking cyclists to the finish or by donating money to an individual rider or team. There are several routes to choose from — 15km or 40km along the PoCo Traboulay Trail, suitable for all levels and families or the 100km route that takes in three scenic bridges (there's also a shortcut from this route to make it a 60km trek). Registration opens at 7 a.m. and riders leave at 8 and 10 a.m. The Celebration Plaza, complete with live entertainment and refreshments, opens at 10 a.m. and there are kids' parades at 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Stick around for the awards ceremony at 1 p.m. Visit www.wheeltoheal.ca for full details.
SUNDAY, MAY 1
HIKE FOR HOSPICE
Legs got a beating at yesterday's Wheel 2 Heal? Give them a good stretch at the 14th annual Hike for Hospice benefitting the Crossroads Hospice Society to support people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones. The 5km route leaves from the Port Moody civic centre at 9 a.m. and the celebration includes entertainment by Tony Prophet, prizes for top fundraisers and a Kinsmen Club barbecue by donation.
NEED DIRT?
Coquitlam residents can take advantage of a free compost giveaway (one bag, while supplies last) and pick up rain barrels ($55) or composters ($25) at the Austin works yard (500 Mariner Way) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
KIDS' GEAR
Pick up clothing, toys, books and gear for your kids at a swap meet at the Poirier community centre (630 Poirier St., Coquitlam) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free.
SMOLTS BOLT
Send off the salmon smolts at a family-friendly event at the Hoy Creek Hatchery (on the Hoy Creek Trail, west of City Centre) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Build mason bee houses and bird houses and enjoy music and refreshments, including tasty treats from Rocky Point Ice Cream. Visit www.hoyscottcreeks.org for full details.
FREE SWIM
Wash off the weekend at a pair of free swims, at Hyde Creek (1379 Laurier Ave., PoCo) from 1 to 3 p.m. or at the Westminster Savings free swim at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex, from 7 to 9 p.m.
