The May Day Festival is here and with it comes a new month of arts and cultural events around the Tri-Cities.
TODAY: Friday, April 29
GAL'S GALA
The Tri-Cities Soroptimists are hosting the Give Her Wings Gala tonight at Port Moody's Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr.). Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the event will feature entertainment from award-winning comedians Erica Sigurdson and Jane Stanton while showcasing the work of Tri-Cities women in benefiting women and girls in the community. Join the women for a fantastic dinner, live auction and the presentation of awards to deserving Tri-City residents. Tickets are $55 each, with all proceeds benefiting The Enchantment Project, Girl Empowerment workshops, PoCoMo Youth Society girls' sexual health kits and A Warm Place for Women. For more information, call 604-945-7071.
HAY FEVER
Stage 43 presents the Noel Coward comedy classic Hay Fever, with Friday and Saturday showings at 8 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m., at Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). Directed by Elie Savoie, the play explores the theatrical excesses of a family that torments a group of unsuspecting visitors. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for students and seniors and are available at the Evergreen box office, by phone at 604-927-6555 or online at evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
Saturday, April 30
MAILLARDVILLE MARCH
From 1:30 to 2:15 p.m., Coquitlam's Mackin House Museum hosts free walking tours of historic Maillardville (1116 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam). Explore the history of the largest francophone community west of the Rocky Mountains. Tours are given in French and English. Tea and coffee are served in the Mackin House parlour following the 30- to 40-minute walk. Tours run rain or shine so dress appropriately. For more information, email info@coquitlamheritage.ca.
PREACHING IN THE PARK
A free, non-denominational cookout is open to all who want to celebrate or are just curious about Christianity. Bring your own food or share what's provided by hosts, Mountainside Ministry, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Blue Mountain Park (975 King Albert Ave., Coquitlam). For more information, call 360-739-1429 or email yardspinner_2@hotmail.com.
LULLABIES OF LES ECHOS
Les Echos du Pacifique choir is putting on a concert called Ballades, berceuses et la bastringue (Ballads, Lullabies and Folk Dances) at 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church (828 Laval St., Coquitlam). The concert is in honour of all the recent babies born to choir members and will feature French lullabies, Morten Lauridson's "Chanson des roses" and a newly arranged rendition of the folk song "La Bastringue." Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors and free to children 12 and under. For more information, contact choir conductor Luke Mayba at 604-266-4699 or lmayba@sd40.bc.ca.
LOVELY SOUNDS
Coquitlam Chorale presents Lovely Earth, Lovely Love, a choral performance under director Justin Maller at 7:30 p.m. at the Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr., Port Moody). A Sunday matinee is also happening May 1 from 2 to 4 p.m. The concert features music about romance and relationships, including 16-century madrigals, Broadway show tunes and familiar folk songs. Tickets are $18 for adults, $10 for students and are available from any chorale member or from Michele at 604-944-1366. Tickets will also be available at the Inlet Theatre box office 30 minutes prior to each performance.
Sunday, May 1
WALK FOR A CAUSE
All are welcome to participate in the Walk for Steph community walk to raise money for lupus research at Lions Park (2300 Lions Way, Port Coquitlam). The short walk will follow the scenic PoCo Traboulay Trail followed by a complimentary barbecue lunch for all participants. The fundraising walk begins at 11 a.m. with a raffle and t-shirt and hat sales afterwards.
HIKE FOR HOSPICE
Crossroads Hospice Society is hosting a fundraising hike from 9 a.m. to noon at two locations: Port Moody city hall (100 Newport Dr., Port Moody) and Hyde Creek rec centre (1379 Laurier Ave., Port Coquitlam). By-donation barbecues follow each hike. Hikers are asked to gather pledges to help raise money and awareness to further the palliative care mission of the Crossroads Hospice. Pledge forms are available at the Crossroads office at 200-2232 McAllister Ave., Port Coquitlam) or you can register online at crossroadshospice.bc.ca/hike. Participation is $10 per person or $25 per family but costs are waived if pledges are raised. For more information, email Shannon Milne at shannon.milne@crossroadshospice.bc.ca.
SALMON RELEASE
Join Hoy Creek Fish Hatchery volunteers to send off a new generation of coho salmon to make their long journey to the Pacific Ocean to begin their lives in the wild. This by-donation event is held rain or shine and is open to the whole family. Free parking is available at Coquitlam city hall and the release will begin at 11 a.m. at the hatchery (3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam). For more information, call 604-927-6536.
Please send Things-To-Do guide submissions to tcoyne@tricitynews.com.
