FRIDAY, JULY 17
SWIM-TASTIC
Kids of all ages can cool off and enjoy games and activities at both Rocky Point (2800 Murray St.) and Westhill pools (203 Westhill Pl.) in Port Moody this afternoon. Event leaders will keep the Fantastic Fridays fun going from 3 to 5 p.m. In Coquitlam, Westminster Savings hosts a free swim at the City Centre Aquatic Complex (1210 Pinetree Way) from 7 to 9 p.m.
SATURDAY, JULY 18
HERB GARDENS
Are you interested in growing unique herbs to boost your health? Check out East Meets West: Gardening with Chinese Herbs at the Inspiration Garden (Guildford Way and Pipeline Road, Coquitlam) from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn about a dozen different herbs and will take home three to plant. The cost is $20; register by calling 604-927-4386 and quote barcode 527929.
DANCING IN THE SQUARE
Brush up on your dance moves at a free outdoor dance lesson at Leigh Square (behind PoCo city hall). Professional dancers will be showing off their fancy footwork before coaching the crowd, step by step, in this free weekly event. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and get ready to move from 2 to 4 p.m.
HOT RODS
Car enthusiasts won't want to miss the Ultimate Car Show at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver parking lot (2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam) from 2 to 6 p.m. The free event will showcase more than 350 premier, classic, muscle and specialty vehicles, including a 1967 Mustang Fastback (one of the world's most modified cars), a 1970 Chevelle (0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds), 1963 Lincoln Continental Roadster (valued at more than $1 million) and more.
COMIC STRIPPERS
Head to the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) for an outlandish strip/improv show. Okay, the stripping part is fictitious but the comedy is serious business so be prepared to laugh your pants off. The Comic Strippers is always a sell-out so hurry and get your tickets at $35/$30/$15 at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-927-6555 (for all genders and ages 19 and up, cash bar only).
SUNDAY, JULY 19
LOCAL FOOD
The Coquitlam Farmers Market (624 Poirier St.) will be abuzz with much more than just farm-fresh fruit and veggies. Visitors can brush up on local food issues with students in a Douglas College geography class who will be sharing their findings on local food production and consumption. Also appearing at the market will be the Coquitlam fire fighters working the grill for the always popular burger, portobello and sockeye salmon barbecue (starting at 10:30 a.m.) while kids can get face painting and enjoy a scoop of Rocky Point Ice Cream. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; visit www.makebakegrow.com for more info.
MORE MUSIC
Enjoy an afternoon at Port Moody's Rocky Point Park while listening to great live tunes from Ten Souljers from 2 to 4 p.m. This band never fails to belt out high-energy songs backed by tight harmonies and a horn section that will have everybody off their seats to dance in the grass. Donations at the free show benefit the Crossroads Hospice Society. Visit www.summersundays.ca for more info. At the Leigh Square bandshell (2253 Leigh Sq., PoCo) Deanna Knight and the Hot Club of Mars will be rocking the crowds with a gypsy-jazz take on 1920s and 30s swing from 2 to 4 p.m. Visit www.deannaknight.ca for more info.
MYSTERY POOL
What colour will Rocky Point Pool be this afternoon? Come by from 2 to 5 p.m. to see this popular spot transformed into a sea of green, red, orange or yellow and to play some colour-related games. Regular admission rates apply.
