Happy St. Patrick's Day - let's hope we're lucky enough to see a wee bit of sunshine to go along with all the fun things going on this weekend.
TODAY: Friday, March 16
FINE FILMS
Looking for some of the best in Canadian films this year? Head to the Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr.) for the 12th annual Port Moody Canadian Film Festival. Tonight's line-up starts with Monsieur Lazhar at 7 p.m. Nominated for an Oscar (best foreign language) and winner of six Genie awards (including best picture), this touching drama sees a political refugee and substitute teacher guiding his students through tragedy. Starting at 9:30 p.m. is Good Neighbours, a darkly comedic thriller about a Montreal neighbourhood plagued by a series of murders. Visit pmfilm.ca.
TIME TO CONFESS
That is, if you're the other woman. The fascinating play Confessions of the Other Woman chronicles the turmoil of a woman passionately in love with her soulmate - a married man. Valerie Sing Turner received an award for best emerging Canadian playwright for her work. Confessions is at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) to March 17. Visit www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or call 604-927-6555 for tickets.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Anyone who's single and 40+ is welcome to the Tri-City Singles Social Club meeting at the Royal Canadian Legion (2513 Clark St., PoMo) at 7:30 p.m. The club gets together for things like dining, theatre, walking and more. For details, contact [email protected].
Saturday, March 17
HERE HERON
The herons are here, and it's a great time to check them out as they gather at Colony Farm Regional Park for the mating season. Join the Burke Mountain Naturalists for a free guided Great Blue Heron nature walk, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Meet at the end of Colony Farm Road at the community gardens. The walk is suitable for all ages; call 604-520-6442.
MAKE A DOLL
This Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam) workshop is for adults (16+), and it's designed to awaken the creative spirit in time for spring. Today and tomorrow, teacher Joy Kirkwood guides participants as they use a mix of materials to create dolls that personify a dream, feeling or idea. Workshops run from 1 to 5 p.m. Register at www.placedesarts.ca or call 604-664-1636.
IRISH LATIN DANCE
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a little Latin dancing at the Evergreen Cultural Centre tonight from 7 p.m. to midnight. The party features a free salsa lesson and dancing with hosts Alberto & Teresa of Hot Salsa Dance Zone. No partner or experience required. Tickets are $8/$10 at the door. Visit www.hotsalsadancezone.com for info.
MORE FLICKS
The PoMo Film Festival continues tonight, starting with the documentary Pink Ribbons, Inc. at 7 p.m. This insightful film delves into the world of breast cancer fundraising and questions the real motivation behind the elaborate events and marketing schemes surrounding the ubiquitous pink ribbon. Stay for The Whistleblower at 9:30 p.m., an explosive film about the true story of a UN peacekeeper in Bosnia who uncovers a sex-trafficking ring involving her colleagues. Visit www.pmfilm.ca.
Sunday, March 18
WINTER MARKET
Banish the winter blues with a visit to the Port Moody Winter Market at the recreation centre (300 Ioco Rd.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pick up some yummy fresh produce, meats, prepared foods and check out the lovely crafts as well. Visit www.makebakegrow.com for details.
WALK THIS WAY
Welcome spring with Riverview Horticultural Centre Society's first tree tour of the 2012 season, from 1 to 3 p.m. Given the past week's snow, wind and rain, you might be questioning whether spring is, in fact, on its way. Have no fear - the horticulture peeps say this is the best time to check out Riverview's trees and see the structure of their branches. They also promise blankets of crocuses blooming under camperdown elms. Meet for the guided walk at the upper entrance of the Henry Esson Young Building. Visit www.rhcs.org for more info.
FILM FINALE
It's the last night of the PoMo Film Festival, with the hilarious and Oscar-nominated Barney's Version at 7 p.m. Star Paul Giamatti picked up a Golden Globe for best actor in the film based on Mordecai Richler's novel. Stay for the wrap party at 9:15 p.m. and the People's Pick screening.
Please send Things-To-Do guide submissions to [email protected].
