It's been a sweltering week so we're welcoming the cooler temperatures - and plenty of cool things to do - this weekend.
FRIDAY, JULY 18
Have you checked out the Tri-Cities' extensive outdoor amenities? Whether it's Rocky Point Park for a dip in the pool and an ice cream cone, a trek up the refurbished Coquitlam Crunch, a stroll through the cool shade of Minnekhada Regional Park or a mountain bike ride down Burke Mountain's trails, this area boasts loads of recreational opportunities to try.
SATURDAY, JULY 19
SHAPING HANDS
Why not add your hands to those that shape Port Moody? At the Port Moody Arts Centre Art Fair today, the Inlet Artists will be collecting images of hundreds of hands; the photos will be assembled into a "whimsical mosaic" featuring the diversity of hands that shape the community. Individuals, families and friends can insert their hands inside a white box for a snapshot - the "pose" is up to you - at a photo booth at the Art Fair all day.
CAN YOU CAYDANCE?
Port Coquitlam's Leigh Square will become the scene of the latest Euro dance-exercise phenomenon - Bokwa - as the Village Vibe series continues. Professional dancers from Caydance will be in the square from 2 to 4 p.m. to show you the Bokwa ropes, as well as Latin line dancing and the Argentine tango.
ART IN THE GARDEN
The Port Moody Arts Centre Society presents the second annual Art in the Garden Tour and Fair, featuring beautiful back yards in Coquitlam, PoMo, Anmore and Belcarra. The PoMo Police community garden and the Museum Heritage Garden will also be welcoming visitors. A silent auction will help raise money for the arts centre. The first tour, held two years ago, drew more than 200 tour spectators so best to get tickets now; they're $20, available by calling 604-931-2008.
MUSIC ON THE GRILL
Get dinner and amazing live music (not to mention a stellar view on a sunny evening) at tonight's Music on the Grill. Powell River sisters Carli and Julie Kennedy will be performing their unique blend of country - with a classically-trained twist - at the Evergreen Cultural Centre at 8 p.m. Tonight's menu (bar opens 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m.) is a Beach Blanket BBQ featuring rib-eye steak, wild salmon and chicken, salads, baked beans, corn muffins and strawberries. In other words, yum. Tickets are $52 (dinner and show) or $32 (concert only), at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-927-6555.
SUNDAY, JULY 20
MUSIC AT LIONS
Groove to the smooth jazz sounds of Lesismore, with their Diana Krall/Norah Jones-inspired tunes, at Lions Park in Port Coquitlam from 2 to 4 p.m.
MARKET FRESH
Looking for bright summer produce, fresh from the garden? The Coquitlam Farmers Market is your best bet, stocked as it is with loads of garden goodness, flowers, baked goods and live entertainment. It runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dogwood Pavilion parking lot.
